The mission of the San Juan Historical Society and Museum for the past 64 years has been to share and interpret the story of the peoples of San Juan Island. One way we have done that is through recorded oral histories. We have audio cassette recordings that provide insights into daily life, island development and livelihoods as told by those who experienced them. In other words, Island Stories told by Islanders.

The cassette recordings date from the 1970s to the 1990s. Currently the tapes are not accessible as we do not want to run the risk of damaging them by attempting to listen to them. While the tapes are stored in a safe and secure space, they continue to deteriorate with the passage of time. We seek funding to transfer these tapes to digital format to ensure their preservation for the long term

The Historical Museum is raising funds for this need as part of the San Juan Island Community Foundation’s 2025 SJI Cares County Fair Giving Campaign. The program runs throughout the County Fair – Aug. 14 – 17. Through this program, the first $1,000 in donations will be matched by the Community Foundation. The Historical Museum is also eligible for up to $2,500 in bonus grants throughout the fair.

To be eligible to receive matching funds, donations must be made to the SJICF Aug. 14 through August 17, during the County Fair. Donors may contribute in person at the SJICF fair booth, online at sjicares.org, by phone to SJICF at 360.378.1001. Donors may also pay by check, payable to SJICF (dated Aug. 14 – 17) with San Juan Historical Society in the memo line to P.O. Box 1352, Friday Harbor, Wahsington, 98250. Thank you for your support!