Orcas Island Historical Museums

08/29/2026

Orcas Islanders Then and Now

Photo 1: Alice and Charlie Stowers relax on their porch steps while Allie and Fred Geoghegan stand nearby in this photograph taken c. 1906. Alice "Allie" Hunter was adopted by the Stowers and eventually married Fred. Fred and his brother James Geoghegan originally built this home for Rev. S.R.S. Grey, pastor of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church. When Grey moved to Olympia, Stowers purchased the property.

Photo 2: A Stowers family portrait in front of the house.

Photo 3: Charlie and Alice Stowers read in the shade of their covered porch while seated in carved wooden chairs. Photo dated 1915.

08/28/2026

This map of Orcas Island was published in 1941 when resorts were the mainstay of the island economy. Fifteen different resorts, at separate locations around the island, were noted on the map. During their heyday, island resorts employed a large segment of the Orcas Island population.
The Orcas Hotel Orcas Village Store, Inc. West Beach Resort Indralaya

08/25/2026

Henry Cayou was an important person in San Juan County for many years. County Commissioner for twenty seven years, owner of the first fish trap built in Washington waters, and reputed to have caught over five million salmon in his lifetime, Cayou was a major figure in the Washington State fish industry.

His father was Louis Cayou, the first white settler in the Deer Harbor area, and his mother was Mary Ann, a native of Lummi and Saanich Nation descent.

His mother married his father, gave birth to Henry at the age of fourteen, and bore eight more children with him at their homestead in Deer Harbor before his father passed away. She later married Pe Ell, head fisherman of the Mitchell Bay Band of First Peoples, who Henry later credited with teaching him all he knew about salmon fishing.

Image Description: Henry Cayou as an older man; he is seated in front of a log cabin. He wears eyeglasses, a hat, and a dark jacket.

08/25/2026

This photograph of Hazel Beale (1909-1959), Huldah (1906-1983) and Ruth (1903-1936) Coffelt, and Marguerite Beale (1902-?) shows the girls with their hair unbraided and hanging down. The picture looks like it was on proof paper as the photo has a purple or dark rose cast to it. The date seems to be in the early 1900s, before 1920.

08/24/2026

Great shots of old time Deer Harbor from Island Pie. What are your favorite Deer Harbor memories?

08/22/2026

Bill Westlake, manager of the Deer Harbor Marina and Store, behind the counter in 1972.

08/20/2026

We are so delighted to carry this new title released by Kwiaht. Each entry includes word origins, a botanical profile, tips for conservation & care, and recipes. What will you learn today?

Our new book is now available at the Orcas Island Historical Museums

08/15/2026

The Crow Valley School Museum is open for another few weeks! Don't miss your chance to explore this enchanting slice of island history. 1701 Crow Valley Road, open 11am-3pm Thursday-Saturday.

08/05/2026

What a team! Friends Sandy and John are greeters at the front desk of the Eastsound museum. Sharing smiles and fun facts, they work together to give every visitor a warm welcome.

What hobbies do you share with your friends? Everyone is invited to be a steward of our unique island history. Just two hours a week at the museum can make a big difference! New greeters are always welcome- no experience required, all training provided.