1903 Building History

Here is little history about the Historical Building that is currently owned and operated by the Steilacoom Tribe:

This historical building was originally owned by the Oberlin Congregational Church. According to historical records, the building was built using materials from the old church, which was torn down; as well as timbers from the Methodist Episcopal Church, which was built in 1854. This building, which today is the site of the Steilacoom Tribal Cultural Center and Museum, was completed and became the new home of the Oberlin Congregational Church in 1903. This building was their home until they chose to build in a new location, across the street, in 1961. At that time the original church building was sold and used as a home for over 20 years.

In 1987 the building was purchased by the Steilacoom Tribe. A dedication and Grand Opening was held on May 13, 1989. Our first exhibit was on the Pre-History of Washington State to celebrate the State’s Centennial.

“In the memory of the Tribal Ancestors who walked here before us, to be shared for all time with those that follow."~ May 13,1989 Dedication

A question that we hear often is, “Are you going to re-paint the building?” 

That’s a valid curiosity. The short answer is yes! The long answer is.....longer.

For those of you who do not know, the Steilacoom Tribe was not given a reservation (despite signing the Medicine Creek Treaty in 1854) and so does not receive federal funds. Everything is volunteer run, by the non-profit organization, Steilacoom Tribal Museum Association. All of our funding for projects (and to pay monthly bills that allows us to keep our Museum doors open on a regular basis) are received through fundraising and donations. When you visit the Museum on a Saturday you will find volunteers from the Steilacoom Tribe and their friends/family.

In 2012 we started renovations that were completed in 2014, to fix our front porch (which was separating from the building) and to add a wheelchair ramp with access to our upstairs. That was an awesome project that we were very excited about! Having wheelchair access to the upstairs gallery of our Museum was something that we had been dreaming about for years. It was wonderful to see that project completed!

We are currently working on funds to get renovations moving forward on the “paint” which is a lot more complicated than just paint. We had to have many inspections done, and since we are a Historical Building site, we have to make sure that we have permission and permits for any changes or work that gets done on our building. We have to have the siding inspected, to ensure that painting the current siding will work; and we may possibly have to have some (or all) of the siding replaced. It’s been quite a long process! In the past we have painted the building, only to have the paint shortly after begin to peal away just as before. That was a major clue for us that a lot more work needs to be done before we can cover the building with a fresh coat of paint.

But there is light at the end of this tunnel!! Keep a look-out because we will have updates coming soon on our current project to fix our building’s exterior. Check out our Facebook page for more information and regular updates.

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