PORT ANGELES — Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed took in a bit of Port Angeles history Tuesday by touring the former Lincoln School.
The Clallam County Historical Society is restoring the 1916 building and plans to have it house the county’s museum one day.
“It’s admirable that they are saving a beautiful, historical building like this,” Reed said.
“I’m just really pleased that so many volunteers are stepping up to preserve history,” he added.
Reed was in Port Angeles to speak to the Washington State Association of County Auditors, which met at the Red Lion Hotel.
Historical Society Executive Director Kathy Monds led the tour.
$1 million more needed
She said the organization needs about $1 million to finish renovating the building, located at 933 W. Ninth St., Port Angeles.
In the meantime, the “southern extension” of the building will be demolished next week, Monds said.
That section, added in 1922, has been condemned.
Monds said the historical society plans to rebuild on the same footprint.
The organization and Clallam County Genealogical Society already store artifacts, historical documents and genealogical records at the former school.
Once renovated, those items will be on display for public viewing.
The building also will host meeting rooms.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
