VMIHA Board of Director, Sue Hardy, and McMurray Middle School librarian Julie Jaffe collaborated to create a VMIHA off-site exhibit in conjunction with the timing of the November 2016 Presidential election. The exhibit features political memorabilia from museum member, Gib Dammann’s private collection. After McMurray, portions of the exhibit were moved to a display at Vashon Island High School. Julie Jaffe says, “The kids are really curious and asking good questions. One of the questions was about the Shirley Chisholm for President poster (see photo). The student learned something fascinating, that a Black woman ran for president – before we had either an African American man or a white woman as candidates for President.”

This is the 2nd history display that VMIHA has created in partnership with the Vashon Island School District. The first such project occurred last year, featuring Islander and orchardist, Gordon Millar’s apple peeler collection. Last year, was Gordon Millar’s apple peeler collection.

The purpose of these exhibits is to connect with students and their families in a different way, with the hope of drawing them into the museum itself.