Priceless history collection jeopardized by fire

Priceless history collection jeopardized by fire

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Story Published: Apr 3, 2007 at 5:15 PM PDT

Story Updated: Apr 4, 2007 at 7:03 AM PDT

By April Zepeda

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EVERETT - A priceless collection of history is in jeopardy after a fire raced through an Everett warehouse.

Thousands of pieces from The Museum of Snohomish County History were water damaged.

On Sunday a fire gutted the top floor of an Everett warehouse. When firefighters doused the flames, the water poured into the basement where the county's history is stored.

"I got real teary eyed. Words can't describe it. These are our counties treasures," said Museum Volunteer, Joni Smith.

Financial problems forced the Museum of Snohomish County History to close its doors earlier year and move into storage. Volunteers estimate water damage has claimed a third of the collection.

Fans and dehumidifiers are dried the air as volunteers went through 60,000 pieces of history to see what could be saved.

The Museum needs restoration professionals and a new storage space. But they have no insurance because it's simply impossible to put a dollar value on the past.

"First, it hits you like you're being socked in the stomach. Next I was thankful because it could have all gone up in smoke and what a devastation to the community that would have been," said Smith.

Volunteers have started a fire restoration fund. Donations can be made to any Frontier Bank. The account number is 3220064186.

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