The Museum cares for over 90,000 objects, including furniture, ephemera, clothing, and artifacts representative of the city's industrial and civic life. Our collection of 15,000+ historic photos is strongest in the period 1880 through 1940, particularly in the areas of local coal mining, railroads, and civic and social life.

The Museum's Researc Room includes bound local newspapers from 1930 through 1980; city directories; high school yearbooks; and subject and biographical clipping files. The Museum also houses 145 oral histories and continues to add to its collection.

The Museum offers classroom programs on Coast Salish-Duwamish life and culture for 4th graders and local coal mining for 8th graders. Docent-led Museum tours and activities are available with two weeks' notice. Spring and fall cultural events calendars include storytellers and other performers on local history.

The Museum is located in Renton's first dedicated fire station, a WPA-constructed Art Deco style building completed in 1942. Fire Station No. 1 is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Museum is a joint project of the Renton Historical Society (a 501(c)3 nonprofit) and the City of Renton.

Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members

Appointment required: True

The Museum provides digital copies of historic photos and oral histories for a fee. Research services are also available for a fee.