Future Home of the Clallam County Museum and Resource Center.

Lincoln School was built in 1916 and served the community of Port Angeles as a grade school until it was closed in 1978. It was vacant and destined to be razed when purchased by the Clallam County Historical Society in 1991.

Years of neglect had taken their toll on the brick building, and volunteers have been working on both restoration and renovation since its purchase. Fundraisers and dedicated volunteers at the Society have financed and physically upgraded the building to its current level. Some of the major changes have been a new roof, earthquake retrofitting and replacement of wooden floors with concrete on the street level.

The next phase of renovation includes installing the electricity, plumbing, sprinkler and heating systems. This is an expense the Society cannot meet without help. We are applying for grants for these improvements but matching funds will be needed, and we will rely on businesses and individuals in the community who share our goals to make the Lincoln School  an historical resource center for all of Clallam County and beyond.

When completed, The Lincoln School complex will house the Research Library, Artifact Storage and Clallam County Genealogy Society. The Lincoln School site is also home to two buildings in addition to the school under restoration. One is a building known as “the portable” where the Research Library and Genealogy Society are located. The other was originally built as a gym for Lincoln School and is now  the administrative office for the Clallam County Historical Society and artifact storage area.

For several years, the "Wednesday Guys",  pictured on the right, have met on (you guessed it) Wednesdays to volunteer their skills in restoring the school. Jerry Hendricks, board member and CCHS Building Committee Chairman, advises on  the overall project. He works with Earle Thompson, left, Phil Keizur, Jim Cloud, Gary Barnell, Ted Singley, and Darold Seed.  Dick Catlett, another important member of this group, is not in the photo.

If you are interested in delving into your own family history or the history of Clallam County, visit the Lincoln School Project to watch our building progress. While we are renovating, we are still assisting people with their research interests, so don’t hesitate to call, email us, or drop in for assistance. We’re here to help.