Stevens County Historical Society requests slight increase after reporting expanded archives and programming

Gary Wall, executive director of the Stevens County Historical Society, told the board the society seeks a modest increase in county funding for 2026 to keep pace with programming and cost‑of‑living changes. Wall said Stevens County contributed about $74,900 in 2025 and the society’s 2026 request is roughly $76,000, a 2% increase.

Wall outlined the historical society’s services: a research library and reading room, an active newspaper archive that dates back to the county’s founding, family genealogies and oral histories, a permanent exhibit and a rotating exhibition space. He said the society’s collections exceed 40,000 artifacts and that volunteers and staff are digitizing and rephotographing items to expand access both onsite and online.

Why it matters: The society provides free exhibits and programs for residents and visitors, supports class field trips and local research, and maintains county historical records used by schools and the public. Wall said the society hosts class reunions, walking tour maps, a barn quilt trail and plans items for the gift shop, including a 500‑piece county puzzle produced from a 1927 map.

Wall told commissioners the society is drafting a five‑year strategic plan and plans to increase intergenerational programming and membership; he thanked commissioners for past support.

No formal action on the request was recorded at the meeting; the presentation was informational and will be considered during the county budget process.