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Staff outlines Dory Farm’s history, grant repairs and volunteer stewardship
Summary
Staff described Dory Farm’s origin, transfer history (including Archdiocese of Seattle), deed conditions, a recent $65,000 grant used for historic window repairs, safety remediation (filled cistern) and ongoing volunteer projects with the historical society and Eagle Scouts.
The commission heard a history and status report on Dory Farm, a 21‑acre historic site the city obtained in the late 1990s with assistance from King County cultural grants. Sebastian described the property’s provenance — including a period under the Archdiocese of Seattle — and emphasized constraints tied to original funding that limit the scope of physical changes.
"When the Dory father died, it went to the Archdiocese of Seattle…we obtained the 1 acre homestead as well as the farm adjacent. It’s 21 acres total," Sebastian said, adding that a recent $65,000 competitive grant funded window repairs and that specialized craftsmen are required to work on the period‑correct sash and counterweight systems. Staff also reported filling a previously undiscovered 30‑foot cistern for safety and continuing coordination with the historical society on open houses and volunteer maintenance.
Commissioners asked about cemetery management and school group visits; staff said the historical society coordinates open‑house programming and that school visits are teacher‑driven and arranged on request. The department maintains a small budget line for community projects and works regularly with Eagle Scout volunteers to support improvements.
