About the Society
The Stella Historical Society
was Formed in 1976
​
​
​​Clifford and Pearl Burr, along with Dale Johnson—descendants of early settlers—envisioned a museum that would preserve Stella’s rich history and heritage. Their dream inspired a dedicated group of community members, united by a shared mission: to honor the past, celebrate local stories, and educate future generations. In the beginning, the group held meetings in their homes, the old Stella Post Office and at the Stella Lutheran Chapel—laying the foundation for what would eventually become the Stella Historical Society and Museum.
​​
That same year, on July 24th, the Society organized and held its first Remnants of the Past event at the Bunker Hill Grange—formerly the German Creek School, established circa 1908.
​​​​
​​​In 1978, Esther Williamson donated four original buildings to the society. Two of these buildings remain standing: the Stella Post Office and the Stella Blacksmith Shop. The land was originally leased to the organization.
​​​
​Generations have come and gone, and new families have moved into the area, yet the call to preserve the past remains strong in the hearts of those who call this community home.
Stella Historians
Gaye Richards, Historian Emerita,
was appointed as
the society’s first historian in 1976
and held the
position for nearly four decades.
During her tenure,
she interviewed longtime residents, often referred to as "old-timers,"
and recorded their stories.
Along with her husband, Don, she amassed a large collection of photographs from the area, preserving the region's history for future generations. Gaye Richards retired in 2015.​​
Harvey Williamson serves as the current historian.
He is a descendant of William H. Williamson, Sr.
and Ida (Wiest) Williamson, early settlers of Stella, WA.
William H. Williamson, Sr. arrived in the area in 1879.
Attend a Meeting Become a member
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
Click on Image to Expand
Meetings Held at the Old Stella Post Office (1978–1988)
​Preservation of early local area history through our museum buildings, artifacts and enthusiastic volunteers, many with roots in the community. Education of all generations through our locally written and published historical books and docent museum tours.
The Stella Historical Society's Mission Statement...
Pictures of Stella, Washington (circa 1907 - 1921)​
Images attributed to The Stella Historical Society are from the Don and Gaye Richards Collection, Sue Richards, Administrator; and The Stella Historical Society.
​​​​​​​​
Follow us on Facebook@stellahistoricalmuseum for
more current information on meetings, special events
and guest speakers.
​
Stay connected and be part of the the community!
Click on the icon to direct you to our Facebook page.