I’m writing to remind readers to visit the Vashon heritage museum during the holidays. It’s open from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday, except Christmas. It’s a not-to-be missed and intriguing experience.

An extraordinary exhibit, “Vashon’s Native People, Navigating Seas of Change,” has drawn visitors from around the region to witness the insightful story of native islanders. You simply can’t look at our shoreline with the same eyes after learning about how native people inhabited its shores for centuries and used its natural resources. This story is central to the cultural heritage of the Salish Sea region, and everyone, especially every student, should have a chance to visit this exhibit before March 15, the closing date.

The vibrant exhibit design marks an exciting change in the visitor experience. Graphics, color, furnishings, methodology, technology — everything about how fascinating stories will be presented in the future is illustrated in this exhibit. Exciting plans to upgrade the permanent exhibit are being laid as I write.

Did I mention the staff is all-volunteer?

As an organization, VMIHA is endowed with a generous character, the reflection of the “give it forward” attitude of the all-volunteer staff and membership. VMIHA’s donors (including King County 4Culture) contributed with great generosity — underwriting general operations, sponsoring exhibits, events and programs, or participating in the campus expansion. In 2014, almost 100 volunteers pitched in to operate and support the Heritage Museum. Volunteers gave hundreds of hours greeting over 3000 visitors, caring for artifacts, designing and mounting exhibits, offering educational programs, seeing to all the details involved in operations and upkeep.

Thank goodness that we have a Heritage Museum to tell our shared story. Thank goodness for the many dedicated volunteers and generous donors who made 2014 a transformative year.

— Deb Phillimore Dammann, Heritage Association president