The Friends of the Aberdeen Museum
“Rising from the Ashes is what we do.”
This site is dedicated to keeping the history of the community at the forefront of our minds.
Like the legendary Phoenix bird we will rise to see a new museum in the community.The recovery team found that there were some “gems” hidden in the ashes of the Armory. Work is underway to clean and preserve everything possible. We will never forget the beautiful place that we lost and hope the new museum will contain many items that are reminiscent of that space.
Board of Directors
The Friends meet the third Tuesday of the month at 6 pm. Meetings are held at their office at the Art Center, 200 W. Market St., Suite 1.
On the corner of Market & K, entrance on the K Street side just south of the post office.
You can also find information about what’s happening by checking this web site, our Facebook page, or by calling 360-533-1976.
President: Ruth Hamilton
Ruth Hamilton is a relative newcomer to Grays Harbor. Her love of history and museums brought her to the Friends of the Aberdeen Museum. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Studio Art) degree from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg and a Master of Museum Studies from John F. Kennedy University Center for Museum Studies in Orinda, California. She has worked in hospitals, banking, real estate development, product innovation and in film and video production. After 40 years in the San Francisco Bay Area, she is enjoying the process of discovering more about her new community. In addition to her work with the Friends of the Aberdeen Museum, she is the Polson Museum Registrar, is a member of the Aberdeen City Museum Board and participates in the Grays Harbor Museum Association.
Vice President: To be apponted.
Treasurer: Debbi Ross
Debbi Ross moved to Aberdeen in 1990 with her husband and three daughters. After earning a Secretarial Degree from Spokane Falls Community College, she worked in banking and bookkeeping as the bookkeeper for a local law firm for 25+ years. She has been involved with many organizations in the community including Habitat for Humanity and currently serves on the Board for the Downtown Aberdeen Association. She also served 4 years as an Aberdeen City Councilwoman.
Debbi was born and raised in eastern Washington State. Her family came to that area in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, establishing themselves in their communities. Debbi has a love for history and takes every opportunity to visit museums when she travels. She looks forward to realizing our Aberdeen heritage in a future museum.
Acting Secretary: Nancy Cuyle
Raised on the lower Wishkah, Nancy graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1966. She attended Pacific University earning a BS in Physics in 1970. She retired with 25 years service from U S West with experience as Outside Plant Engineering Manager, staff Manager and Asset Management. Besides her service on the Board as Treasurer, Nancy was Volunteer Coordinator & Past Perfect trainer for the Aberdeen Museum for about 2 years. Nancy is the facilitator for the Grays Harbor Museum Association and an advisor to the Board of the McCleary Museum and Heritage Center.
Board Member at Large: Charles Meskimen
Chuck Meskimen is a newcomer to the Harbor, but he is proud to now call this place his home. He brings experience in serving on the Board of another non-profit where he was the historical society’s Director of Programs. He is an honors graduate of California State University Sacramento and has many years of experience in the technology sector. He has worked as a data and global compliance analyst, project manager in the mergers, acquisitions and divestitures sector as well as being a process improvement liaison, trainer and ISO certified internal auditor. Most importantly, he brings a love of history and a strong desire to ensure that the stories of Aberdeen’s unique and fascinating past will continue to be shared across all generations of Harborites.
Board Member at Large: Jim Minkler
Jim Minkler moved to Aberdeen in 2016 and served as the president of Grays Harbor College up until his retirement in 2020. Prior to that, his career was mostly in college administration and teaching in such places as Spokane, Washington, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Osaka, Japan. Always having a keen interest in history, and with one of Jim's undergraduate degrees in history, he has always been fascinated by museums as they bring the story of the past back to life. The rich history of Grays Harbor, from the first Native American villages to the present day, has captivated Jim's attention since he moved here.
Moving beyond the tragedy of the Armory fire and losing our museum, Jim joins The Friends of the Aberdeen Museum team with the renewed excitement and commitment of rolling up our sleeves in the effort to once again tell the stories of Grays Harbor's past in the Aberdeen Museum's new location.
Board Member at Large: Connie Parson
Born in Santa Cruz, California, Connie spent most of her childhood in lumber camps and attended a different school every year until high school. In addition to raising two children, she was a freight broker, owned a craft store, and spear-headed a community education program in La Center, WA. Her love of history motivated her to start Historic Hoquiam Memories, now in its sixth year. Connie brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the team and she knows how to get things done.
Board Member at Large: Phil Slep
Phil hails from Southern California, and has been in Grays Harbor for so long and absorbing so much history, that for some of us, he has become Mr. Aberdeen (or at least Sam Benn). His studies at Grays Harbor College and Evergreen College supplemented his existing skills, leading to a variety of opportunities. He is a gifted storyteller, currently sharing his knowledge while leading walking tours highlighting the history of the area. Topics include Aberdeen history, Nirvana, the Aberdeen “Stars”, Madams-Murder-and-Mayhem and Billy Gohl. There will be more to come. He lends his good humor and solid work ethic to every project.
Board Member at Large Kiley O’Keefe
Kiley O’Keefe is currently a freshman at Aberdeen High School, where she plays baritone sax in the school band. She was one of the students who helped put together the Miller Junior High School Centennial program, as well as participating in the 2024 Founders’ Day Parade History98520 display. Her enthusiasm was evident in the 2024 Volunteers Celebration and she has since attended Board meetings. We were pleased at her positive response to our invitation to join our Board of Directors, where she can bring youth perspective into future planning. At 15, she is our youngest board member.