Colony Museum starts summer schedule

PALMER — The Colony House Museum is currently offering tours throughout the summer.

Palmer Historical Society President Sheri Hamming said they offer tours by appointment throughout the year and they offer tours by walk ins and by appointment during the summer months.

Hamming said the summer schedule started last week and they've had a good start to this season.

"It's always fun. We always have people who want to come in and learn about colony history," Hamming said.

The Palmer Historical Society manages the Colony House Museum. Hamming said they're trying something different this year. She said they opted to offer admission on a donation basis instead of the typical $2 charge.

"We try to accommodate everybody," Hamming said. "They can connect with that small town feel when they walk in here."

The Colony House Museum is a farmhouse that was built in 1935 when the original colony families were settling the Palmer area.

The facility serves as a snapshot of history and illustrates how the early settlers lived, worked, and played.

The interior is adorned with various antiques and historical artifacts that were donated by various community members over the years.

"Everything in here tells a story," Hamming said.

Hamming said the first wave of settlers who made their way from the Midwest to Palmer, Alaska following FDR's New Deal initiative laid the foundation for future generations. She said it wasn't easy and not everyone stayed, but those who did left an inspiring legacy of grit and determination. She said the museum is a tribute to that legacy.

"We always think of the strength of the colonists… They made Palmer what it is today," Hamming said. I think it's extremely important… It's not just Palmer history. It's Alaska history and it's American history."

In 1936, the Palmer colony families held the first Colony Days event to celebrate their successes. This first gathering featured a community dance, races, competitions and other fun activities to unwind after working hard all year. That tradition has continued to this day and evolved into a full fledged festival celebrated over the course of three days every summer.

"It keeps our history alive," Hamming said.

The Palmer Historical Society holds an annual fundraising event during Colony Days.

This year, the Colony Days Tent City Market will take place Friday and Saturday from 10 to 5 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase various vintage items and colony related items to support the museum. Hamming said they've generated a lot of interest for this event over the years and many community members look forward to it.

"They know they're going to get treasures," Hammond said.

For more information about the Colony House Museum, call 907-745-1935.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com