Learn how the pioneers lived at Stilly museum

Sometimes you have to go back in time to see how far you’ve come.

Pioneer Days at the Stillaguamish Pioneer Museum in Arlington is opening its doors on Saturday to offer hands-on experiences with history.

Children of all ages can try their hand at milking a cow, working a 19th-century sewing machine, viewing old-fashioned toys and games, churning butter, grinding wheat and more.

“Our Pioneer Days Festival is a terrific opportunity to experience the rich heritage of the Arlington area with superb examples of early homesteaders,” said Myrtle Rausch, president of the Pioneer Association in a prepared statement.

“On view are original tools, artifacts, home goods and farming implements that our ancestors used to start a new life in the Stillaguamish Valley,” Rausch, who is also a museum volunteer, said.

“We encourage families to come out with their children and learn about early pioneer life.”

The museum’s regular exhibits will be open for viewing, and visitors can chat with interpreters who will have their own stories of the by-gone days to tell.

The Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Association built the museum to preserve artifacts of the north and south forks of the Stillaguamish River Valley to try to keep alive the heritage of the original homesteaders of the area, according to press material.

Pioneer Days runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum, 20722 67th Ave. NE, Arlington.

Pioneer Days admission is free. To enter the museum is $5 for adults and $2 for kids 12 years and younger.

Call 360-435-7289 or go to www.stillymuseum.org.

Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424; goffredo@heraldnet.com.