Thursday, May 9, was a warm beautiful day in Puyallup. While the sun was shining a beautiful golden glow a golden moment was taking place inside the Karshner Museum and Center for Culture and Arts.
Since 1992 KCTS 9 – Public Television has honored exceptional teaching and education innovation programs and people who are making a positive difference in Washington State education.
This year the Karshner Museum and Center for Culture and Arts is one of seven recipients of the 2019 Golden Apple Moments award. Educator Exhibit and Festival Designer Lynda Belt accepted the award and a $500 donation on behalf of the museum. Lynda was an award recipient when she was a teacher at Puyallup High School in 1997.
Dr. and Mrs. Warner Karshner opened the Paul H. Karshner Memorial Museum in 1930 as a lasting memorial for their only son, Paul, who died in 1924 from polio. The 16-year-old was just beginning his senior year at Puyallup High School.
The Karshners traveled extensively around the world and left the school district more than 10,000 museum artifacts. Over the years, community members have added to this collection.
In 2005 Assistant Superintendent Casey Cox had a desire to revitalize Paul Karshner’s vision, to honor people of the land, and educate youth for decades to come. Cox collaborated with former Chief Operations Officer Rudy Fyles and Chief Communication & Arts Officer Brian Fox to bring the revitalization to life.
After the revitalization was complete, Belt transformed the facility into the vision and continues to provide distinctive opportunities for students, teachers, and museum visitors. She enhances and promotes culture awareness and competency through culturally responsive learning with creative education programs for learners of all ages. Through Belt’s efforts, every third Thursday the museum hosts family events full of art, music, crafts, and culture. Latino Heritage Festival, Korean Culture Night, Ukrainian Culture, and Arts Festival were a few of the large Saturday family events that are hosted throughout the 2018-19 school year.
Because of Belt’s dedication, the museum not only represents the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest, it has been and will continue to be a place to come together, learn, share stories, and experience and honor cultures ensuring the Karshner legacy continues for decades to come. Due to her successful planning and efforts, over 17,000 people have had the privilege of experiencing Dr. and Mrs. Warner Karshner’s vision this school year alone.
“On behalf of the Karshner family, I’d like to thank Brian (Fox), Casey (Cox), Lynda (Belt) as well as the rest of the administrative staff for their commitment and creativity to ensure that the unique educational and cultural opportunities of the museum continue to thrive for the benefit of the Puyallup School District students and the larger Puyallup community as well.”
Diane Nason Karshner
Belt, the employees of the museum, and the village of people and resources who were instrumental in the revitalization are proud to receive the Golden Apple Moments award. They have dedicated many hours to ensure it is an authentic and unique educational experience for visitors.
KCTS 9 will be airing a video of the Karshner Museum and Center for Culture & Arts for a month beginning September 30, 2019. The KTCS 9 Golden Apple Moments award are made possible through funding from PEMCO Insurance and The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Anne Martin