The Kenmore Heritage Society…

How much do you really know about Kenmore? You may have learned its history through books, or stories shared at family gatherings, but we bet they left out some of the more interesting and colorful history of Kenmore’s past. From the Meanderers, who 200 years ago lived along the waterway we now call the Sammamish Slough, to the famous author who was a patient at Kenmore’s Lakewood Villa Sanitarium, and the 1920’s nudist colony within swimming distance of the Kenmore beach at the north end of Lake Washington, these are the stories about Kenmore’s history we would like to share with you.

Digital Collections

Explore Kenmore’s history through story, photos, and first-hand accounts of the people, places, and businesses of our community. Browse and enjoy an immersive look at what made this city what it is today.

Digital Collections

Timeline

From the earliest inhabitants of this land, to the pioneers who shaped the buildings and institutions that make up Kenmore. Take a scroll through the many important events, people, and developments of Kenmore history.

View Timeline

Native Plants

The Kenmore Heritage Society, Burke Museum Staff and City of Kenmore partnered to create a Native Plant educational area at Tl’ awh-ah-dees park.

Plants

Native Art

Meet the Artist

We're Making History Now!

Since its founding in 1998, the Kenmore Heritage Society has produced a wide assortment of public programs exploring the history and culture of the city and surrounding region. Check out what we have planned for this year.

June 9, 2026 in News & Events

2026 McMaster Heritage Awards

Appreciating Community Contributors Since 2002, the Kenmore Heritage Society (KHS) has presented the annual McMaster Heritage Awards to honor individuals who have volunteered their time and creativity in a variety of Kenmore activities that support our citizens, improve our environment, and enhance our community’s ability to connect and thrive. The Kenmore Heritage Society…
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May 29, 2026 in News & Events

City of Kenmore Podcast Wins Blue Pencil Award

Kenmore, WA – The City of Kenmore’s Let's Talk Kenmore podcast won second place in the 2026 Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards from the National Association of Government Communicators. This annual international awards program recognizes excellent government communication products and those who produce them. The host, Amber Clifton, accepted the award on behalf…
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“I volunteered at the Heritage Society’s PopUp Museum at the Hanger. It was fun to see the items folks brought from home, and the stories they had to share.” – Sue K