Who are we?

The Kenmore Heritage Society was founded in 1998 by a group of volunteers seeking to fill a need in the new city (incorporated the same year) for research, preservation, and promotion of the colorful history of the community settled in 1901 near a shingle mill at the head of Lake Washington.

We are a vibrant organization that looks at history as a FUN and ENGAGING way to not only CONNECT WITH THE PAST, but also CELEBRATE what is CURRENT TODAY and make it RELEVANT TO EVERYONE…”

  • INFORMATIVE
    We share information that is fun, surprising, and interesting.
  • INSPIRING
    We move people to learn more, open their minds to new possibilities, gain a greater understanding of themselves, others and the world around them.
  • INCLUSIVE
    We speak to the hearts of all people, all ages, across all boundaries – physical or imagined.

The Kenmore Heritage Society relies on donations and gifts from the Kenmore Community and local businesses. Financial support also comes from the City of Kenmore and 4Culture, an agency that disperses funds for historical-preservation and other cultural programs from revenue generated from King County’s lodging tax revenue.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Kenmore Heritage Society is a welcoming organization focused on building community.  We treat everyone with respect, dignity, kindness and compassion and expect everyone in our community to do the same.  We value equity, inclusion and diversity and it is central to the mission and purpose of our organization.  We work to ensure our programs and services are accessible to all who wish to enjoy them.

We believe that structural, cultural, and relational inequities must be courageously recognized and dismantled.  We recognize our responsibility to help create systemic change to ensure our community is one that is inclusive, equitable, and welcoming to all. We work to continuously evaluate all aspects of our organization, confronting our own biases and driving improvements with transparency.

Further, we know that hearing from a variety of perspectives helps generate better ideas to create more opportunities for those in our community each and every day.  We believe that listening, open dialogue and continuous improvement are critical to our success.

Our Mission

We are an all-volunteer, non-profit organization whose mission includes nurturing an awareness and appreciation of the history of Kenmore; building a spirit of community; honoring Kenmore citizens who have made significant contributions to the betterment of our community; sponsoring events to help make our city a more interesting and fun place to live; and collecting and preserving historical memorabilia. We value equity, inclusion and diversity and it is central to the mission and purpose of our organization.  We work to ensure our programs and services are accessible to all who wish to enjoy them.

Our Bylaws

Meet the Board

President, Marella Alejandrino

Marella is a Seattle native and has lived in Kenmore for many years with her husband Arnold, an Inglemoor grad, and their 3 sons. She has been an active volunteer in the Kenmore Community and Northshore School District for over a decade serving as a member/supporter of the Arts of Kenmore, Chair of the 2016 Kenmore Art Show, past Ambassador for the Northshore Schools Foundation, PTA member with Kenmore Elementary, Kenmore Middle School and Inglemoor High School. Marella is also active in the Bothell/Kenmore Chamber of Commerce and has been a Rotarian for 18 years, serving as Club President in 2013-2014.

Past President, Suzanne Greathouse

Suzanne brings over 30 years of experience working with a broad spectrum of individuals, businesses, corporations, and universities. A Kenmore resident since 2014, Suzanne currently serves as a Northshore Utility District Commissioner, 4 Culture Heritage Advisory Committee member and EvergreenHealth Hospital District Commissioner in addition to owning a Virtual Reality software development company. Suzanne is focused on the Heritage Society and Board, as a past president. She believes anything is possible given focus, a positive attitude and a little elbow grease. Suzanne previously served as a Bothell/Kenmore Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, member of the Kenmore Planning Commission and was on the board of the Northshore Senior Center.

Vice President, Emily Rainey

Resident of Kenmore since 1989. A technical director of IT programs and college recruiting, retired from AT&T. Daughter attended Lockwood Elementary, Northshore Junior High, and Inglemoor High School. Whenever possible, I pursue hiking, traveling, and keeping up with book clubs. I love Kenmore for its variety of community activities, its dedication to inclusivity, and its “sense of place.”

Trustees

Staci Adman

Staci was born and raised in Seattle and moved to Kenmore in 1998 with her husband Eric and their sons Nick and Ben. Soon after they arrived in Kenmore, she was encouraged by former Kenmore mayor Dick Taylor and his wife Eleanor to become active in local issues, and she will always be grateful to them for that nudge to get involved.

In 2016 Staci had the honor of teaming up with fellow artist Gaul Culley to create and execute the Kenmore Mural project, a depiction of Kenmore past and present on the west side of the St. Vincent de Paul building in Kenmore. One of the many benefits of working on that project was the chance to become fully immersed in the history of Kenmore.

Staci works in a variety of media in her home studio in Kenmore and teaches
community art classes at the Schack Art Center in Everett. Her work is displayed there and in other local galleries.

Amber Clifton

Amber is a Kirkland native and has lived in Kenmore for several years. She is the Engineering Administrative Specialist for the City of Kenmore as well as the Podcast Host for the City podcast, “Let’s Talk Kenmore”. Amber is also the creator and host of the true crime podcast, “Crime, Wine and Chaos” as well as the lead singer for the band, “Tin Foil Top Hat”. Amber’s career started in criminal law and justice. She has worked in the public sector for 20 years and is passionate about local government.

Macy Ratliff

Macy Lawrence Ratliff moved to Kenmore in 1993. During her time in Kenmore, she was actively involved in the Northshore School district both professionally and as a volunteer, working with English language learners most recently at KE, Moorlands and Skyview Junior High.

Her two daughters attended Lockwood, KJH and IHS where she was an active volunteer in the PTSA, PACE, IB, IHS Music and Track Boosters.

Most recently she enjoyed being part of the inaugural Kenmore Quad. In her free time, she loves swimming at the Aqua Club all year, hiking at St Eds and paddleboarding in Lake Washington.

Paul G. Wright

Paul grew up in Missouri but lived in the San Francisco Bay area for 15 years. He and his family moved back to Missouri in 1994.

In 2022 he and his wife decided to move closer to family in Kenmore. Paul retired as the Director of Geographic Information Systems, for the State of Missouri, after working almost 40 years in the information technology field.

With an interest in history and archaeology he has volunteered with organizations to do historical research and assists with a local college’s archaeology field school to train students at ‘dig’ sites.

Are you passionate about Kenmore History?

The Board of Directors nominates new members on an annual basis. If you’re interested in volunteering as a board member, take a look at Board Expectations, and complete the contact form below.

Board ExpectationsJoin The Board

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The City of Kenmore  stands on the lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, whose ancestors resided here since time immemorial. Many Indigenous peoples thrive in this place—alive and strong.