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, 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 serves as a Bothell/Kenmore Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, Kenmore Planning Commissioner and is on the boards of the Northshore Senior Center and EvergreenHealth Foundation. Suzanne is focused on evolving the Heritage Society into a vibrant, inclusive, and fun organization. She believes anything is possible given focus, a positive attitude and a little elbow grease.

Vice 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.

Treasurer, Michelle Karlinsey

Michelle Karlinsey is new to the board and has lived in Kenmore since 2012. Michelle loves Kenmore for its community, diversity, and outdoor spaces. She is excited to work with board members to plan activities that will give each Kenmore resident the opportunity to share a sense of history and to cultivate a sense of place in this great city.

Secretary, Jo Ann Evans

A Montanan by birth, Jo Ann has been a Kenmore resident since 1976. She played an active role in Kenmore’s incorporation, served 12 years on the Arts of Kenmore board, and in several roles on the KHS board since 2008. She hopes to help KHS adopt an expanding role in Kenmore, to include the youth of the community.

Trustees

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.”

Gary Jang

Gary was born in North Dakota and lived in Stockton, California, North Bend, and Kirkland before moving to Kenmore in 1952. He graduated from Bothell High School in 1959 and studied business at the University of Washington. He loves to sing, especially Frank Sinatra-era lyrics, and is well known for his puns. He drives for Uber. His Chinese father owned Kenmore’s Hot Cake King pancake restaurant.

Maureen O’Neill

Maureen’s family moved to Kenmore from Lake Forest Park when she was ten years old. She graduated from WSU, and retired from Seattle City Light. Maureen continues to be involved with the Kenmore community and enjoys meeting and working with its residents.

Bob Otto

Bob is a retired attorney, who spent over 20 years working for The Boeing Company. He is a trained historian, specializing in European history. He is married to Maureen O’Neill, whose family moved to Uplake in 1960. The O’Neills were also charter members of Aqua Club.

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.