With winter upon us, many families are drawn to the warmth and welcoming shelter of our museum. When these visitors stroll our exhibits and galleries, they are treated to just a smattering of the Burke's treasures. Millions more wonders are in storage, ready to serve eager minds in their quest for knowledge and inspiration. We are grateful to all collection donors who entrust us to care for their most treasured assets.

We also deeply appreciate the support of several board members who have helped the Burke expand collections and knowledge about our natural and cultural worlds.

Patricia Baillargeon is dedicated community volunteer and long-time Burke advocate. She has secured gifts from many organizations and friends to support collections and exhibits.

William Dunn is a devoted collector of the Northwest Native art and has been supporting the Bill Holm Center since its inception. He is also an advocate of Native artists.

Marie Halverson, from Yakima, shares information about the Burke with the east side of the state, and has helped bring collections from Yakima to the Archaeology Divison.

Mark Hewitt, the owner of Tillicum Village, is commited to preserving Native American culture in this region and provides key support for Native celebrations at the Burke.

Helen Sommers is passionate about geology, especially Washington fossils. A trip to collect fossil plants at Republic turned her into a generous supporter of geology at the Burke.

Susie Stoller and her family funded the conservation of the Egyptian mummy and coffin that her great grandfather, Manson Backus, bought for the Burke in 1902. It now rests in a climate-controlled case.

The Burke is fortunate to have these wonderful people dedicated to the care and research of our collections. I hope you get a chance to meet each of them.

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