Museum to charge admission

Visitors to the Wahkiakum Historical Museum will be charged a fee effective May 1 to cover operating expenses.

The new fees are $3 for 18-54 year olds and $1.50 for those 55 and older. Active duty military personnel and their immediate families, Historical Society members and persons under 18 will be admitted for free.

The fees were imposed after it was discovered that out of eight similar museums in the state, only one did not charge admission.

Historical Society President Nick Nikkila said the fee change is a necessity in future preservation of the museum.

"It is one of several revenue generating approaches we will be pursuing in support of the museum," he said. "By allowing individuals under the age of 18 to be admitted for free, we hope to encourage our younger generation to learn more about the history of Wahkiakum County. It is a wholesome and rewarding activity."