Challenge….or opportunity?
In 2020, the Poulsbo Historical Society faced a challenge: the Heritage Museum had outgrown its space at City Hall. A new space was needed, and the space needed to be permanent.
At the same time, the owners of the historic Nilsen-Sonju house were ready to sell their building, but wanted it to be preserved intact and for its history to be honored.
The solution?
PHS purchased the house on a 10-year plan to allow time to raise the funds. The Heritage Museum has been moved into the Nilsen-Sonju House, next door to the Maritime Museum and Boat Yard.
Campaign Cost Total: $1.35 million
- Nilsen-Sonju House and adjacent lot purchase ($850,000) 33% raised!
- Repairs and renovations
- Accessibility improvements
Please view the ways below you can support our campaign.
Along with donating or making a pledge, you can soon write your name down in history and Buy a Brick! Click here to learn more about this fun new way to support and fund the purchase of this historic treasure!
Renovation projects:
√ Electrical upgrades
√ Blinds
√ Replace Windows
√ Heating System
Lift to 2nd floor
Sidewalk design
Sidewalk materials/installation
Safety (handrails, windows)
Safety assessment
Accessible bathroom
Smoke/CO/alarm system
Porch, SW corner of house supports
Insulation (attic)
Upstairs (walls; children’s area)
Display case
Signage
Upstairs galley
Misc
External, Landscaping
Maintenance Fund
Status/Estimated Cost
complete
complete
complete
complete
TBD
Volunteer/inkind
$20,000
$5,000
Volunteer/inkind
$1,000
$15,000
$25,000
$5,000?
$30,000
$2,500
$5,000
$2,500
$3,000
$2,000
$35,000
The 1908 Nilsen-Sonju House
For more than a century, this historic home has been a fixture on Front Street. Please help us finalize the purchase and give it some love!
Thank you for supporting the project!
You can support our capital campaign by making a: • monthly gift • gift of stock • corporate donation • pledge paid over 5 years (download form) • gift through your IRA (RMD) • personal gift (online or by check) • and *NEW* Buy a Brick!
If you are making a significant donation, please consider mailing us a check (P.O. Box 844, Poulsbo WA 98370) or calling (360) 440-7354 with your credit card so we can save on card processing fees. Gifts of $250 or more will be recognized on signage at the Heritage Museum. Please list the name(s) the way you’d like them to appear. Thank you!