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! Stay tuned 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