Edradine Hovde March 20th 2019

What do you do?

Whatcom Chapter 5, Daughter of the Pioneers of Washington members have owned and maintained the Pickett House Museum since 1936. Our organization was established in 1911 and one of our goals is “to identify, protect, preserve, and make known historical spots, documents, relics and records and incidents.”

In 1936 when Hattie Strother deeded the previous home of U.S. States Army, Captain Edward E. Pickett to our chapter members, they knew the importance and historical significance of the home and chose to open the home to the public. Our members give public tours once a month or private tours upon request.

As president of the Whatcom Chapter #5 I feel it is important to educate our citizens about the history of our city. Cap’t Pickett later became famous for his participation in the Civil War, our city, county and state history is directly woven into nation’s historical fabric because of Cap’t Pickett.

For fifteen years I have enjoyed giving tours and meeting people at the Pickett House Museum. As Administrator of the Memorial State Scholarship Fund, I also enjoy meeting University students who apply for and receive scholarships from our organization.

Also, for several years I have enjoyed adjudicating the Washing State History Day Contest student presentations. Hearing and judging the work that students have taken months to prepare is an honor. These students are exemplary and are the citizens who will continue to keep our nation’s history alive and well for many years to come.

Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you’d like to pass on?

Learning about and sharing the stories of our past citizens can better help us understand how and why our ancestors lived and make the decisions that affect our lives today. If we study and learn about how our history developed, we can be better prepared to make decisions today that will build a better future for many generations to come.