POULSBO — All good things must come to an end, and for the Poulsbo Historical Society, one of those good things has been curator Erica Varga. Her last day on the job is Aug. 31.
In a meeting Thursday morning at the Sons of Norway, the PHS said its final farewells to Varga and thanked her for two years of service.
“We wanted to spend a little time and honor our outgoing curator, Erica,” said PHS president Bob Hawkinson. “Let’s think for a minute where we’d be if we didn’t have Erica.”
Hawkinson went on to list Varga’s many accomplishments for the society, which include the establishment of a research library, a revamped strategic plan, downtown walking tours, a youth program and Martinson Cabin. Hawkinson said Varga also helped the society increase its fund-raising abilities and museum plans tremendously.
“That’s just a small tip of the iceberg of some of the things she’s done,” he said. “Because of Erica we increased our membership… it’s now over 200.”
Twenty people attended the meeting, including Poulsbo Mayor Kathryn Quade and Councilman Dale Rudolph.
“The thing that I thank you for the most, if I had to pick one thing, is that you really involved the youth in this project,” said Quade, who also lauded Varga’s enthusiasm.
Varga said this is a time the PHS needs a curator most, as the city government’s centennial celebration approaches next year.
“I feel a little sheepish walking out the door just as this is starting, and a little jealous in a way,” she said. “You guys have a lot of work to do next year… I can tell already the city’s going to have a good party time with it.”
Varga said the construction of a new city hall, as well as a museum, occurring during the centennial year will be exciting.
“I think it’s meant to be that way,” she said. “You guys are really too good to me. But I’ll be around.”
Varga said she plans on taking part in a museum planning committee once one is created, and will still be involved in the area. She is leaving her post at the society to pursue other interests in Bremerton.
“I want to thank you very much on behalf of everybody,” Hawkinson said at the meeting’s close. “We really wish you well.”
