POULSBO — It may have been her party but Barbara Mitchusson came to work Tuesday.

Before accepting a plaque from the Poulsbo Historical Society honoring her nearly 10 years of dedication to the organization, Mitchusson was busy handing out information about an upcoming fund-raiser she’s helping organize.

“She’s like that Energizer bunny,” society member Roseann Mitchell said. “She always has all this energy and enthusiasm and you wonder where it comes from.”

In a small but heartfelt gathering March 8, the historical society took time out to thank Mitchusson. Though she remains an active member of the non-profit, she has stepped down from its board after four years, three of which were spent as president.

Society members noted that honoring Mitchusson was very appropriate at this time because many credit her with really starting the bid for the Poulsbo historical museum, which is now in full swing. Mitchell recalled that before Mitchusson joined in 1997, the society was a fairly informal group that mainly met to talk.

A former member of the Grays Harbor Historical Society during its museum project, Mitchusson urged the creation of a board of directors, a business plan and a master plan for a museum.

“Before she came to the board, it was just talk,” Mitchell said. “It was, ‘It would be nice to do.’ But she really got it going.”

“She sees what needs to be done and she does it,” society charter member Muriel Williams added.

But whether it’s her work with the historical society, efforts as president of the North Kitsap Friends of the Library or projects with the Ne-Si-Ka Garden Club, society members said Mitchusson is always humble.

“She’s more inclined to give other people credit than herself, even when she’s the most deserving,” historical society member Isabelle Haskin said.

And in true form, Mitchusson remained low-key about her own contributions. Born and raised in Poulsbo, she left her hometown for a number of years and said she will always be grateful for how the historical society members welcomed her with open arms. She added that she felt there was still plenty for her to do for the historical society but it was the right time for her to leave the board and make room for some new talent to infuse the society.

“I think you have a wonderful board, I really do,” Mitchusson said. “I think you have a very visionary board.”