About the Museum

The Black Diamond Historical Society was formed by a small group , led by Carl and Ann Steiert (photo below), who decided to honor the nation’s bicentennial by preserving a little bit of America right at home. Many felt a strong concern for the disappearing buildings and artifacts in Black Diamond. Restoration of the depot began following the formation of the Historical Society in 1976. The group obtained the railroad depot from the City of Black Diamond. It was built around the turn of the century to serve as a depot for the Columbia and Puget Sound and later the Pacific Coast Company.

After the depot closed in the ‘30’s, the building was used as a restaurant, a library, a telephone exchange, an office for the water department and a storage shed for the city maintenance. It was full of items left by all former occupants, and although it had never been restored, it had been “modernized” with poured tile floors, aluminum windows and lowered ceilings. Eventually work crews completely renovated the structure. High ceilings were restored, wooden-frame windows were installed and the building was painted in the original colors inside and out. They also added a bay window and constructed a “coal mine entrance” underneath. Work began almost immediately, but was slow and plodding. Money had to be raised and plans drawn.

A handful of men began meeting each week for a few hours. As time went on, some worked a full day and were provided with lunch by other members of the society. The Museum was opened on June 6, 1982, in a gala celebration honoring the one-hundredth birthday of Black Diamond. An estimated 3,000 persons attended. Since the opening day the attendance has been rewarding. People from all over the world appear on the guest register.