The Highline Heritage Museum in Burien has taken a major step toward expansion, announcing that its offer to purchase the historic Antlers property next door has been accepted.
Museum leaders said the acquisition would allow the organization to better serve a growing community, noting that the facility has reached capacity during events and faces space limitations for collections, programs and gatherings.
“We are in the process of purchasing the property next to us, and our offer has been accepted,” the museum said in a statement. “This expansion will allow us to better serve our growing community.”
Historic Antlers Property
The historic property the museum hopes to acquire, known as the Antlers site, has deep roots in Burien’s early commercial and cultural history. Many of our readers may recall the eclectic antlers prominently displayed on the front of the home.
According to historical materials shared by the museum, the site was originally home to Wilson’s Grocery, established in 1915 and later renamed the Burien Consumers Co-op. The business moved nearby in 1921.
The building later housed an antique shop operated for many years by Catherine Troeh, who played a significant role in regional Native advocacy efforts. Troeh helped found the American Indian Women’s Service League, which contributed to the creation of the Seattle Indian Center, the Seattle Indian Health Board and United Indians of All Tribes. In 1952, she became the only woman to join the newly established Chinook Tribal Council.
The museum is now working to secure funds for the deposit and is inviting the public to help support the effort through an upcoming fundraiser.
Auction Fundraiser will be Friday, June 5
A silent auction will be held Friday, June 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the museum (map below). The event will feature live music, refreshments and a range of auction items, including Alaska Airlines tickets for travel within the United States and Canada, admission packages to regional museums and curated local experiences.
Some auction items will only be available during the event, organizers said.
Attendees will also be able to view a special pop-up exhibit on the history of Olde Burien, designed to connect the museum’s story to the land it hopes to acquire.
The evening will include a presentation by Lei Wang, one of fewer than 100 people worldwide to complete the Explorers Grand Slam, which involves climbing the highest peak on each continent and skiing to both the North and South poles.
“All proceeds will go toward purchasing the adjacent property,” the museum said.
How to RSVP
Organizers are asking attendees to RSVP in advance by email to help plan for the event to director@highlinemuseum.org.
