Everett museum’s exhibit is about toys, merriment from years ago

EVERETT —  The toys of past eras is the Everett Museum of History’s latest exhibit that opened recently in the Van Valey House, 2130 Colby Ave.

See intricate dolls played with by children of bygone eras, the midcentury mannequins of a traveling show and much more.

The current exhibit runs until June 29. Its theme is to celebrate play.

Ed and Betty Morrow restored the house to be their home. Ed’s teddy bears, collected for years, are part of the display, as is an 1800s piano.

Admission is a suggested $5 donation for adults, less for children.

The Van Valey House is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m.

In July, they’ll have a puppetry presentation including a demonstration for making your own puppet, director Barb George said.

The museum took ownership of the two-story Van Valey House in 2021 from the city. Treating it as a replica of an early 20th Century house, many rooms feature historical furniture, and the original wood and tile was retained.

Upstairs is a permanent area remembering U.S. Sen. Henry “Scoop” Jackson, the longtime Senator who was Everett’s native son.

The pickle mascot of Everett’s old Pickle Press shopper newspaper is staged at the entry.

The Van Valeys had lived there until 1952. It changed hands a few times, including a 16-year stint as the local headquarters for the American Red Cross, until the Morrows bought it in 1979. They restored the home and later transferred it to the city in 2002 which used it for offices.

The Everett Museum of History is still working to open its larger home at the corner of Colby and Wall, and has a much larger collection in safekeeping. The 

COVID-19 pandemic delayed their schedule but a small volunteer corps “refused to give up,” George said.

Their future new space could open in the spring of 2026, George said. It depends largely on finding funding.