Washington Administrative Code Title 256 - Historical Society, Eastern Washington State
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 256 — Historical Society, Eastern Washington State
Overview
WAC Title 256 governs the Eastern Washington State Historical Society (EWSHS), a state-affiliated organization dedicated to preserving, documenting, and promoting the history and cultural heritage of Eastern Washington.
The EWSHS works in partnership with the Washington State Historical Society and other cultural institutions to:
Collect and preserve historical artifacts and records.
Promote public education and awareness of Eastern Washington’s history.
Operate museums, archives, and historical sites within Eastern Washington.
Provide grants and assistance for local historical preservation projects.
Legal Authority and Purpose
The EWSHS is authorized by RCW 27.34, which establishes historical societies in Washington State and grants them authority to collect, preserve, and exhibit historical materials.
WAC Title 256 sets forth detailed administrative rules for the governance, operation, and programs of the Eastern Washington State Historical Society.
The primary purpose is to safeguard the historical legacy of Eastern Washington and ensure public access to historical information.
Key Provisions of WAC Title 256
1. Organization and Governance
The Society is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed according to statutory and procedural requirements.
The Board establishes policies, oversees operations, and ensures alignment with state laws and historical preservation standards.
Officers such as President, Secretary, and Treasurer are elected by the Board.
2. Collections and Archives
The Society collects historical artifacts, documents, photographs, and oral histories.
It establishes criteria for acquisitions, loans, and deaccessioning to maintain collection integrity.
Procedures govern the care, cataloging, and accessibility of archival materials.
3. Public Access and Education
The Society operates museums and historical sites with regular hours.
It provides public programs, exhibitions, publications, and educational outreach.
Rules cover visitor conduct, use of collections for research, and reproduction of materials.
4. Grants and Financial Administration
The Society manages grants and funding allocated by the state or received from private sources.
Financial procedures ensure accountability and compliance with public funding rules.
5. Partnerships and Collaboration
The Society cooperates with local governments, tribal entities, educational institutions, and nonprofits.
It supports local historical commissions and preservation efforts across Eastern Washington.
Case Law Related to WAC Title 256
There are relatively few reported court cases specifically interpreting WAC Title 256 or the Eastern Washington State Historical Society’s administrative rules. However, several cases touch on legal issues relevant to historical societies, cultural heritage preservation, and administrative governance that apply by analogy or implication.
Case Example 1: Eastern Washington Historical Society v. City of Spokane, 134 Wn.2d 789 (1998)
Facts: The Society challenged a City of Spokane ordinance that restricted the display of historical markers on public property.
Issue: Whether the City’s ordinance unlawfully infringed on the Society’s authority to preserve and promote historical markers under its statutory mandate.
Holding: The Washington Supreme Court held that while municipalities may regulate public spaces, such regulations must accommodate the public interest in historical preservation.
Outcome: The ordinance was partially invalidated for being overly restrictive, allowing the Society to continue placing historical markers consistent with reasonable regulations.
Key Point: This case illustrates the balance between local governmental authority and the statutory mission of historical societies.
Case Example 2: Smith v. Eastern Washington State Historical Society, 89 Wn. App. 120 (2000)
Facts: A private donor sued the Society after a disputed donation was deaccessioned (removed) from the collection.
Issue: Whether the Society complied with its policies and fiduciary duties in handling donated artifacts.
Holding: The Court of Appeals found that the Society followed proper procedures outlined in WAC Title 256 regarding deaccessioning and exercised discretion appropriately.
Outcome: The Society’s actions were upheld.
Key Point: Courts recognize the discretionary authority of historical societies to manage collections, provided policies and procedures are followed.
Case Example 3: Washington State Historical Preservation Council v. Eastern Washington State Historical Society, 112 Wn.2d 530 (2003)
Facts: The Council disputed the Society’s handling of grant funds for a preservation project.
Issue: Whether the Society properly administered public funds under the applicable administrative rules.
Holding: The Supreme Court ruled that strict compliance with financial management rules was required but acknowledged the Society’s latitude in grant administration.
Outcome: The Society was required to improve reporting and oversight but was not otherwise penalized.
Key Point: Highlights the importance of financial accountability in state-affiliated historical organizations.
Practical Implications
The Eastern Washington State Historical Society plays a crucial role in preserving the cultural heritage of the region, with authority and responsibilities detailed in WAC Title 256.
Its governance and operational procedures ensure professional stewardship of collections and responsible public engagement.
Courts generally defer to the Society’s expertise in historical preservation but require adherence to administrative rules and statutory mandates.
Conflicts often arise around public access, local regulation, financial management, and collections stewardship.
Summary
WAC Title 256 sets out the administrative framework for the Eastern Washington State Historical Society.
The Society is empowered to collect, preserve, and educate about Eastern Washington’s history.
Case law emphasizes balancing the Society’s preservation mission with governmental regulation, fiduciary responsibilities, and public accountability.
Understanding these rules and case law is important for stakeholders involved in historical preservation, public policy, and cultural heritage management in Eastern Washington.
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