Renton History Museum

A photo of Renton History Museum's exterior. The building is a historic firehouse.

About Us

Located in an historic Art Deco firehouse, the Renton History Museum offers changing exhibits, programs, publications, research opportunities, and events to share Renton’s stories, past and present. Our mission is to preserve, document, and educate about Renton’s rich heritage in ways that engage diverse people of all ages. We do this by sharing Renton’s history mixed with art, natural history, science, fashion, and other disciplines, always with an eye toward what makes our city unique and special.

The museum’s home is the 1942 Renton Fire Station No. 1. Completed in 1942, the building was the city’s first dedicated fire station and was built under the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA). The museum is situated in historic downtown Renton, an easy walk to KCLS Renton Library, Liberty Park, the Cedar River, and shops and restaurants. Free parking in available in front of the building, and in the Main Ave. S. parking lot behind.

A photo of Renton History Museum's exterior. The building is a historic firehouse.
Guided tour for students at Renton History Museum
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Women's history exhibit at Renton History Museum
Actors from Renton History Live at Renton History Museum
Renton Sporting Triumphs exhibit

Quick Info

There are lots of ways to interact with history at Renton History Museum. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions.

Want to volunteer?

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We're currently looking for Saturday Greeters and Oral History Team members! All new volunteers must fill out an online application and pass a City of Renton background check. Please note that as a subsidiary of the City of Renton, we are unable to sign off on any court-mandated volunteer service.

Apply here!

Want to do research?

The museum has a collection of maps, bound local newspapers, city directories, yearbooks, oral histories, and files on various local interest topics available to view by appointment. Please email us at rentonhistorymuseum@rentonwa.gov to make an appointment.

Want to read about history?

Our quarterly newsletter dates back to 1970 and will soon be offered to the public for free in a new, easy-to-search database! While we get set up, feel free to email us to ask for digital copies of back issues.