Coloring History: The Story Behind Historic Everett's New Coloring Book
At its recent annual membership meeting, Historic Everett presented ‘Coloring History’, a coloring book designed to capture the hearts and minds of children and adults alike.
Year after year the Board of Directors of Historic Everett collectively ‘racked our brains’ thinking of the best way to encourage younger generations to be interested in Everett’s history, heritage and architecture. We’ve tried puzzles, scavenger hunts, and even bike rides but none seemed to have much of a shelf life.
Everett High School // Rosemary Jones
In speaking with some local elementary school teachers, I asked if Everett history was taught or even mentioned in the single-digit grades in Everett schools and found out that it isn’t. In fact, some of the teachers knew very little about Everett history. Well, that didn’t sound good, so the wheels started turning!
Rucker Mansion // Rosemary Jones
A couple of years ago a kind and supportive family made a generous donation to Historic Everett. When the Andersons presented the check, they asked that the money be used to promote Everett History and honored me with the task of deciding what project would make the best use of the donation.
With children and student education on my mind, I asked the other board members of Historic Everett for their blessings for the idea of a coloring book that would possibly have a distribution through Everett Schools, Imagine Children’s Museum and J. Matheson’s Gifts. They agreed and then it was time to collaborate with an artist!
“Scoop” Jackson Statue at Grand Avenue Park // Rosemary Jones
Rosemary Jones, a local Everett artist accepted the commission. Historic Everett had recent experience with Rosemary, as she was the artist for the featured home of Historic Everett’s 2019 Home Tour brochure and poster. Rosemary’s love of Everett matched ours and we knew it would be perfect.
Coloring book cover // Rosemary Jones
The custom-designed and printed coloring books with the ‘first Boeing 747’ placed proudly on the cover is for sale for $6 by contacting Historic Everett directly at historiceverett@gmail.com or by messaging us on Facebook. They will also soon be available at J. Matheson’s Gifts on 2615 Colby Avenue.
Please enjoy and share this coloring book with your friends and family.
Author Andrea Tucker is a member and advisor for the Historic Everett Board of Directors. She's also a member of the Everett Historical Commission, Chair of the Port Gardner Neighborhood Association, and a local Realtor.
