Since the first meeting of the Marysville Historical Society in 1974, we have maintained a record of Marysville's history and development.  Through collection of artifacts, researching stories and sharing our heritage with the community, The Society has worked to keep the City of Marysville's history alive for future generations.

In 1986, The Society purchased a plot of land off Armar Road as the future site of a Marysville Historical Society Museum.  An architect has created the museum on paper, permits have been issued and a $2.5 Million Capital Campaign was launched in  2006.  We hope to begin construction by Summer 2009.

In 1999, the City announced plans to demolish the historic water tower in Comeford Park.  The Society took the lead in the battle to save the tower and led the fundraising campaign that succeeded in saving this piece of history.  On December 7, 2002, the restored water tower was dedicated as part of the "Merrysville For the Holidays" celebration.

Today Marysville is a prosperous, diversified North Snohomish County city of over 30,000 with an area community exceeding 50,000.  To trace its origin you must return to its humble beginnings in the early 1870's.  History says that early settler James P. Comeford, while traveling about the Sound on his duties for the Tulalip Agency, discovered and ultimately acquired a Trading Post at Smith Cove, thus becoming the founder of Marysville.  In 1878 Mr. Comeford purchased 1,280 areas from local timber traders for $450 and the rich, cultural history of Marysville began.  He named the town after his wife, Mary.  We owe a tremendous debt to those pioneers who laid the city's foundation by incorporating in 1891.

In the evolution of logging, the steam donkey (pictured above) played an important role in the greater Marysville area.  This engine is typical of many steam donkeys used in the area as mechanical power replaced animal power to get the logs out of the woods.  The pictured engine was retired in the early 1940’s and later donated to the Marysville Historical Society by Sigmund D. Stormo.