The Official Website of the Dungeness Schoolhouse   (rental information)

The historic Dungeness Schoolhouse. Photo by Bob Cooper.

Five miles north of Sequim along the banks of the Dungeness River stands a picturesque two-story building with a distinctive red-roofed bell tower built more than a century ago. This is the historic Dungeness Schoolhouse.

Surrounded by farmland and with breathtaking views of Dungeness Bay, the Dungeness Schoolhouse is not only an historical site and architectural landmark, but also a useful community treasure complete with a working school bell. In size, design, and detail, the schoolhouse reflects the excellent craftsmanship of early builders who used locally-harvested and milled lumber. Its most distinctive feature is the decorative bellfry with bell-shaped roof centered over the original two-room schoolhouse and upstairs auditorium.

Except for a two-story wing added in 1921 to provide more space, in-door plumbing, electric lighting, and central heat, the school retains its historic plan, architectural integrity, and many original features. One first-floor classroom was slightly modified for community use, but the other is preserved as an historical schoolroom exhibit that is open to the public by appointment. Many early class photos and educational artifacts are exhibited in this delightfully restored classroom.

The Dungeness Schoolhouse (prior to the 1921 addition) and old Dungeness River Bridge. From the MAC Photo Archives.

Opening in February 1893, county superintendent-teacher Mr. A. B. Dorsey reported the school enrolled 63 students in grades one through five, one student in an "advanced course," and employed one teacher at $75 per month. Of the more than 40 rural schools in the county, only Dungeness School was to later offer a full high school curriculum. Although high school classes were discontinued in 1923, junior high classes were held until 1940, and elementary school classes continued until 1955, when Dungeness School District No. 29 consolidated with Sequim School District No. 323.

For nearly 10 years following the school's closure, the building was leased by the Dungeness Community Club and on August 3, 1967, the club purchased the property for the purpose of promoting the civic and social welfare of the community. The Women of Dungeness group was organized to help the Dungeness Community Club restore and maintain the building, and thanks to their efforts, the schoolhouse was designated a Washington State Historical Site on July 30, 1971, and placed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 19, 1988.

The historical schoolroom exhibit on the first floor of the Dungeness Schoolhouse. Photos by Katherine Vollenweider.

The Dungeness Schoolhouse became a division of the Museum & Arts Center in January 1995. A volunteer "school committee" meets on a regular basis to continue maintenance and restoration of the facility. One such endeavor was the building of a new access ramp, completed in August 2006 by Sunshine Rotary Club of Sequim. Another was the repair of the belfry following a report from Conservation Assessment Program grant in 2006. The report from Conservation Services in Whidbey Island found that the belfry needed repairs due to the age of the building. Over $12,000 was raised by MAC at the Fund a Need Auction during the MAC Nite Annual Fundraiser. The work was done by Tollefson Builders, who had conducted repairs in belfries throughout the region.

Dungeness Schoolhouse belfry repairs in 2006 (left), and a view of the access ramp also built that year. Photos by Bob Cooper (left) and Reneé Mizar (right).

The Schoolhouse also retains its educational heritage as a venue for Peninsula College classes throughout the year. One first-floor classroom is available to rent for programs and classes, as well as weddings, family reunions, business seminars, and the like. A wide hallway and staircase with a chair lift leads to the second story, which features the auditorium with stage, as well as a kitchen and preparation area.

To schedule a tour or rent the facility, please call Schoolhouse Manager John Majors at (360) 582-0584, Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Click here to view the rental rates.