The Bainbridge Island Historical Museum puts the “H” in “B.I. Arts and Humanities,” now cut from the COBI budget (“City cuts service groups’ funding out of budget” BI Review, Oct. 15).

At one time, history museum operations were partly met by a stand-alone line item in the city budget. Then the city lumped the history museum in with arts organizations under the B.I. Arts and Humanities Council. So as the BIAHC loses its funding, the museum is cut, too.

So when you see those BI History Museum volunteers huddling in the rain and selling raffle tickets, buy one! You could win thousands of dollars – with way better odds than the Lotto. And even if your ticket is not drawn on Dec. 6, you still win – you get a first-class, award-winning local history museum.

The Bainbridge Island Historical Museum is a draw to tourists as well as an educational resource and community-builder for islanders. Come on down to 215 Ericksen Ave. – we’re still showing “Ansel Adams: Portrait of Manzanar” in the Helen Bucey Gallery.

Joan Piper, board member

BI Historical Museum