Local Cub Scouts from Troop 567, Den 6 paid a Feb. 4 visit to the offices of Kirkland Heritage Society in Hertiage Hall. The Kirkland Heritage Society is celebrating “Founders Week”, so named in honor of city-founder Peter Kirk’s birthday on Feb. 15. The pack of youngsters, led by Den Leaders Jeff Masiwchuk and John Schill, were interested in learning their local history and earn a scouting badge along the way. Scouting in Kirkland has a long history, as Heritage Hall archivist Loita Hawkinson explained. She said the first cub scout pack in the state of Washington State got their start in Kirkland by local resident Mae Belle Esty, the first female den leader in America.

“It’s neat for the kids to see the history of where they live,” said Kathy Fries, a mother to one of the cub scouts.

Hawkinson then led Troop 567 around the the Resource Center and Archives and then up the hill to City Hall to review the Society’s Founders Week display.