Community

Being Neighborly | Retired surveyor helps history museum answer land questions

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A box of old photographs and documents from the construction of the original Narrows Bridge first brought Clark Rowland through the doors of the Harbor History Museum. The photos and documents had belonged to an engineer who worked on the bridge.

But once Rowland donated the artifacts and got to know the museum staff, he was welcomed in as a vital volunteer member of the research team.

Since then, Rowland has helped hundreds of community members find answers to questions about their properties. His background as a professional land surveyor comes in handy.

Clark Rowland joined the research team at the Harbor History Museum shortly after he retired as a professional land surveyor in 2013. He leads the research team in finding information that answers questions from the community about their property, and much more. Photo by Stephanie Lile

Rowland retired in 2013. His expertise in land surveying allows him to decipher documents and answer vistors’ questions regarding land, lots, streets, as well as the founders of the Gig Harbor community, many of whom have streets named for them.

“Obviously, people turn to us for historic information and try to learn more about names on streets,” said Stephanie Lile, director of the museum. “The work that he does helps us with exhibits, and the real truth is he’s helped hundreds of people search all kinds of subjects. It’s really nice that he’s here to help.”

Rowland has helped several community members trace transfers of their property all the way back to the government as the original owner. Then he can provide the chain of land transfers from the first homesteaders forward. 

He volunteers every Wednesday and spends approximately four hours there searching through the archives, looking for answers to questions brought in by the public. 

“Clark leads that (research) group, “ Lile said. “They take that on and deep dive into our archives and reading room materials. He’s really knowledgeable, and a really thoughtful person.”