From rides on the Model T to exhibit installations, Ryan McKenna has led the Camp Arcadia Archives Program bringing Camp’s history to life for the last 25 years. We are grateful for his efforts to preserve, collect, restore, and share Camp’s traditions and memories with others.
The inspiration for this initiative began when Ryan discovered a handful of dusty, old boxes in the Wigwam stairwell while working part-time in the Camp office as a college student. He noticed that the boxes were falling apart, and Camp needed an improved system for storing and preserving these old documents and photos. Fueled by his passion for Camp, he submitted a proposal to the LCA Board that winter, and with their approval, the Archives Program began.
In the early years of the program, Ryan McKenna and his crew of volunteers focused on organizing, collecting, and preserving documents, pictures, and artifacts from the past. While there had been some attempts to maintain Camp’s history, Ryan was excited to create better systems to ensure its preservation and design exhibits to engage Arcadians with its past.
When reflecting on the beginnings of the Archives Program, Ryan shared, “We always said how much we loved Camp’s history, but I saw a need for us to care for it in an intentional way.”
To learn more about archival work, Ryan volunteered at the Museum of History and Industry in Seattle, WA, during the off-season. There, he gained valuable skills and knowledge about preservation and exhibit work and brought that expertise to Camp’s program. This added level of professionalism built trust within the Camp community, and the Archives Program received an increasing number of items to add to its collection.
“We wouldn’t know half of what we do about the early days of Camp Arcadia without Ryan’s efforts to create the connections with people that make them comfortable turning over their documents, photos, and objects because they know those items are going to a good place where they will be cared for,” said Cambray Sampson who served as the first Archives Intern back in 2010.
Throughout the decades, the Archives Program has continued to develop and expand. Its collection now comprises over 20,000 physical photographs, as well as numerous digital ones, along with hundreds of artifacts and mementos. These records were instrumental in producing the content for the book “Days Filled with Sunshine: One Hundred Years of Camp Arcadia.”
In addition to collecting many tangible items, Ryan was determined to record oral histories to capture the special traditions and memories of Camp’s past. Many of these recordings are from Arcadians who have since passed away. Ryan recalled a memorable story shared by Bud and Pearl Weber about the former cook, Gert. They shared that Gert was determined to bring a specific type of sausage to serve at the LLL Retreat. Since she was flying up for the weekend retreat, she filled her luggage with as much sausage as she could and then tied the rest around her waist underneath her dress.
Melissa Veith, an Archives volunteer, greatly values how the Archives Program connects people with their stories. She shared, “Everyone feels like they have a part in writing Camp Arcadia’s story because they know there is a process in place for documenting and sharing important moments, cherished memories, and traditions.”
Over the years, guests and visitors of all ages have enjoyed the many exhibits, which feature fun and interactive elements. Exhibits have focused on travelling to Camp, the Weiherman legacy, “Best Camp of All,” 50 years of the LCA, and Camp’s 100th Anniversary.
Nolan Janke, Archives volunteer and former Archives summer staffer, enjoyed learning about Camp’s history during his time on staff. His favorite exhibit is the one located in the north stairwell of the Inn that highlights how people traveled to Camp. “I love the life-sized map on the wall and the 1920s–1930s photos of the dirt-road turnaround. A hundred years later, we’re still rolling in to the exact same view!”
Beyond the exhibits, the Archives Program engages campers with guided tours, rides on the Model T, the postcard station at the Patio Carnival, and the parade floats. The parade floats spread the joy of Camp to our community. An unforgettable entry into the Arcadia Daze Parade was in 2012, when Ryan paired nine vehicles corresponding with each decade in Camp’s history with a group of people dressed to match that decade.
The Archives Program has also undertaken many restoration projects to maintain Camp’s charm and décor. One of Ryan’s favorite projects was working closely with the Weiherman family to restore the Shanty, where the staff eat their meals. Other restoration projects include the Wigwam posts and the cupola on top of the Assembly.
Other significant accomplishments include being listed on the National Register for Historic Places, installing the historical marker, and establishing the Camp Arcadia Historical Society.
The Archives Program has been able to accomplish all these things due to Ryan’s steadfast leadership, a strong base of volunteers, and the support of donors. Chip May, Camp Arcadia’s Executive Director, appreciates what Ryan has done with the Archives Program. He said, “Camp Arcadia’s Archives Program is truly special. I am so thankful for Ryan’s creativity, passion for Camp’s history, and his ability to work so well with volunteers.”
Indeed, the volunteers and interns have been essential to the success of this program. Each volunteer or staff member brings their unique skills to the projects, ranging from carpentry skills to sewing to artwork. It takes over 2,000 volunteer hours per season to keep the program running. In 2022, more than 100 volunteers contributed to the preparations for the 100th anniversary. Avery Andersen served as the Archives Intern that year and helped create the Trading Post-themed float and install the 100th exhibits. He remarked, “My favorite moments were undoubtedly the conversations that would spark from someone recognizing a familiar face in one of the photos exhibited around Camp. It brought me joy seeing campers and cottagers relive their Camp memories through these photos.”
He added, “I appreciate more than anything the dedication that Ryan puts towards not only each project but also towards each staff member and volunteer.”
Ryan celebrates these dedicated volunteers in unique ways. When Art Hesskamp, long-time volunteer, turned 89, Ryan brought in 89 donuts to Shanty lunch to honor him. Melissa Veith shared, “He brings people together to celebrate, create memories, and strengthen friendships. I used to think I had fallen in love with the place of Camp Arcadia, but through working with Ryan, I have realized I fell in love with the people who keep me connected to the place I love.”
Looking ahead, the Archives Program is busy planning for the 100th anniversary of the Arcadia Cottage Colony Association in 2027. To celebrate this milestone, many projects are underway, including the cottage home tours, a book, and a new exhibit. Additionally, the Archives Program is researching high-density compact shelving to maximize storage space and planning for future Camp exhibits.
We give thanks to God for Ryan McKenna’s leadership in the Archives Program and for how it has preserved Camp’s history for generations to come.
Interested in supporting these projects? The Camp Arcadia Historical Society supports the work of the Archives Program annually. Our funding goal for 2025 is $25,000. Learn more about the Camp Arcadia Historical Society or become a member today!
Article by Sarah May
