By GAYLE SARAN

Staff reporter

Islanders can take a step back in time and hear stories about Whidbey Island’s first people when Ray Moses, Tulalip tribal elder and historian, brings his storytelling talents to a program tonight at Trinity Lutheran Church.

The Tulalip tribal history will come alive in this 7 p.m. presentation, sponsored by the South Whidbey Historical Society. Moses will talk about the Native American culture and the encampments scattered along Whidbey’s shores 150 years ago.

The program is part of an effort by the Historical Society to add a new dimension to its mission. Two more programs have been planned that will explore the history of Whidbey Island. Author Nancy Waddell will describe the events in “A Journey Through the Maxwelton Watershed” at 7 p.m. Feb. 19, and a March 28 program will profile Berta Olson, Puget Sound’s first female ferryboat pilot and captain. The show at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts will be presented by storyteller Jill Johnson.

“These presentations will add to the revolving exhibits we have at the South Whidbey Historical Museum in Langley,” said Joanne Hannah.

“I think students will find these programs very interesting,” Hannah added. “They will make history more real.”