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Events & Exhibits
Weaving Circle
May 6, 2024
This event provides a space for weavers to bring their projects and work, share, learn and enjoy. These events are open to the community at large!
Lecture: “Weird, Wonderful, and Worrisome Objects in Washington State’s Museums”
May 9, 2024
Harriet Baskas, author, will present “Weird, Wonderful, and Worrisome Objects in Washington State’s Museums” on Thursday, May 9th at 6pm.
Ellensburg
Historic Pub Crawl
May 16, 2024
Join us on May 16th from 5pm to 8pm, as we share Ellensburg’s interesting, colorful, and often mysterious past in a fun and entertaining way. With a night full of saloons and salacious stories, this event is great for both those new to Ellensburg and long-time residents.
Lecture: “PUSHED: Miners, a Merchant, and (Maybe) a Massacre”
May 23, 2024
Ana Maria Spagna, author and professor, will discuss her book “PUSHED: Miners, a Merchant, and (Maybe) a Massacre” on Thursday, May 23rd at 6pm. The event is free, open to the public, but seating will be limited. Tickets for the event will be available soon.
Weaving Circle
June 4, 2024
This event provides a space for weavers to bring their projects and work, share, learn and enjoy. These events are open to the community at large!
Lecture: “Big Apples, Big Business: How Washington Became the Apple State”
September 26, 2024
Amanda Van Lanen, a professor and author, will present “Big Apples, Big Business: How Washington Became the Apple State” on Thursday, September 26th at 6pm. The event is in-person at the Museum, free, and open to the public.This event is in partnership with the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau.
Lecture: “What is a Chief? How Native Values Can Teach Resilience”
October 1, 2024
John Halliday, a legally blind Native American artist of Muckleshoot, Duwamish, Yakama, and Warm Springs Indian descent, will present “What Is a Chief? How Native Values Can Teach Resilience”.
Lecture: “And it Has Pockets! The Battle for Women’s Clothing Equality
October 3, 2024
Diane Johnston, a theatrical costume designer, will present “And It Has Pockets! The Battle for Women’s Clothing Equality” on Thursday, October 3rd at 6pm. The event is in-person at the Museum, free, and open to the public. Seating will be limited. This event is in partnership with the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau.
Lecture: “Impactful Women and Their Contributions in Ellensburg History”
October 15, 2024
Julia Stringfellow, Professor and University Archivist at Central Washington University, will speak on “Impactful Women and Their Contributions in Ellensburg History.” The event is free, open to the public, but seating will be limited.
Lecture: “UFO Northwest: How Washington State Spawned the Men In Black”
October 17, 2024
Steve Edmiston, a business and entertainment lawyer and indie film screenwriter and producer, will present “UFO Northwest: How Washington State Spawned the Men In Black” on Thursday, October 17th at 6pm. The event is in-person at the Museum, free, and open to the public. Seating will be limited.
Lecture: “Topic To Be Announced”
November 14, 2024
Dr. Patrick McCutcheon and Nik Simurdak will present on Thursday, November 14 at 6pm at the Kittitas County Historical Museum. Their topic and more information will be announced soon.
Neon Signs
Permanent Exhibit
Bright, bold, and beautiful! These dazzling signs from Ellensburg and Kittitas County’s past have been restored, allowing the neon lights to once again delight locals and visitors alike
Great Ellensburg Fire
Permanent Exhibit
This exhibit takes a look at the various causes of the fire, and the possible motives behind each. It features newspaper clippings, historic photographs, and even a clock that survived the fire.
Ellensburg Blue Agate
Permanent Exhibit
Over 50 samples of Ellensburg Blue Agate are featured in the ongoing Rock and Mineral display, which is the largest collection held by a museum.
Antique Automobiles
Permanent Exhibit
The Museum is home to a very unique collection of antique automobiles. This display showcases six automobiles ranging from an 1899 Mobile Steam Runabout Dos-a-Dos to a 1923 Ford Model T Speedster.
Military Room
Permanent Exhibit
Our Military Room features many items from individuals who served our country and have been a part of Kittitas County. These items include uniforms, medals, letters, photographs, souvenirs, and more.
Intoxicating Elixirs
Permanent Exhibit
Come see unique pieces of local soda bottling equipment, a wide variety of pioneer medicines, and tales of moonshining, bootlegging, and disasters that unfolded afterward.
Medical
Permanent Exhibit
This exhibit covers the history of many of those local institutions, from general and maternal hospitals, medical offices, and dentists through veterinarians, eye care professionals, and funeral parlors.
Railroads
Permanent Exhibit
This display highlights information about the Northern Pacific Railway (today known as the BNSF Railway) and the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Road.
