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COLLECTIONS
🗂️ Our Collections
Since 1961, the Museum has collected more than 30,000 items that reflect the rich history, heritage, and culture of Kittitas County. These include artifacts, photographs, and archival materials that help share the stories of the people, places, businesses, and events that have shaped our community—past and present.
We continue to collect items that represent our evolving community, because history is made every day.
Collection highlights include:
- Indigenous cultural items (especially from the K’tɨ́taas and Pshwánapam bands)
- Geological specimens, including Ellensburg Blue Agate
- Household goods, textiles, and furnishings
- Military memorabilia and service records
- Historic photographs and albums
- Agricultural tools and equipment
- Business records and local commerce materials
If you’re interested in contributing to the collection, learn how to donate below.
🖼️ Exhibits & Display
Many items from our permanent collection are featured throughout the Museum in over 50 different exhibits and displays. These exhibits are regularly updated to share new stories, highlight different themes, and ensure proper preservation of the collection.
When an item is rotated out of display and placed into storage, we assess its condition, provide appropriate care, and update our records in accordance with museum best practices and standards.
If you’re planning a visit and hope to see a specific item, we recommend contacting us in advance. We’ll let you know if it’s currently on display—and if it’s in storage, we may be able to arrange a research appointment.
To learn more, Contact Us or submit a Research Request.
🧾 Donating an Object to KCHM
Interested in donating an item to help preserve Kittitas County’s history? We’re always looking for meaningful additions that help tell the stories of our community. If you have an object, photograph, or document you think may be a good fit, please review the process below before reaching out.
📬 The Donation Process
To get started, please contact us—preferably by email—with the following information:
- Description of the item(s)
- Photographs, if available
🚫 Please do not bring items to the Museum without prior contact. Due to space limitations, we can only accept items that have gone through our review process.
All submissions are reviewed by our Collections Committee. Historical relevance, condition, uniqueness, and available space are key considerations. Detailed background information helps us assess whether the item is appropriate for the Museum’s collection.
We may not be able to accept:
- Items in poor or unsafe condition
- Objects that are too large to store or display
- Duplicates of existing items
- Items without a clear tie to Kittitas County
- Objects with legal or ownership concerns
If an item is approved, staff will coordinate the necessary paperwork and transfer details. Items may be delivered in person or by mail. If declined, we may offer recommendations for other institutions that would be a better fit.
Please note: Acceptance does not guarantee that an item will be placed on display.
📦 Other Ways to Donate
Bequests: Items can also be donated through wills or estates. We welcome the opportunity to work with donors in advance of any planned gifts.
Digital Submissions: Want to retain your original but share a copy? We can accept digital scans of items. Museum staff will help coordinate scanning and required permissions. Please note that digitization may take time and depends on copyright considerations.
📞 Want to Learn More?
If you’re thinking about a future donation, feel free to contact us with your questions—we’re happy to help!
✨ Looking to get more involved? We’re also seeking volunteers to help process donations, scan photographs, catalog objects, and more. Click here to learn how you can help.