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Permanent Exhibits
On July 4, 1889 at 10:30pm, the young city of Ellensburgh caught fire and by the time the flames were extinguished four hours later, ten downtown blocks and the homes of two hundred individuals lay in ruins.
While it is known where the fire started, what happened, and how the community rebuilt the City within four months, the cause has never been determined.
This exhibit takes a look at the various causes—from accidental to incendiary—and the possible motives behind each, and features newspaper clippings, historic photographs, and even a clock that survived the fire.
June 20, 2026, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Learn about Downtown Ellensburg’s history and heritage through free guided walking tour with historian Mike McCloskey!
July 26, 2026, 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Join us for a spirited afternoon exploring local legends and Prohibition-era stories with stops at the Puget Sound Energy’s Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility & Renewable Energy Center, the Kittitas County Historical Museum, and Elk Heights Distillery. Three stops. One wild story.
June 22, 2026, 6 PM - 8 PM
🪶 Beading Beauties meets every 4th Monday from 6–8 PM at the Kittitas County Historical Museum. Celebrate the art, history, and creativity of beadwork in a welcoming space for culture, craft, and community.