Our History

Preserving the Past Since 1961

The idea of creating a local history museum in Kittitas County began in the mid-1930s with the Kittitas County Pioneer Association—a group made up of descendants of the region’s earliest non-Indigenous settlers during Washington’s territorial days. Concerned that important pieces of local heritage were being lost as both Indigenous and pioneer individuals passed away, the group was motivated to preserve the region’s stories, artifacts, and culture.

A Statewide Movement Toward Preservation

Between the 1930s and 1950s, the Washington State Historical Society began helping counties across the state form local historical societies and museums to protect disappearing community histories. In Ellensburg, the Daily Record printed articles throughout the late 1950s advocating for preservation—calling on the community to save meaningful objects and memories before they were destroyed or forgotten.

The Founding of the Historical Society

In early 1961, a group of Ellensburg citizens began meeting with a shared vision: to collect, preserve, and share the stories of Kittitas County. Their efforts led to the formal establishment of the Kittitas County Historical Society, Inc. on September 20, 1961. That year, the organization issued 200 charter membership cards and elected 11 board members to serve on the inaugural Board of Directors.

Around the same time, the Kittitas County Commissioners offered the Society a small basement room in the Morris Sorensen Memorial Hospital at 507 North Nanum Street. Though modest in size, this space allowed the Society to begin public open houses by May 6, 1962—officially launching the Kittitas County Historical Museum.

Growing a Museum—And Outgrowing the Space

Like many new museums, the Historical Society accepted a wide variety of items related to the county’s past. As the collection quickly grew, the museum soon found itself bursting at the seams. By 1973, the County announced it would no longer provide space in the hospital building after 1974. The Society now faced a challenge—finding a new home for the growing collection.

A Creative Solution: The Cadwell Building

The Board set its sights on purchasing the Cadwell Building in downtown Ellensburg. The owners were willing to sell, but the Society didn’t yet have the funds. Fortunately, a solution came in the form of a unique partnership. Around this time, the Rollinger Brothers donated their large rock and mineral collection to Kittitas County, with the condition that it be displayed together and under one roof.

The Society agreed to house the collection in the museum in exchange for rent payments that would go toward the Cadwell Building’s mortgage. With additional funding from a grant, the Historical Society was able to pay off the mortgage in just a few years.

A New Era for the Museum

On June 1, 1975, the Historical Society officially opened the Kittitas County Historical Museum in its new home. Over time, the organization purchased neighboring buildings, expanding the facility into a connected space of nearly 9,000 square feet. While each building has its own architectural history and original purpose, together they now provide room for exhibitions, educational programs, and collections care.

Still Going Strong—Over 60 Years Later

Today, the Kittitas County Historical Society remains dedicated to the mission it began with in 1961: To collect, preserve, and share the history, heritage, and culture of Kittitas County.

The Society holds an Annual Member Meeting every December, during which a Board of Directors is elected to serve one-year terms. The Board meets monthly and continues to guide the Museum’s work into the future.

Get Involved

Anyone—individuals, families, or businesses—can become a member of the Historical Society and be part of preserving Kittitas County history.

📩 Interested in learning more about the Society, the Board of Directors, or our Annual Meeting? Contact us today!
🖋 Not a member yet? Join us today and help keep local history alive!