Lake Chelan Museum

Lake Chelan Museum The Chelan Museum is operated by the Lake Chelan Historical Society as a historical and cultural center for the Lake Chelan Valley.

The Lake Chelan Historical Society (LCHS) was started in 1970 by James Lindston after he retired from the Seattle First National Bank (SeaFirst) as the Chelan branch manager. The building that the museum occupies was originally the home of the Miners & Merchants Bank, which was established in 1902 and operated until 1955, when it was acquired by SeaFirst. The building was built in 1907. Our missio

n statement is short and to the point: to act as a historical resource and cultural center for the Lake Chelan Valley. We are a 501(c)(3) organization for tax purposes and thus can accept donations that would qualify as charitable contributions. We are independently operated: our income is mainly derived from membership dues, admission fees, rental income and sales of historical books and pamphlets, apple labels and grants.

Throwback Thursday 🥖Step inside Wards Bakery, May 1926—100 years ago this month. Behind the counter, two hardworking wom...
04/30/2026

Throwback Thursday 🥖

Step inside Wards Bakery, May 1926—100 years ago this month. Behind the counter, two hardworking women (left: Gladys Spring Armour, right: unknown) pause for a moment during a busy day of baking, surrounded by fresh loaves, pastries, and the comforting sights—and surely smells—of a community staple.

Located on Woodin Ave, Wards Bakery operated in the same building where Evergreen Accounting and Greene Insurance Services are today. At the time, its neighbors included Chelan Furniture Co (now Lake Life) and Chelan Meat Co (now Layla’s Bar & Kitchen). A street view and additional interior photo are posted in the comments.

Do you have stories to share about Wards Bakery? We’d love to hear them!

🎉 You’re invited!Join us for our Annual Member Meeting at the Ruby Theatre for an evening filled with fascinating local ...
04/17/2026

🎉 You’re invited!

Join us for our Annual Member Meeting at the Ruby Theatre for an evening filled with fascinating local history and community connection.

We’re thrilled to feature a short video of Betty Holmes Ruse, who shares stories from her time working the Chelan Switchboard—a unique look into the past you won’t want to miss!

Director Ron McGaughey will also introduce our new Photo Policy and showcase favorite picks from our collection. Everyone is welcome and we hope you join us!

đź“… April 29
🕡 6:30 PM
đź“Ť Ruby Theatre

Afterwards, come and enjoy refreshments and great company at the Museum —we hope to see you there!

2nd floor office for rent! 206-218-7515
11/14/2025

2nd floor office for rent! 206-218-7515

Have you seen the beautiful oil painting Ancient Advance by Snohomish artist Rowan Carey? It is displayed at the Chelan ...
09/25/2025

Have you seen the beautiful oil painting Ancient Advance by Snohomish artist Rowan Carey? It is displayed at the Chelan Museum for a limited time. The image depicts what Chelan looked like ~17,000 years ago as a tongue of the continental ice sheet advanced up the Chelan Valley.
Ancient Advance will be shown at locations throughout the Chelan Valley this fall and auctioned as a fundraiser for the Lake Chelan Research Institute later in the year.
For more information see https://lakechelanresearchinstitute.com

Do you enjoy local history and want to make a difference in your community? Chelan Museum is a small and vibrant museum ...
09/25/2025

Do you enjoy local history and want to make a difference in your community? Chelan Museum is a small and vibrant museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of our town and region. We are seeking a friendly, organized Administrative Assistant to support our daily operations, and assist with events and programs that bring history to life. For more information please email [email protected], call 509-682-5644 or stop by the museum.

In the early 1900's Frank Matsura immigrated from Japan and arrived in Conconully Washington, Okanogan County. There he ...
09/03/2025

In the early 1900's Frank Matsura immigrated from Japan and arrived in Conconully Washington, Okanogan County. There he began capturing photos and portraits of cowboys, miners, merchants, and the Indigenous people of the region.
Don't miss the screening of "Our Mr. Matsura" by Beth Harrington at the Historic Ruby Theatre, part of the Ruby U series! Free admission! Doors open at 6:30. Beth will speak after the film.

Thought you would like to know:
07/11/2025

Thought you would like to know:

Lake Chelan Has Depth! We just finished installing a new major display at the museum. A timeline photo montage of Chelan...
05/09/2025

Lake Chelan Has Depth! We just finished installing a new major display at the museum. A timeline photo montage of Chelan's history from 1890s to 1980s. (11) 48" x 40" canvas prints mounted end to end. Come in and see!
Prints were printed by Kirk and Mary McGovern.

The Lake Chelan Historical Society is holding it’s annual meeting on Wednesday April 23, 6:30 at Chelan’s Historic Ruby ...
04/15/2025

The Lake Chelan Historical Society is holding it’s annual meeting on Wednesday April 23, 6:30 at Chelan’s Historic Ruby Theatre.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

The Lake Chelan Historical Society is excited to have Ramona Wilson as our guest speaker at this year’s annual meeting.
Ramona has been gathering her family’s history and will be speaking about the life of her grandfather Long Jim, who was born in 1860 and lived in Chelan and Brewster.
Please join us at the Historic Ruby Theatre for this free event!

There will be a short business meeting of the Historical Society before Ramona speaks.

Left, Long Jim, Innomoseecha
Right, Ramona Wilson, granddaughter of Long Jim.
Photo credit : Aya Newman

Board members Sue Clouse and Carla Everett were on KOZI radio’s Second Cup of Coffee today with 2 of Linda Bradley’s bea...
11/07/2024

Board members Sue Clouse and Carla Everett were on KOZI radio’s Second Cup of Coffee today with 2 of Linda Bradley’s beautiful handmade baskets. Linda generously donated her handiwork to the museum. Carla drew the winning tickets. Congratulations to the winners: Sara Doyle, Patti Sparks, and Bob Kipp! Thank you so much for those who purchased tickets and donated items for the baskets.

2024 History Notes are now available at the Chelan Museum for pick-up! Are you a member of the museum? Come in and pick ...
11/01/2024

2024 History Notes are now available at the Chelan Museum for pick-up! Are you a member of the museum? Come in and pick up your complimentary copy. Not a member? Join today and receive your copy of our annual publication. History Notes can also be purchased for $7.00 for the current year and $5.00 for past issues.
Next week is November which means we will moving to our winter hours: Thu-Sat 11-3

Address

204 E. Woodin Avenue (PO Box 1948)
Chelan, WA
98816

Opening Hours

Tuesday 11pm - 4pm
Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

+15096825644

Website

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