History Resources, Historical Societies, Heritage Centers, and Museums in the Tri-Cities Washington Region
Early White Bluffs Settlers (from the DOE Historical Photo Gallery)
A directory of history resources (Hanford history, historical photos, etc.), museums, historical societies, heritage centers, genealogical societies, and childrens museums is provided for Tri-Cities Washington and other nearby communities in Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon (see coverage map).
There are a lot of museums and heritage centers in this region that you can drive to within one hour from the Tri-Cities! So plan a day trip and enjoy!
Architectural History of Richland
During the 1940's, the US Government hired Albin Pherson, an architect from Spokane, to plan the entire community of Richland. Construction of the streets began on March 20, 1943 with the first house being completed (a B-house) on April 28, 1943. The houses built were assigned a letter. For more information about these alphabet houses, check out The Houses that Hanford Built. Information on street names in 1945 and other general buildings including apartments is provided.
Arid Lands (a film)
An award winning film, Arid Lands, focuses on the environmental and cultural history of the Mid-Columbia Basin. The film tells the story of the changes that have shaped this landscape, from Hanford nuclear production and federal irrigation projects, to more recent forces, such as environmental cleanup, housing development, and tourism. For more information, see www.sidelongfilms.com.
Center for Columbia River History
The Center for Columbia River History promotes the study of Columbia River Basin history and includes historical information for communities including Moses Lake, WA and Umatilla, OR.
Children's Museums
There are several children's museums in this region that serve as an educational resource with activities geared for children ages 10 and under. Some even host birthday parties!
- Three Rivers Children's Museum (Pasco)
- Children's Museum of Walla Walla
- Children's Underground (Yakima Valley Museum)
- Children's Museum of Eastern Oregon (Pendleton)
The Columbia River - A Photographic Journey
A wonderful photo essay, The Columbia River - A Photographic Journey, explores Lewis & Clark's Columbia River - "200 Years Later." According to Lyn Topinka, the journey "includes over 2,500 images of geographic areas and interesting items along 330-plus miles of the Columbia River, covering the area seen by Lewis and Clark in 1805 and 1806."
Genealogical Societies
There are several genealogical societies in this region that are dedicated to preserving the past for future generations:- Blue Mountain Genealogy Society (Pendleton)
- The Tri-City Genealogical Society
- Walla Walla County GenWeb Project
- Yakima Valley Genealogical Society
General Washington and Oregon History
The Washington Secretary of State has a section on Washington History where you can search historical records, view historical newspapers, and view online presentations on Washtington State history. In addition, HistoryLink.org is an online encylopedia of Washington State history that can be searched.The Oregon Blue Book, which is the official state directory and fact book about all levels of government in Oregon, has a section on Oregon History. In addition, A Place Called Oregon offers history and genealogy information for Oregon State and has a section on Umatilla County.
Hanford History
The Hanford News has a section on history with subjects titled "Bound by the Bomb" and "50 years of Hanford." In addition, there is a photo section that has historical photographs of the homes of Hanford area and billboard style signs around Richland and Hanford. Note: registration may be required to see additional content.
Historical Photos of Hanford and the Tri-Cities
The Department of Energy's Photo Gallery consists of collections of photographs relevant to the history, operation, and clean-up of the Hanford Site in Richland, Washington. The historic collection features images that depict the the early White Bluffs area settlers prior to the establishment of The Hanford Project in 1943.
Also, the Tri-City Herald maintains several historical photo galleries of Richland, Pasco, Kennewick, and the early days of Hanford. In addition, the East Benton County Historical Society and Museum has an architectural history section with photographs that covers Richland, Kennewick, Finley, and the ghost towns of Hover, Hanford, and White Bluffs.
Kennewick Man
The Tri-City Herald provides information related to the discovery of the Kennewick Man in July 1996 who is believed to have lived 9,200 years ago in this region.
In addition, the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture (University of Washington) has information about the Kennewick Man. The Burke Museum serves as a court-ordered neutral repository for the Kennewick Man remains. While the remains are stored in their facility, Burke staff are not involved in their study.
Lewis and Clark Trail Watch
The Lewis and Clark Trail Watch is an academic weblog exploring the interpretation of the Lewis and Clark expedition and bicentennial in museums, historic sites, interpretive centers, and popular media.
Museums and Historical Societies - Southeast Washington
This section lists museums, heritage centers, and historical societies for the following communities in Southeast Washington:
Burbank
The Wanapum Heritage Center presents, maintains, and continues Wanapum history and way of life. The museum is located next to Wanapum dam on the Columbia River.Connell
The Connell Heritage Museum, located in the Old Town Park, is replete with historical artifacts and information. Current museum hours are Saturdays 1-4 p.m.Dayton
The Boldman House Museum and Garden has a mission: to bring life to the family home of Miss Gladys M. Boldman through restoration, conservation, interpretation, and education.Columbia County Heritage allows you to view online the historical buildings around Dayton.
The Dayton Train Depot is the oldest surviving train depot in the state. It was originally built in 1881 and is now a museum.
The Palus Artifact Museum, located at 426 E Main Street, offers a collection of locally found artifacts from the Palouse Indian tribe.
Grandview
The RE Powlell Museum offers an abundance of history display items. All types of cultural enrichment opportunities are on hand for your enjoymentKennewick
The East Benton County Historical Society and Museum is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the rich history in this area. Their architectural history section includes photographs and covers Richland, Kennewick, Finley, and the ghost towns of Hover, Hanford, and White Bluffs.Moses Lake
The Museum and Art Center provides the area with a community location for both history and visual arts and features an extensive collection of historical artifacts including the prestigious "Adam East Collection".Othello
The Othello Community Museum features local railroad information about their historical Milwaukee Caboose. They are open by appointment only.Palouse
The The Roy M. Chatters Newspaper and Printing Museum was established to preserve the older equipment and methods of printing called "letter-press printing."Pasco
The Franklin County Historical Society and Museum captures the history of Franklin County. The museum, originally constructed in 1910 as part of Andrew Carnegie's worldwide library construction program, is operated by volunteers of the Franklin County Historical SocietyThe Sacajawea State Park and Interpretive Center tells the remarkable story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The exhibits highlight their activities at this site and the role of their interpreter, Sacagawea.
The Washington State Railroads Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of railroads and railroading in the State of Washington. The Society operates a museum that is open to the public from May to December on Saturdays.
Pataha
The Pataha Flour Mill was restored and opened to the public in 1998. The mill includes a gift shop, restaurant, and a historic camera collection.Pomeroy
Folks can step back in time and take a look at the equipment used for farming tasks at the Eastern Washington Agricultural Museum at the Garfield County Fairgrounds. The museum, which is open by appointment only, houses all sorts of antiques, from branding irons to horse- drawn buggies used in the late 1800s and early 1900s.The Pomeroy Historic Preservation Committee is engaged in the preservation of the Pomeroy Downtown National Historic District. You can read the history of each building in this District, view old photos, and read a short history of Garfield County.
Prosser
The Benton County Historical Museum, located at the Prosser City Park, features a variety of pioneering artifacts, American Indian items, and more.Richland
The B Reactor Museum Association is an all-volunteer association of individuals and groups working to preserve the historic B Reactor on the Hanford Nuclear Site as a public museum.The Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science, and Technology (CREHST) is a museum and science center created to tell the dynamic story of the Columbia Basin and surrounding region.
The Hanford Reach Interpretive Center (The Reach) is being developed to celebrate and learn about the natural and cultural history of the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River and greater Columbia Basin.
Sunnyside
The Sunnyside Historical Museum features a collection of artifacts and documents, as well as several displays depicting home life in Sunnyside at the turn of the 20th century.Toppenish
The American Hop Museum is the nation's only hop museum dedicated to the preservation of the historical equipment, photos, and artifacts that have long been important in the growing and harvesting of the obscure perennial vine, Humulus lupulus, that is vital to the brewing industry.The Northern Pacific Railway Museum is located in a restored 1911 Northern Pacific Railway depot and provides an opportunity for visitors to view many aspects of early railroad transportation.
The Toppenish Historical Museum, located at 1 S Elm St, includes the Estelle Reel Meyer collection of American Indian basketry and beadwork. Exhibits on the cattle industry, antique firefighting equipment, school memorabilia from 1930-1950 and works by local artists are also displayed.
The Yakama Nation Museum and Cultural Heritage Center is home to one of the oldest Native American Museums in the United States. The 12,000 sqare foot exhibition hall is the result of years of effort on the part of the Yakama people.
Union Gap
The Central Washington Agricultural Museum has preserved the agricultural heritage of the Yakima Valley and Central Washington by restoring antique farm equipment and household items to educate the public about the processes and equipment used in early agriculture.Waitsburg
Bruce Memorial Museum: The Bruce House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and maintained by the Waitsburg Historical Society. Tours are available during the summer months by appointment.Walla Walla
The Fort Walla Walla Museum offers five large exhibit halls, a 17-building pioneer village, and more than 40 Living History performances each season. The Museum occupies 15 acres within Fort Walla Walla Park, part of the original 600-acre military reservation of Fort Walla Walla.The Kirkman House Museum enriches the Walla Walla community with exhibits, events and programs that bring the valley’s history to life. The Kirkman House has been on the National Historic Register since 1975.
WallaWallaHistory.com is an online virtual museum of old photographs, ads, and maps associated with the Walla Walla region.
Whitman Mission National Historic Site commemorates Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, the role they played in establishing the Oregon Trail, and the challenges encountered when two cultures met.
Warden
The Warden Historical Museum is a former depot from the Milwaukee Railroad that was purchased for $1 in 1977 by the Warden Historical Society. Currently the museum does not have regularly scheduled hours of operation.White Swan
The Fort Simcoe State Park Heritage Site is a 200-acre, day-use heritage park in south central Washington on the Yakama Indian Nation Reservation. The park is primarily an interpretive effort, telling the story of mid-19th century army life and providing insights into the lifeways of local Native American culture.Yakima
Yakima Memory features searchable images from the collections at the Yakima Valley Regional Library and the Yakima Valley Museum.The Yakima Valley Museum is a 65,000 sq.ft. facility that offers historical exhibits on the Yakima Valley - its natural history, American Indian culture, pioneer life, early city life, and the roots and development of the Valley's fruit industry.
The Yakima Valley Trolleys (YVT) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because it is the last authentic, all-original, turn-of-the-century interurban electric railroad in the United States. You can take a ride during the months of May through September and learn more about the history of YVT.
Museums and Historical Societies - Northeast Oregon
This section lists museums, heritage centers, and historical societies for the following communities in Northeast Oregon:
Echo
The Chinese House Railroad Museum features Union Pacific and Oregon Railway and Navigation Company tools, photos and other items used in early Echo and Oregon railroad operations.Milton-Freewater
The Frazier-Farmstead Museum is a six acre site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Frazier home was built in 1892 and houses a fine collection of antique furnishings and other items of the 19th Century daily living. Most of the furnishings are the original items to the home.Pendleton
The Pendleton Air Museum aims to preserve the heritage of the region's civilian and military aviation and to instruct visitors about the history and the sacrifices of local soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.The Pendleton Round-Up & Happy Canyon Hall of Fame showcases the history of the Pendleton Round-Up and the Happy Canyon Show. It includes facinating displays of Round-Up history, past Royalty, Presidents, Champions, and even rodeo stock.
The Pendleton Underground Tour provides a nostalgic tour of Pendleton's wilder side and a lively look at their infamous and entertaining past.
Pendleton Wollen Mills has been "weaving America's spirit since 1909." This company started out in the Indian trading blanket business and has since expanded their manufacturing process to include weaving fabrics for their exclusive Pendleton apparel. Read about the Pendleton Heritage and arrange to take a mill tour.
The Tamastslikt Cultural Institute opened in August 1998 and presents an entirely new perspective on history - that of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Tribes.
The Umatilla County Historical Society maintains the Heritage Station Museum which is a 1909 train depot that houses their exhibit galleries. On the grounds you will be able to ride the rails in the caboose, attend class in a 1879 one-room schoolhouse, and walk through an 1879 homestead.
Umatilla
The Umatilla Museum & Historical Foundation was formed with the purpose of preserving the history of the Umatilla community and the surrounding area. The foundation maintains the Umatilla Museum which recruits traveling exhibits. It is located at 911 Sixth Street.
See South-Central Washington - A Sunday Drive Guide
"See South-Central Washington - A Sunday Drive Guide" was published in 1982. This book was authored by Jean Carol Davis and illustrated by Jerre Amy (aka Jerre NightHawk Raven). The author describes the history along ten different routes with Tri-Cities as the starting point.
Unfortunately, this book is no longer in print but a few used copies are still available from AbeBooks.com and Amazon.com.
Washington Folk Arts
Washington Folk Arts, a project of Northwest Heritage Resources, offers narrated audio guides, including traditional music and stories from local residents along various routes through Washington state including one for the Richland to Clarkston corridor.
Where the Great River Bends
Where the Great River Bends, edited by Robert J Carson, is a book about the natural and human history of the Columbia at Wallula. This book covers the geography, geology, biology and history of an area symbolized by a unique geologic feature, the Twin Sisters. Here the Ice Age floods rushed through, Native Americans lived, fur trappers traded and railroads thrived, making it an important historical and cultural landmark in the West’s awesome landscape.