The Chelan Museum

Operated by Lake Chelan Historical Society

From its creative beginning in 1970, the Chelan Museum has faithfully acted as a historical resource and cultural center for the Lake Chelan Valley. A visit is a must-see for the historically minded and scholars will be impressed with the archives. The Chelan Museum is another example of the civic vibrancy and depth of the Lake Chelan community.

The Miners & Merchants Bank, circa 1930. Future home of the Chelan Museum.

Beginnings

The Lake Chelan Museum began as a dream in the early 1960’s when two display cases were put in the Chelan branch of the Seattle First National Bank building at the corner of Emerson and Woodin.

The building 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.

Over the coming years, various families in the valley brought photos and historical treasures to the bank to be displayed in the cases. In time, many families gave such treasures to the manager of the bank, James Lindston, to be included in a future Chelan Museum.

At the end of the decade, “Sea-First Bank” as it was called, had started planning for the construction of a new building at the corner of Johnson and Columbia (current location of WaFd Bank). The bank expressed interest in giving its old building to the community to serve as a museum.

In 1970, Mr Lindston retired as branch manager and helped form the Lake Chelan Historical Society. The Society graciously received the gift of the old bank building from Seattle First National Bank and began planning for its future.

Two years after its formation, the museum opened its doors to valley residents and visitors on June 3, 1972.

Evolution

Since these early days, the Historical Society has continued to grow and evolve. “History Notes”, a collection of historical articles, began to be published on an annual basis.

And various members of the Society took to the airways of the local radio station, KOZI, to offer short historical vignettes to listeners. The efforts of the most recent storyteller, Don Lloyd, can be found on the Society’s website.