Kittitas County Historical Museum

About Us

The Kittitas County Historical Museum is a place to slow down, look closer, and discover the stories that make Kittitas County feel like home. Housed in the historic Cadwell Building (1889) in downtown Ellensburg, the Museum invites visitors to explore the people, places, and moments that shaped life from Snoqualmie Pass to the Columbia River—and still influence it today.

Inside, you’ll find engaging exhibits that change throughout the year, filled with photographs, objects, artwork, and voices from across the county. From Indigenous histories and early settlement to agriculture, irrigation, transportation, business, and everyday community life, the Museum connects big regional themes with personal, human stories. Whether you’re a longtime local, a student, or just passing through, there’s always something familiar—and something surprising—to discover.

The Museum is more than galleries. It’s a gathering place for hands-on workshops, talks, school programs, and community conversations, as well as a research hub for those curious to dig deeper. Behind the scenes, staff and volunteers care for thousands of objects and archives, preserving fragile materials and maintaining a historic building so these stories remain accessible for generations to come.

Warm, welcoming, and rooted in community, the Kittitas County Historical Museum is a place to learn, reflect, and feel connected. Come for an hour or an afternoon—leave with a deeper sense of the place you’re standing in and the stories that surround it.