A step over the threshold of the Carpenter House is a step into the colorful history of the mining communities of Upper Kittitas County. This 1914 mansion with its spacious rooms, tiny alcoves, and third floor ballroom holds the story of Cle Elum’s first successful banker and former mayor of Cle Elum, Frank Carpenter, and his family. In 1989, the Carpenter Family donated the home and all of its original furnishings to the Historical Society for the express purpose of creating a museum. Local families have donated a few of their beloved furnishings and ancestors’ old country costumes to make the museum a true example of Cle Elum’s past. NKCHS began a reciprocal relationship with the High Country Artists in 2000. In exchange for gallery space and a working studio in the Carpenter House, the High Country Artists provide docent and caretaking services for the museum. HCA art exhibits rotate monthly. The third floor ballroom showcases a history display of the local area, and the newly remodeled basement serves as a community space for meetings, art work, workshops, and “Night At The Museum” history lectures. Contact us at nkcmuseums@gmail.com if your group would like to hold a meeting in the basement room.
Carpenter House Museum – 302 West 3rd Street – Cle Elum WA 98922
OPEN APRIL THRU SEPTEMBER, FRI-SAT-SUN – NOON TO 4PM
Free Admission (Donations gladly accepted!)
Northern Kittitas County Historical Society (NKCHS) 