Last updated: 1/2/2020
Cheney, Washington
Address
420 1st Street
Cheney, WA 99004
phone: 509-850-0314
e-mail: info@cheneymuseum.org
web: www.cheneymuseum.org

Hours

Winter Hours
Friday
11 AM - 3 PM
We are happy to open at other times by appointment.
Summer Hours
Thursday - Saturday
11 AM - 3 PM

Admissions

Free; donations keep us going.

Free. Donations Accepted.

Staff

Joan Mamanakis
phone: 509-850-0314
Ann Heehn
phone: 509-850-0314
Barbara Curtis
phone: 509-850-0314
e-mail:
Description

The Cheney Historical Museum presents our local history from the time of the first white settlers around 1869 through the growth and development or our region. We have a diverse collection of photos and artifacts of pioneer home life, schools, early farming, the tools of building our communities, and a look at the people and businesses that shaped our towns. Our collection of photographs and archive materials helps researchers of family and regional history.

Mission

To help people understand our shared history of the Marshall, Four Lakes, Cheney, Tyler, and Amber districts of southwest Spokane County in eastern Washington, connecting the past with the present and building a bridge to the future by: a) Engaging the community in preserving our history and collection, historic places, and understanding their value; b) Working with organizations, institutions, business, and community to promote our districts' cultural life and heritage; c) Interpreting the history of our districts based on solid research.

History

The Tilicum Club organized in 1903 as a womens service organization. In 1935, the club was asked by several pioneer families to help in perserving information and artifacts about settlers and history of our district.

Tilicum Club becomes Southwest Spokane County Historical Society

In 2011 the Tilicum Club changed its name to the Southwest Spokane County Historical Society. The new name reflects the re-focused purposes of the organization and also reflects the change from a women's club to a broadly based historical society.

Permanent Exhibitions
Pioneer Exhibit

Artifacts from our own pioneers are used to create galleries showing rooms of a pioneer home and farm yard. There are objects which children can manipulate in each "room".

Our Rural School Heritage

A one room school exhibit shows a typical scene from the rural schools in our district. The locations of all of the rural schools are shown on a modern map. There is also a scrapbook display with information and photographs of most of the rural schools.

Artifact Collections

Artifacts from the daily domestic and farming lives, such as oxen yoke and shoes, butter churns, wash boards, lamps, shaving mug, and clothing. Artifacts representing the major events which touch our citizens from the Civil War through WWII. Photographs of schools, towns, farm life, people, events in our history.

Research Collections

Self-published family histories, biographies, and stories from early citizens. Histories written by churches and other orginizations. Scrap books from schools and clubs. Collections of records from clubs and orginizations.
Yearbooks from schools. Survey data from the Preservation Commission.

Research

Our research staff is happy to help you with family history, or research about places and events in our area. Send your research inquiry to info@cheneymuseum.org. An estimate will be provided for your acceptance before charges accrue.

Educational Programs

Currently no formal educational programs.

Governance

Governance is through a nine member board of directors and the will of the membership and volunteers.

Library
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members
Appointment required: No
Services
SHOP AND SUPPORT THE MUSEUM

Welcome to the Cheney Historical Museum Gift Shop. Fill your shopping cart with these great gifts for friends and family. Your purchases support museum programs and preservation activities.

Gift Shop
Online Gift Shop
Group Tours
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

February 5 - 7, 2025

Milledgeville, Georgia

Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

February 17 - 19, 2025

Gaithersburg, Maryland

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

Virginia Association of Museum's 2025 Annual Conference!

March 15 - 18, 2025

Blacksburg, Virginia

2025 Am Assoc for State and Local History Annual Conference

September 10 - 13, 2025

Cincinnati, Ohio

RECENT UPDATES

Museums

03/07 Pointe Coupee Parish Museum

New Roads, Louisiana

03/07 Uintah County Heritage Museum

Vernal, Utah

Museum Vendors

03/07 Digiscura

Encino, California

Museum Associations

03/07 Oregon Museums Association

Portland, Oregon

03/07 Virginia Association of Museums

Richmond, Virginia

03/07 American Association for State and Local History

Nashville, Tennessee

03/07 Small Museum Association

Dover, Delaware

03/07 Georgia Association of Museums

Marietta, Georgia