Re-Imagining the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center
For more than 85 years, the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center has captivated visitors with the stories of North Central Washington. As our region changes and our community grows, we recognize the pressing need to transform this treasure into a vibrant hub that embraces our beginnings while branching out into an even brighter future.
We are excited to embark on this transformation of the museum alongside you. This campaign goes beyond bricks and mortar—it’s about creating an enduring testament to the power of unity, where our stories interweave, our roots intertwine, and our connections deepen.
Eliot Scull, Co-Chair
Heather Ostenson, Co-Chair
John Donaghy, Co-Chair
Marriah Thornock, Executive Director
The Case
The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center has long been a place where the history, culture, and creativity of our region come alive. Yet today’s visitors need more than the museum’s current facilities can provide—easier access, more engaging spaces, and opportunities to connect across generations and cultures. The “Branch Out” campaign is our answer to that need. By reimagining our campus with connected buildings, welcoming gathering areas, and interactive exhibits, we will create a destination that reflects the energy of our growing community and ensures these stories are preserved, shared, and celebrated for decades to come.
The Vision
Exterior:
Interior:
The Plans
The future Museum will be a cultural anchor and premier destination for visitors near and far featuring,
- A new light-filled lobby connecting the two buildings and adding an additional 14,000 square feet of new interior and exterior space
- A new main entrance at the back of the Museum, centralizing access to exhibits and programs, creating better access to parking, and a more equitable experience for all visitors
- Extension of Museum spaces to the outdoors with a welcoming exterior plaza and gathering space, and shared programming at Centennial Park developed with the City of Wenatchee
- All new exhibits that connect people to our region’s history, art, science, and culture in interactive and immersive ways
“We need a common space for storytelling and community conversation — a space that lives and breathes like the forests around us.”
Randy Lewis,Elder of the Colville Confederated Tribes 
“I cherish how the museum is a hub of our heritage and history, enhancing the area’s cultural vitality.”
Rosa PulidoExecutive Director of Wenatchee Downtown Association 
“We need to update the museum into the heartbeat of our community and a must-visit for everyone.”
Linda HaglundCommunity Leader 
“A vibrant, updated museum is integral to Community – telling stories, preserving our rich history, and culture.”
Dennis JohnsonFormer Mayor & current Board member 
“Museums are the living pulse of a community, connecting us with our shared history and the world around us.”
Paula Arno MartinezBoard Member 
“Our museum is a place of discovery, imagination, and fun! This is where transformation occurs!”
Martha FloresCommunity Leader & Artist 
“Our museum is the keeper of our stories and the place to celebrate the people and events that make those stories possible.”
Jerrilea CrawfordEast Wenatchee Mayor 
“We have an opportunity to drive urban renewal through this project, transforming our museum into a 21st-century centerpiece, injecting fresh energy into our community.”
Eliot ScullCampaign Co-Chair 
