Walt Goodman Historical Museum

Open Seasonally from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend

Fridays and Saturdays:  10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Sundays:  11:00 am to 3:00 pm

The Museum in Chewelah began with artifacts displayed in a single room during the Chewelah Fun Fair in the summer of 1965.  That exhibit drew so much interest, it was requested for the following year.  This humble beginning spurred Walt Goodman and his niece, Dorothy, both interested in local history and historical artifacts, to combine ideas and create what has become today’s Walt Goodman Historical Museum.

The people of Chewelah and surrounding areas were cooperative and generous.  Over the years, many have given valuable family collections, providing unique items of historical interest for the museum’s exhibits.  From that modest single-room start, the museum expanded to inhabit its current spacious home.  The building contains old photos of people, photos of the town itself as it formed and grew, as well as surrounding places of particular interest and value.  Vintage items add to Chewelah’s many stories and specific history.  Each year, the museum’s collection grows with additions put on display.  Visitors can explore Chewelah’s history and culture from its beginnings to the present day.  There are fossils that are more than 5,000 years old, exhibits that show life during pioneer days, fashions from the 1920’s, items and artifacts from native cultures, and military uniforms.  Many who pass through Chewelah’s museum claim it is one of the best they’ve seen.  The museum’s dedicated curators and supporters believe them!

INFORMATION for the Walt Goodman Historical Museum: c/o City of Chewelah, PO Box 258, Chewelah, WA 99109.

DIRECTIONS: The Walt Goodman Historical Museum is located in Chewelah, which is in Stevens County, in the northeast corner of Washington State.  The Museum is east of Highway 395, south of the City Park, at 501 N. 3rd Street E., behind the Chewelah Recreation Association’s Bowling Alley and Paul Coffey-Troy Bauman League Field.