Welcome to the Davenport Historical Society
The Society was formed in October of 1968. In 1970, the City Council leased 5 lots along Cottonwood Creek (the old Washington Water Power grounds) to the Society. This allowed the hiring of an architect and beginning of actual construction. Funding came from membership dues, donations and a generous gift from George Kloster (a Harrington farmer). With construction and landscaping completed, the Museum was opened and dedicated on July 15, 1972. This was also the first Pioneer Days.
The Museum portrays the evolution of Lincoln County. Starting with Indian artifacts and displays, it looks at what brought people to Lincoln County, the evolution of farming, and the development of life in the area including the impact that railroading had to the area.
Museum Hours
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May 1st through September 30th
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Monday through Saturday 9:00AM to 5:00PM.
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By appointment only the months of October 1st through April 30th
Phone: (509)725-6711
Information
Through a complete set of programs, the Society collects, preserves, and makes available to all citizens, the heritage of Lincoln County.
Thousands of children and adults take a firsthand look at County history. Richly detailed interiors and exhibits tell the story of Lincoln County's past in a clear and interesting manner. The museum staff offers technical assistance to individuals on subjects such as caring for collections, exhibits, conservation, and researching historical objects. In addition, the
museum's collection of artifacts is available to researchers. Also available is an American Indian display, a railroad memorabilia display, farm machinery, steam engine, combines, tools, guns, a prison cell, printing press, vintage fire engines and an impressive display dealing with the outlaw, Harry Tracy.
Education
The Historical Society provides many educational opportunities for children and adults.
Visits by elementary school students to the museum include a demonstration of pioneer skills and hands-on programs with artifacts from Lincoln County. The Society makes available video presentations on a variety of historical subjects.
Historical Library & Archives
A variety of materials and services pertaining to Lincoln County and Pacific Northwest history are available to researchers, including:
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Books and Scrapbooks
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Newspapers
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Historical Photographs, maps and atlases
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Periodicals & documents file
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Photo duplication service
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Oral history
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Genealogical sources & services
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Territorial & state government publications
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References & technical assistance
Publications
The Society has published Postmarked Washington. In addition, the Historical Society sells the books: Harry Tracy, The Last Desperado, and Lincoln County: A Lasting Legacy.
Oral History Center
The Historical Society's Oral History Center Collects, preserves and makes available to the public the memories of Lincoln County pioneers, who have lived through much of the county's history.