Prosperous Economy

The Eastern Washington State Historical Society (EWSHS) collects, catalogs, preserves, maintains and provides public access to irreplaceable artifacts, manuscripts, books, maps, ephemera, photographs, and digital images that interpret the history of Washington State.

This activity provides leadership in policy development, strategic, business planning, non-State resource development, budget, accounting ans financial reporting, procurement, human resource management, risk management, and records retention.

This activity provides educational programs, curriculum services and museum experiences to school districts, schools, teachers and students in eastern Washington. The activity is aligned with legislation regarding Common Core State Standards and Tribal Sovereignty in Washington State.

The Society manages a nationally accredited, Smithsonian-affiliated museum interpreting the history, diverse cultures and art of eastern Washington. The museum exhibits its collection through long-term and temporary exhibits, interpretive programs, scholarship and publications, K-12 and university field trips, and community programs (lectures, workshops, seminars, musical/theatrical performances, etc.).

The Society generates public awareness and non-state funding (accounting for 40-45 percent of the total budget) through media relations, social media, promotions and collateral material for programs and events, membership recruitment/retention/upgrade programs, donor development and fundraising activities, and grant writing.

The Society maintains a 5-acre campus with two historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, administrative offices, public auditorium and amphitheater, archive and collections storage, and Exhibit Hall. This activity includes utilities, HVAC for environmental control, security services, custodial and grounds care, and all capital (maintenance and repair) projects.