Yakima Valley Museum

08/27/2026

Happy first day of school, Yakima! One of the highlights of our summer here at the museum was the opportunity to welcome more than 1,300 local students for summer field trips. We love helping kids explore their community's history, and we really appreciated these awesome thank-you notes from this summer's students.

If you're interested in helping out with field trips or museum tours, sign up to volunteer at our museum today! Training will be provided, and you'll have an amazing opportunity to make a difference in local students' lives. To sign up, please fill out the form at yvmuseum.org/volunteer.

08/24/2026

This summer, we partnered with the Lupine Society of Readers to host five History Through Stories sessions. Each week featured a themed story time, hands-on activities, and a tour of our museum exhibits. Keep an eye on our website for a full list of this year's books - and some news on our upcoming programs!

08/21/2026

Ever been curious about how to donate an artifact to our museum? It’s actually pretty easy! All we ask is that it be related to the Yakima Valley and has some traceable provenance (aka information on who owned it and when). Then we have you fill out a quick form to collect your contact information and any other helpful notes. After our Collections Committee meets to decide whether to accept it, we’ll let you know the decision!

To donate an artifact, you can visit us any time during business hours or email us through the “Contact Us!” section on our website, which you can find here: yvmuseum.org/visit.

Please be aware that an approved donation does not automatically mean it will go on display in an exhibit, as we have plenty of important artifacts in storage too! But it will receive loving care just the same.

08/20/2026

Thank you to Rexford Park for spending time with us at the museum! We hope you enjoyed exploring Yakima Valley history and culture.

Planning a group visit? Ask us about discounted group admission and guided tours.

08/19/2026

Some of our staff members became Certified Tourism Ambassadors last week! We’re grateful for opportunities that strengthen our team and help us continue serving our community with care and excellence.

A sincere thank you to Yakima Valley Certified Tourism Ambassador Program for teaching this valuable training and helping connect local organizations with the knowledge and tools to better welcome visitors to our region.

We’ve been busy spreading the word about what makes the Yakima Valley such a special place! 🌟

Over the past few weeks, we’ve had the opportunity to bring our Yakima Valley Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) program to wonderful groups in our community:

✔️ Selah- we hosted Selah-area participants at The Findry
✔️ Prosser- community members came together at Prosser City Council Chambers
✔️ Yakima- we wrapped up our latest class with the staff at the Yakima Valley Museum

We’re so grateful to each group for taking the time to learn more about our region, its tourism industry and the many incredible experiences we have to share with visitors!

Interested in becoming a Yakima Valley Certified Tourism Ambassador? The more people who know and love the Yakima Valley the more ambassadors we have helping tell our story! Keep an eye on our social media channels and visit our website for information about upcoming classes and registration opportunities. We’d love to see you at a future class! 🍎 🍷 🌄

08/18/2026

Reading, Workshop, and Book Signing with Washington’s Poet Laureate Derek Sheffield at the Yakima Valley Museum!

When: Thursday, October 1st
Time: 6:00PM
Cost: FREE
Presented by Derek Sheffield, professor and Poet Laureate
Bring paper and something to write with!

Celebrated poet and professor Derek Sheffield is Washington’s eighth state poet laureate. He teaches poetry, nature writing, and ecoliterature at Wenatchee Valley College and has published several prize-winning collections, including Cascadia Field Guide, Not for Luck, and Dear America. He lives near Leavenworth, Washington, and edits poetry for Terrain.org.

Register here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/yvmaha/event/2026poetlaureate/

08/17/2026

Last week, Executive Director Liz Hobson presented the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan.

For 75 years, the Yakima Valley Museum has stood as a place to conserve our stories, inspire our community, and celebrate all that makes the Yakima Valley home. Now, as we look toward the next 75, it's time to guide our future together.

This roadmap belongs to more than just our staff and board. It was shaped by over 100 people, including community nonprofit partners, members, donors, former board members, and Yakima neighbors, who gave their time and candor to help us chart this path. Their voices are on every page. We appreciate everyone who took the time to join us.

Learn more here: https://yvmuseum.org/news/strategic-plan-2026-2030

08/13/2026

Join us for the first of three speaker series this Saturday, August 15th focused on the life and legacy of Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas.

William O. Douglas: Yakima’s U.S. Supreme Court Justice
Sat., Aug. 15, 2026 | 12pm | Free Entry
In Partnership with the Yakima Valley Historical Society

Register here: https://yvmuseum.org/news/speaker-series-an-inside-look-at-william-o-douglas

08/12/2026

Need a notebook? Or a new friend? Stop by the Museum Store for all your needs.

08/11/2026

The Future of Your Museum: A Strategic Planning Review

For 75 years, the Yakima Valley Museum has stood as a place to conserve our stories, inspire our community, and celebrate all that makes the Yakima Valley home. Now, as we look toward the next 75, it's time to guide our future together.

Join us as we unveil the Museum's 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, a roadmap to guide our future for the next four years and beyond.

Friday, August 14
Refreshments at 8:30 AM | Program begins at 9:00 AM

Come early for coffee and conversation before we share what's next for the museum you love.

All are welcome. Please contact Liz Hobson [email protected] or 509-960-9175 for questions.

Register here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/yvmaha/event/comeseewhatsnext/