Upper Valley Museum hosting a Holly Jolly Open House

The Upper Valley Museum at Leavenworth will be hosting an open house and “Christmas In July” program on July 25th at the museum, 347 Division Street, from 6:30 to 8 P.M. All museum members are invited; as well as anyone who wants to learn more about the museum, the history of Christmas traditions, or just likes delicious Christmas cookies and desserts. David Severance, Leavenworth’s very own Father Christmas, will lead the evening’s special program which will begin at 7 P.M.

The museum has seen a lot of changes in its sixteen years of preserving and presenting the stories and lives of Leavenworth, Peshastin, Dryden, Blewett, Plain and Lake Wenatchee. David Severance, the current vice president of the Upper Valley Historical Society has been with the museum from the very beginning. “The museum has grown from a branch of Wenatchee Valley Museum to an independent non-profit located in the same building as Wenatchee River Institute and Upper Valley Mend”, said David. “The communities we serve have grown considerably as well, with many new businesses and new families moving into the Upper Valley”.

The museum board recently elected Matt Cade as its president. Naturally enthusiastic, Matt said he is happy to be part of a re-energized board and the direction the museum is going. “The museum has exciting plans to expand and improve what it currently offers”, Matt said. “We are working on a new strategic plan to ‘bust out’ of our current location. This will allow us to better share our inspiring history of the Upper Valley with the communities we serve and those who visit us.”

The idea of the open house came out of one of the museum’s strategic planning meetings. “A big part of our strategic plan is to hear from the community”, said Matt. “We need to hear not only from long-time and current residents, but anyone else who has an interest in the museum. It is important for us to hear what people like about the museum and how we can improve it.”

The museum isn’t just excited about the past. There are many new histories being created right now in our communities. The museum wants to be able to record these for future generations. We have big dreams for the future of the museum and they all start with listening to what you have to say now.

Perhaps you have an idea or family artifact that might make for an interesting exhibit or program. Maybe you’d like to learn about volunteering at the museum or have a unique skill set that could benefit our museum board. Maybe you weren’t even aware there was a museum in Leavenworth (or that it contains the very sword of Captain Leavenworth himself!).

Then please come join us on Wednesday, July 25th at 6:30 P.M. at the Upper Valley Museum at Leavenworth. Meet our new board officers, help us decorate the tree, and learn about the rich traditions of Christmas without having to shovel any snow. For more information on museum activities, visit our Facebook page or website (www.uppervalleymuseum.org).