Upper Valley Museum prepares for future - but first, a hiatus

    A long time tourist attraction and a celebrated local archive is closing its doors temporarily to prepare for an upcoming transition to a new location - the Upper Valley Museum, operated by the Upper Valley Historical Society, has decided to move out of its former home on Division Street to a new, currently unnamed, spot.
    The Upper Valley Museum will began its gradual move out in the spring and in order to do so, the last open day for the museum in its current location will be on Sunday, March 3.
    "What prompted the move was that we've looked for grants for bigger and better exhibits and several other plans, but we don't have the sustainability model with low attendance numbers," said Matt Cade, board director. "We're invisible to the community because it's a low traffic area."
     Due to the lack of visibility, outsiders strolling through town and looking for something to do, miss spotting it. Even life long residents that are unsure of the museum's location has caused the museum to push for a spot to catch eyes and visitors.
    "We need to build a sustainable engine, we have to be financially successful. We have an exciting long term business model that will open the history of the Upper Wenatchee Valley," said Cade.
    So in order to increase attendance numbers and become a more visible asset to the Bavarian Village, the museum is working on negotiating a lease on Front Street - ideal real estate for a place trying to be noticed.
    "We predict our new location would bump up exhibit attendance five times the number we currently have," said Cade. "This estimate is based on the other attendance at the other museum on Front Street."
    The Upper Valley Museum houses cherished pieces of community history, tangible reminders of those community leaders that have paved the path for today and interactive opportunities to engage with the past. Overall, the museum is a time capsule that holds a lot of artifacts.
    "It inspires people based on things other community members have done over the years," said Cade.
    During the transition into its new location, community members won't have to miss out catching glimpses and glimmers of Upper Valley history. According to Cade, Cascade High School will be one of the storage spots for exhibits. The two entities, the museum and high school, will pair up to have a rotating exhibits in the front cabinets toward the entrance of the high school. This will not only serve the purpose of the artifacts still being able to be admired during the move, but also a chance for students to see more of local history. Another possible storage location is the Festhalle.
    Cade says the Upper Valley Museum is striving to re-open its door in its new home by Thanksgiving, but that depends on a variety of factors.
    "The board envisions creating a welcoming community space with local history exhibits and displays that inspire visitors to realize their own potential to make a difference, and where they join with others to make their communities stronger," said Cade.