The Okanogan County Historical Society, which oversees and operates the museum, was formed in 1963, its mandate being to preserve and display the cultural heritage of Okanogan County. The museum consists of two separate and adjacent museums, the Okanogan County Historical Museum and the
Okanogan Firemen's Museum, in a replica of the 1910 fire hall, situated immediately south of the Historical Society. Both are open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Inside the main building the museum houses a large collection of historical artefacts, photos, documents, maps, books and newspapers which tell the story of Okanogan County and its towns and villages. Before one gets to these displays they must pass through the main doorway, which is actually a wonderfully well done work of art.
The double doors, which appear to be mahogany (or similar), are carved in relief with the tools, implements and weapons commonly used by the pioneers of Okanogan County. Each door is comprised of several planks, the centre of the door recessed, with the carvings in relief arrayed about the recessed panels. Each implement, tool or weapon is intricately detailed, indicating that someone spent a lot of time creating these doors. They are truly the "
Work of a Master".