The museum is open from Tuesday through Saturday, June 1st through September 30th and wouldn't you know it - we visited on May 21st, so were unable to experience their indoor displays. Included in these displays are American Indian display, a railroad memorabilia display, farm machinery, steam engine, combines, tools, guns, a prison cell, printing press, vintage fire engines and a display dealing with the
outlaw, Harry Tracy, who, after killing several police officers and civilians, escaped capture for a month before being cornered and killing himself in nearby Creston, WA.
Outside, arrayed around the grounds are several pieces of old agricultural equipment, an Austin road grader, a very old and decrepit Yuba crawler tractor and a tall bell tower, complete with bell. In a shed to the south of the main building are more implements and various pieces of flotsam and jetsam.
Operated by the Davenport Historical Society, the museum maintains a Historical Library & Archives which contains Books and Scrapbooks, Newspapers, Historical Photographs, maps and atlases, a Periodicals & documents file, Genealogical sources & services, Territorial & state government publications, References & technical assistance and Oral histories recorded by some Lincoln County pioneers.
Another town getting double duty out of their museum, Davenport has included their Visitor Centre in the museum, always a good way to induce more visits to the museum.
Davenport Historical Society
The Society was formed in October of 1968. In 1970, the City Council leased 5 lots along Cottonwood Creek (the old Washington Water Power grounds) to the Society. This allowed the hiring of an architect and beginning of actual construction. Funding came from membership dues, donations and a generous gift from George Kloster (a Harrington farmer). With construction and landscaping completed, the Museum was opened and dedicated on July 15, 1972. This was also the first Pioneer Days.
The Museum portrays the evolution of Lincoln County. Starting with Indian artifacts and displays, it looks at what brought people to Lincoln County, the evolution of farming, and the development of life in the area including the impact that railroading had to the area.
Through a complete set of programs, the Society collects, preserves, and makes available to all citizens, the heritage of Lincoln County. Thousands of children and adults take a firsthand look at County history. Richly detailed interiors and exhibits tell the story of Lincoln County's past in a clear and interesting manner. The museum staff offers technical assistance to individuals on subjects such as caring for collections, exhibits, conservation, and researching historical objects. In addition, the museum's collection of artifacts is available to researchers. Also available is an American Indian display, a railroad memorabilia display, farm machinery, steam engine, combines, tools, guns, a prison cell, printing press, vintage fire engines and an impressive display dealing with the outlaw, Harry Tracy.
The Historical Society provides many educational opportunities for children and adults. Visits by elementary school students to the museum include a demonstration of pioneer skills and hands-on programs with artifacts from Lincoln County. The Society makes available video presentations on a variety of historical subjects.
From the Davenport Chamber