Regional history comes alive at the Yakima Valley Museum, located in Yakima's beautiful Franklin Park.This 65,000 ft2 facility offers historical exhibits on the Yakima Valley its natural history, American Indian culture, pioneer life, early city life, and the roots and development of the Valley's fruit industry. The museum has a superb collection of horse-drawn vehicles, from stagecoach to hearse; a historical exhibit and reconstruction of the Washington D.C. office of former Yakima resident and environmentalist, Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas; and a changing schedule of special exhibitions. The Sundquist Research Library, offering unique resources to the researcher as well as the curious visitor, is open Tuesday through Saturday, from noon to 5 P.M.
The Museum Collections are always available for research and study by appointment. Within the museum is the Children's Underground, a 2,500 ft2 interactive learning center offering museum-related educational activities and programs for children ages 5 to 15; special tours are available. The Museum Soda Fountain is a functioning replica of a late 1930s Art Deco soda fountain. Furnished with salvaged and restored parts of authentic Yakima soda fountains, this piece of history serves Green Rivers, Root Beer Floats, Malts, and assorted "phosphates" and ice cream treats for visitors to the museum and Franklin Park. The museum's Great Hall, a grand performance space beneath a "Neon Garden," offers programs and concerts throughout the year; call the museum or visit www.yakimavalleymuseum.org to check the schedule. The museum also operates the nearby H. M. Gilbert Homeplace (2109 W. Yakima Ave 3 blocks from the museum); built in 1898, this late Victorian farmhouse is now filled with period furnishings.
