About

Mission 

The Shafer Historical Museum preserves and shares the history, culture and sense of place in the Methow Valley to inspire human connection and learning.

Vision

As one of the Methow Valley's centers for cultural engagement, SHM cultivates the appreciation of history across generations as a destination for locals and visitors to the region, state and nation.

Strategic Initiatives 2020-2025

Three strategic initiatives were identified by the Board and Museum Director in the 2019 planning process that will collectively move the Museum toward its vision as an integral cultural and community center in the Methow Valley. The Board will focus its collective energies and resources on these prioritized initiatives during the coming years: 

1.     Engage Methow Valley residents in the history of this place as relevant and connected to how we live today.

2.     Strengthen fiscal stewardship for the future of the Museum.

3.     Apply best practices for the long term preservation of all collections, including development, care, storage, documentation, display and accessibility.

SHM Board of Directors

The Shafer Historical Museum is overseen by a Board of Directors on behalf of the Okanogan County Historical Society.

Kyle Acord, Chair

Cyndi Mundhenk, Vice-Chair

Ralph Carlberg, Treasurer

Linda Wilson, Secretary

Sharon Sumpter

Hillary Kaltenbach

Don Woodruff

Vic Stokes

Craig McDonald

SHM Staff

A part-time staff serves the museum year-round. 

Suzanne Perin, Ph.D., Museum Director