Visit
the Shafer Historical Museum
Summer Hours
Buildings OPEN & Docents available
Saturday May 7 - Sunday, October 2, 2022
10:00am - 5:00 pm
Grounds & outdoor displays open all daylight hours.
Open hours late autumn:September 20 through Oct. 3, 12:00-4:00pm
Open holidays: Memorial Day), July 4 Independence Day, Labor Day
Please note, special circumstances may change these hours at any time. In our neck of the woods, that could be heat, smoke, wildfire or volunteer availability to staff the museum.
Winter Hours
Grounds available during daylight hours on your own, featuring mining and farming collections outdoors. Buildings are CLOSED.
Please note: Snow is not cleared. Path to Riverside Avenue/Hwy 20 is not maintained or cleared and should not be used in ice/snow conditions. Use is at your own risk.
Archives are available by appointment year 'round.
Admission
Admission is by donation. Suggested minimum is $5 per adult. Youth are free.
The museum relies on admissions to share and preserve the history of the Methow Valley, yet is available to all regardless of ability to pay. Please give generously!
Cash, checks or contactless credit card payments accepted.
We are a Blue Star Museum, offering free admission to active duty military and their families.
Location & Parking
285 Castle Avenue, Winthrop, Washington
Easy, plentiful on-street parking is available on Castle Avenue. A footpath from Riverside Avenue/Hwy 20 provides (steep uphill) walking access from the main street of Winthrop.
ACCESSIBILITY
Ramps to buildings. Gravel pathways and boardwalks make an uneven surface difficult for wheels (walkers, strollers, etc). Parking is level and close to the entrances.
Guided Tours
Docents lead tours by reservation on Saturday mornings, 10:30am-11:30am during the summer season
Large Group Tours
Available by request for schools, tour operators or other organized groups. Please phone or email at least 2 weeks prior to your desired date staff@shafermuseum.org or (509) 380-9911. Guides are volunteers and we need time to ensure staff are available to meet you. A tour fee and admissions fees are collected in advance or at the time of your tour.
Museum Archives
All year 'round, photos, documents, books and research materials are accessible in our archives office by appointment. If needed, research services are available for a small fee that directly supports preservation efforts. Contact us to come in: staff@shafermuseum.org
Selections of the Museum's collections are available ONLINE.
COVID-19 Policies at the museum
Please, wear a mask indoors.
Outdoors, masks are at your discretion, but encouraged when close to others outside of your own group or if unvaccinated. Please be considerate of others.
Hand sanitizer is provided. Docents clean frequently-touched surfaces daily. Most indoor spaces are well-ventilated & airy, with open doors and windows.
The museum hosts lots of people, from lots of places - thank you for keeping our volunteers and those still unvaccinated in their households stay healthy.
What are your favorite places?
The Shafer Museum is one of Ralph Munro's! The former Washington Secretary of State visited the museum and shares what he likes the best in this video.
Blue Star Museums provide free admission for active duty military and their families. Welcome to the Shafer Museum!