Community support played huge role

“We’re open for business!” said an enthusiastic Jayne Singleton, director of the Spokane Valley Legacy Foundation.

The Foundation has accomplished what few thought could happen. Spokane Valley has its own museum. The Spokane Valley Heritage Museum ( www.valleyheritagecenter.org) is in the Opportunity Township Hall and offers a compilation of historical artifacts sure to rekindle memories, and give the community a connection to the past.

With the museum opened, the Township Hall placed on the Washington Heritage Register and nominated for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, it appears the foundation’s job is done.

But those who deal in safeguarding the past must also keep a constant eye on the future. When I spoke with Singleton, I asked her what the foundation has been up to these days.

In September, a sneak preview of the museum was given. Those in attendance toured the museum and viewed a panorama of aviation history Valley style.

Two third-grade classes and a Boy Scout troop have toured the facilities.

“One of our goals is to have a hands-on museum so kids can enjoy themselves and learn. The kids were able to touch several items, ask a lot of questions and, believe it or not, they were really engaged,” Singleton said.

On Nov. 18, a “Living History Presentation of Meriwether Lewis” was presented. The small museum was packed with 106 people to hear Tim McNeil give an in-character presentation complete with artifacts.

The foundation has created a museum from a dilapidated building – adding a sense of history to our city. But what’s the future of the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum?

“The possibilities are endless,” said Singleton.

The museum has a continual desire for artifacts that trace the Valley’s roots. The community has responded in kind. A recent artifact acquired by the museum is a barber’s chair.

“The detailing is distinctive of the 1920s,” Singleton said. The museum also has its own artifact hound to verify the authenticity of the donations received. Usually several pieces of documentation also accompany a single artifact.

The museum plans to rotate its exhibits to correspond with a particular event or holiday. February marks Black History Month, and the museum will host an exhibit featuring the contributions made by blacks during the Valley’s history.

In 2005 Modern Electric will celebrate its 100th anniversary, and the museum will partner with Modern to create a display. “It’s an interesting history. When the Township Hall was set to be built, Modern Electric donated the land the hall is built on,” Singleton said.

The Spokane Valley Library will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2005. The museum and library will create an exhibit to commemorate this event. “That’s another interesting piece of history,” said Singleton. “The Township Hall was the Valley’s first library.”

Upcoming for the museum is a chance to promote the Valley’s new historical addition. On Monday, KHQ will broadcast the morning show live from the museum at 6:15 a.m. “All are welcome to be here,” the e-mail said to museum supporters. “Also if you have artifacts that you were going to collect and bring to the museum now is the time to do that!”

There’s more to this museum business than most realize. The Spokane Valley Legacy Foundation deals with the present, while preserving the past and keeping a watchful eye to the future.

“The foundation couldn’t have made it this far without the community’s support,” Singleton said. “In fact, I couldn’t have made it this far without the interconnection established by the foundation members. It’s been phenomenal! The word ‘grateful’ doesn’t come close to how we feel toward this community.”

A few years ago the vision to connect the Valley community with its history began. Today it’s a reality. Chief Seattle once said, “All things are bound together. All things connect.” He was right.