WHC Local Grantee

Local Grant Awards

Kittitas County Historical Museum
Women Leaders of Ellensburg: Capturing the Oral Histories
of Those Women Who Have Lead in "Town, Gown and Farms"

Ellensburg is home to one of the oldest women's clubs in the state. Friday Club began in 1895 and is still a strong presence in the community. Considering this history, it has become apparent that Ellensburg is host to other active women’s clubs that are rich in rural history and provide documentation of the lives of women in a community that has a strong record of academic, agricultural, and volunteer activities. This project conducted, recorded, and published oral histories of the women leaders of these groups who typify the rural experience of many of our foremothers. In addition, the archival materials deposited in the library were cataloged, preserved and prepared for digital publication.