History of Othello Community Museum
In 1972, a local group formed to create a museum and arts center in Othello. Its purpose was to build a teaching institution that would reflect the local history and preserve treasures and tools of the past.
The building, located at Third Avenue and Larch Street, was originally the First Presbyterian Church. It was the first church building constructed in Othello, with the first section built in 1908 and an addition in 1913.
When the church vacated the building in 1958, it sat empty for four years until bought by the Bethel Spanish Assembly of God in 1962.
After the formation of the Museum and Arts Society, the building was purchased in 1972 for $3,000 and was accepted to the State Registry of Historical Sites that same year.
In addition to a museum, the building was used for a variety of community activities, from town hall meetings to weddings. Eventually, those extra activities were done away with and it became simply a historical museum.
Today at the Othello Community Museum
Today the Othello Community Museum is overseen by a board of directors.
We have a new HVAC system installed by Steve’s Refrigeration and Heating in fall of 2025. We have new security and WiFi systems, we have new annual exhibits, and a newly renovated and cleaned museum space!
We are very excited about these long term goals becoming a reality through the sponsorship of two generous community donors. With this new system, we look forward to opening the museum throughout the year for meetings, earlier season openings and more access for our local community for events!
“I was born and raised in Othello and never left. I love this community. I will make every effort to help this [mission] carry on for future generations.”
Rebecca (Swink) Mohs
President & Project Manager
Othello Community Museum Board of Directors
“My vision for the museum is to elevate awareness of Othello’s rich and diverse history. I believe we can honor the past while inspiring the future.”
Mary Bustos
Treasurer
“It’s my turn to give back to Othello. I’m excited about bringing new energy to revitalizing the Museum to represent all history, cultures, heritage of this great place, including the most recent last 50 years.”
Molly (Para) Popchock
Secretary
“An Othello resident since 1964, a history nerd, and helping keep local history alive.”
Celia Benavides Hesselroth
Board Member
“I have a lot of family history in the museum and I want to preserve their legacy in this beautiful town.”
Eric Morgan
Board Member, Previous Board President
“I have a curiosity and fascination with the past and those who were a part of it. I want to help preserve the history of Othello.”
Nancy Briggs
Founding Member
“My reason [for being involved with OCM] is that I love supporting my community. If we don’t, who will?”
Shirley McCullough
Board Member & Previous Treasurer for over 25 years
“As a lifelong Othello resident, I have found that makes the community special is people who carry out the belief that living somewhere means being a part of making it better. What better way to create a legacy for the future than by preserving and honoring our past?”
In loving memory of
Fay Coats
Founding Member & Board Emeritus
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