Preserving the history of Othello Washington and the surrounding community.
This website is a curation of Othello Community Museum’s extensive historic photo gallery and featured blogs.
If you would like to request digital copies, please fill out the form on our Contact Us page. Alternatively you can download directly from the website, right click on the photo and choose “save image.”
Personal Use: Any photos you receive or download are free while donations for photos are also appreciated.
For professional or commercial use, please donate a $5 user fee per photo through our donation page and specify photos being used in the comment field. We do ask that you credit the Othello Community Museum if you publish any of the pictures.
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 seven person, many newly elected, board of directors.
We are excited to announce our HVAC renovation project, scheduled to begin November 10th! Steve Lichtenegger of Steve’s Refrigeration and Heating will be our contractor on the project.
We are very excited about this long term goal 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!
Board of Directors
Bill BriggsAn Othello resident since 1964, a history nerd, and helping keep local history alive.
President
Mary Bustos“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.”
Treasurer
Molly (Para) Popchock“It’s my turn to give back to Othello in the way so many, including my mom, a founding member, did for so many years. 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.”
Secretary
Rebecca (Swink) Mohs“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.”
Project Manager
Eric Morgan“I have a lot of family history in the museum and I want to preserve their legacy in this beautiful town.”
Member, Previous Board President
Celia Benavides Hesselroth“An Othello resident since 1964, a history nerd, and helping keep local history alive.”
Member
Nancy Briggs“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.”
Founding Member
Faye Coats“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?”
Board Emeritus
Shirley McCullough“My reason [for being involved with OCM] is that I love supporting my community. If we don’t, who will?”
Board Member & Previous Treasurer for over 25 years