Upcoming Events
False Promises: The Lost Land of the Wenatchi
Special Movie Night Presentation Aug. 18 at 6:30 pm
Co-sponsored by Greater Leavenworth Museum and River Valley Commons (f.k.a. Leavenworth Senior Center)
False Promises: The Lost Land of the Wenatchi
By Rustin Thompson with Richard Scheurman and E. Richard Hart
This film makes an impassioned plea for the return of the land that was taken from the Wenatchi Tribe of Washington State. For generations, they lived and fished on their land. In 1855, they were offered a reservation under the terms of the Yakama Treaty. The U.S. failed to honor that treaty as well as others that were made with the tribe. Historian E. Richard Hart has been working in Indian affairs for over thirty years. He knows of no other case where a tribe was promised fishing rights in a ratified treaty and again in a ratified agreement, and still does not have those rights honored.
As a result of these injustices, the Wenatchis had to leave their land. Most moved to the Colville Indian Reservation. In 1937, Chief Harmelt died, but today his granddaughter and her children have taken up the fight along with other tribal elders of the Wenatchi Advisory Board and many others. About 28% of the land in the area that should have been a Wenatchi Reservation is still a part of the public domain. When will the U.S. right this historical wrong?
Released in 2017 / 56 minutes
Produced by White Noise Productions
Directed by Rustin Thompson
Suggested Admission by Donation
Museum Day - Free Admission
Celebrate Museum Day with FREE Admission!
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Washington State has declared a special Museum Day, and the Greater Leavenworth Museum is joining the celebration with FREE admission for all visitors!
Come experience the stories that make our town and the surrounding area unique and special. Hear stories about the first peoples of the p’squosa (or Wenatchi) or the height of the logging and train depot days, or how we became today's Bavarian Village.
And as special treat, take in our newest exhibit that is part of the statewide America 250: Out of Many, One project, our museum, in partnership with residents across the seven Upper Valley communities—Peshastin, Dryden, Plain, Stevens Pass/Merritt, Blewett, Lake Wenatchee, and Leavenworth—has selected meaningful artifacts that tell each community’s unique American story. These items, drawn from our collection and community loans, come together to reveal the shared history that shaped the entire valley.
Come celebrate Museum Day with us, enjoy free admission, and experience the stories that make our valley one of a kind. Bring friends, family, and neighbors—everyone is welcome!
Leavenworth’s 4th of July Celebration
This Independence Day, step into a celebration filled with history, music, powerful voices, and community pride. As we honor the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, you’ll experience a program that blends tradition, storytelling, and stirring performances — all in the heart of our Bavarian village.
America 250 Upper Valley: Out of Many, One
The Greater Leavenworth Museum is proud to participate in Out of Many, One, Washington State’s America 250 project. Working with residents across the Upper Valley communities—Peshastin, Dryden, Plain, Stevens Pass/Merritt, Blewett, Lake Wenatchee, and Leavenworth—we selected unique objects from our collection and community loans to create two special exhibits reflecting our community’s unique American story.
Visit the Greater Leavenworth Museum and the Leavenworth Town Hall to see these special exhibits throughout July.
Spring Tea
The Greater Leavenworth Museum and Upper Valley Historical Society are hosting a very special Spring Tea on May 31st, celebrating both America’s 250th and Leavenworth’s 120th anniversaries.
Picture an elegant afternoon high tea, live music drifting through the air, and a joyful look back at the stories that shaped our valley. It’s the perfect chance to dress up “Leavenworth‑style,” reconnect with friends, and enjoy a relaxed, festive gathering before summer arrives.
Tickets are limited.
The Icicle Calls Us Back
The Icicle Creek Center for the Arts will host at the Snowy Owl Theater a free screening of The Icicle Calls Us Back: Eleven p’squosa Descendants’ Wishes for Icicle Creek—a powerful new documentary exploring the future of nsíq̓əlt (Icicle Creek) through the voices of three generations of p’squosa/Wenatchi descendants.
This film is more than a screening—it’s a chance to gather together, learn from the Icicle’s original stewards, and reflect on the deeper story of the land we call home. It’s thoughtful, beautifully made, and profoundly rooted in the history and future of our valley.
Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest
Visit the GLM’s information booth at the Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest on Saturday, May 17th! We'll be presenting hands-on educational artifacts from the past for both children and adults. It promises to be an enjoyable experience for the entire family.
The Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest, hosted by the Wenatchee River Institute and the North Central Washington Audubon Society, takes place every third weekend in May. This annual event fosters conservation through a variety of educational and recreational activities centered around birds, wildlife, and their habitats.
Movie Night: How Deep the High Journey
The Leavenworth Senior Center with sponsorship from the Greater Leavenworth Museum will host a local showing of How Deep the High Journey, the beautifully crafted film created by Bill and Peg Stark—affectionately known as the Grandparents of the Enchantments. Featuring Bill’s remarkable photography and Peg’s heartfelt narration, this film offers an intimate, visually stunning journey through the Enchantments and the landscapes that shaped so much of our valley’s outdoor culture.
Rake the Spring Twigs
Let’s Rake Up Some Fun and Give Back! Come one, come all—rain or shine—for a feel-good community cleanup at the Old North Road Cemetery! Grab your gloves, rakes, and tools, and meet us at 10 AM as we clear away spring twigs and refresh this cherished space.
We’ll keep the energy high with live tunes from the award-winning Alphorns, and Lunch is on us! Dan’s Food Market is bringing their famous “Danwiches” to fuel our hard work (arrive by 10 to put your order in). The official wrap-up is at noon, but you’re welcome to stick (groan) around and enjoy the good vibes!
Big thanks to Winton Composting for helping us make this cleanup eco-friendly by taking all the yard waste!
Let’s roll up our sleeves and rake up some fun while making a difference in our community. See you there!
Women In History II
A Dessert Theater Tribute to the Women Who Built Leavenworth and the surrounding area.
Celebrate the stories, strength, and spirit of the women who shaped Leavenworth. The Greater Leavenworth Museum and PEO Chapter JF invite you to an inspiring afternoon of film, exhibits, and delicious desserts as we honor the remarkable women—past and present—who helped build our valley community.
This year’s event features a community screening of Women in History: Our Founding Mothers II, a locally produced film that continues the legacy of the original 2006 Centennial production. Through vivid storytelling and heartfelt portrayals, the film highlights the courage, creativity, and resilience of Leavenworth’s “women of substance”—women whose strength of character, mind, and spirit helped define our town from the late 1800s to today.
CLOSED for Thanksgiving
The Greater Leavenworth Museum will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. We hope to see you one of the other 363 days a year!
Button Boxes - a demonstration and history of the accordion’s humble beginnings
We invite you to attend an insightful presentation accompanied by demonstrations on the history of the diatonic accordion. Our esteemed presenter, Thomas Tilton, will share anecdotes and expert knowledge, along with prominent examples from his collection. Entrance by donation.
This extensive accordion presentation will feature selections of instruments, primarily diatonic button-style accordions, curated by Thomas Tilton. The selections comprise some of the oldest instruments within the accordion family, and the exhibit effectively illustrates the historical progression and evolution of the accordion, from its inception to the present day.
Thomas Tilton takes great pleasure in demonstrating these instruments and discussing their significance in accordion history. Please join us at the Grange Hall on Wednesday, June 18th, at 6 PM - 8 PM, as Thomas delves into the evolution of the accordion. This event is hosted by the Greater Leavenworth Museum.
About the presenter: Thomas Tilton began playing the diatonic accordion in 1966 and has performed professionally since 1969. He began his button box collection in 1972 and continues to collect and restore early diatonic instruments. Thomas can be seen and heard at Andreas Keller Restaurant in Leavenworth, WA, and performing with AlpenFolk at the Leavenworth Gazebo.
Salmon Release Party
Come celebrate the release of our salmon and wish them luck on their 500-mile journey to the ocean. Enjoy educational activities for the whole family, then name and release your own salmon into Icicle Creek.
Book Signing - Weaving: Baskets and Stories by Julie Edwards
A Book Signing - Weaving: Baskets and Stories by Julie Edwards
Women in History: Our Founding Mothers a Dessert Theater
Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month with a screening of the 2006 Centennial program titled "Women of Substance," highlighting the contributions of women in the first 100 years of Leavenworth.
Our program, "Women in History: Our Founding Mothers," honors the first 14 out of 38 women recognized for their significant impact on the formation of our community during its early years. Their legacy continues to inspire us today!
During the intermission, PEO Chapter JF, a local non-profit supporting women, will be providing desserts. Proceeds raised will benefit their women’s scholarship program and help support future museum initiatives.
Reserve your seat now at the ICCA website: https://icicle.org/icicle-events/
Adults $15
Student (PreK-College) $5
This event is dedicated to those cast members no longer with us:
Harriet Bullitt, Jackie Miller DeGroot, Mary Thomsen, Arlene Blackburn, Share’ Riise, Patricia Stoudt, and Diane Norman.
GLM - Recreation Ambassadors
Greater Leavenworth Museum Volunteers will be helping to raise money for GLM operations, programs or initiatives as part of the Recreation Ambassador program. The program provides a fundraising mechanism for participating members. For more information see the program page here: https://www.leavenworthchamber.org/recreation-ambassador.
If you are interested in volunteering in support of the Greater Leavenworth Museum, contact us at: info@leavenworthmuseum.org
Leavenworth Jazz Festival
Join GLM at their information booth during a portion of the Leavenworth Jazz Festival at the Meadow Stage from noon to 5:00 PM on Saturday, May 11th. Listen to shows by great musicians while visiting the museum’s booth featuring hands-on items from yesteryear for children and adults.
Sunday Suds Speaker Series
Learn fascinating Leavenworth history with a visual presentation from Matt Cade of the Greater Leavenworth Museum!
Event by Icicle Brewing Company
935 Front St., Leavenworth, WA, United States, Washington 98826
Rake the Spring Twigs
Join GLM in sponsoring the "Rake the Spring Twigs" community event. We'll be tidying up the Old North Road Cemetery (opposite the Amtrak Station on North Road, Leavenworth). This event has historically been well-attended, setting volunteer participation records. Enjoy music from the Leavenworth Alphorns. Make sure to arrive by 10:00 AM to place your lunch order. The event will proceed rain or shine, so remember to bring your rake, gloves, and other tools.
Donations for Cemetary Care accepted: PO Box 2189, Leavenworth, WA 98826