UPDATE: The Whitman County Genealogical Society and Whitman County Historical Society have just opened a new shared space in Pullman, inviting the public to explore their extensive resources during an open house this Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The newly opened location at the Community Congregational United Church of Christ, located at 525 NE Campus Ave., marks a significant shift for these nonprofits after they were unexpectedly displaced from the Gladish Community and Cultural Center when it closed its doors in September. The organizations had less than two weeks to relocate their valuable archives and library, making this open house crucial for community awareness and engagement.
Monica Peters, correspondence secretary at the genealogical society, emphasized the importance of their mission. “We fill in the gaps of people’s family history with information that can’t be found online,” she stated. Meanwhile, Alex Otero, archivist at the historical society, highlighted their broader focus on preserving the county’s heritage through tangible collections.
Both organizations have a rich history of serving the Pullman community. The historical society was established in 1972 and moved its archives to the Gladish in 1987. The genealogical society, founded in 1984, initially operated without a physical location but transitioned to the Gladish in 1992 as their collection grew.
The new space is open for public access on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon or by appointment. The historical society currently offers free research assistance, while the genealogical society provides in-depth family history research for a fee of $20 per hour.
Both societies aim to connect the community with its past, preserving the artifacts and memories that shape their identity. Peters noted the rising interest among residents in exploring their ancestry, stating, “Our work helps people feel connected to their roots and to each other.”
As these organizations embark on this new chapter, their commitment to safeguarding Whitman County’s history remains unchanged. Community members are encouraged to visit the new location and engage with the valuable resources available.
For more information, visit the Whitman County Historical Society and the Whitman County Genealogical Society online.
