Shafer Historical Museum
now hiring
HIring for multiple positions! Please click here for more information and how to apply!
Bookkeeping Assistant
Summer Camp Educators
Museum Educator/Docent Volunteer Manager
Ladies Traditional HandCrafts
Inspired by the donation of handmade lace, embroidery, and dresses by the estate of Helen Krinke, the Shafer Museum will be featuring ladies' home decor, clothing and handcrafted accessories at the museum this summer. Helen's mother Nora Nickell grew up in the homesteader's cabin that is on the museum grounds!
Demonstrations and hands-on activities on select Saturdays in June, July and August will give you the chance to try your hand at some of these skills - no experience necessary.
All demonstrations are on the Saturdays below, from 1:00-4:00 pm and are free.
Quilting - June 8th
A traditional quilting bee where participants will hand stitch a quilt stretched on a traditional quilting frame. Stitch your own block and try one of the museums old treadle sewing machines!
Spinning and Carding - June 22
Spinning using a traditional wheel and carding will be demonstrated for all ages - see the process of changing raw wool fleece into yarn.
Crocheting & Tatting - July 13
Local crocheters will demonstrate stitches and show a variety of crochet patterns. Try finger crocheting (using your fingers instead of a hook) to create a long rope of crochet- which you could ultimately expand into a small rug!
Embroidery - July 27
Demonstration of basic embroidery stitches. Instructors will provide participants with a small printed pattern for "red work" (stitching with red thread on white fabric) and learn the running stitch.
Weaving - August 3
Two weavers at two looms will demonstrate how woven fabrics can be created on 4-shaft table looms. You can even weave a few inches of the towel or scarf they are making! Try potholder looms for a take-home craft.
Knitting - August 17
Learn to knit with "coaches" from our local knitting groups. Needles/yarns provided to borrow or bring your own.
Online Photos & materials
Much of the Museum's collections of photos and documents are available to view online.
View photos, documents and images from the Shafer Museum's archives online.
Looking for something in particular? Volunteers can aid your research or answer questions. Get in touch at archives@shafermuseum.org or leave a voicemail at 509-380-9911 and we'll return your call as soon as possible.
With Gratitude to Friends and Donors
The Shafer Museum relies on donations and grants from many supporters to share & preserve Methow Valley history with community members and visitors:
Members and individual donors to the Shafer Museum
GiveMethow donors
The Philadelphia Foundation
Donors through the Seattle Foundation
Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation
Twispworks Foundation for COVID-19 relief funds
MethowValley Fund & the Community Foundation of North Central Washington
Sun Mountain Lodge
Humanities Washington