URGENT UPDATE: The Whitman County Genealogical Society and Whitman County Historical Society have just announced their new shared location at the Community Congregational United Church of Christ in Pullman, a crucial step in preserving the region’s rich history. The public is invited to an open house this Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to explore their extensive library and archive resources.
Both nonprofits aim to connect the community with its past through meticulous research and preservation efforts. This transition comes after the abrupt closure of the Gladish Community and Cultural Center in September 2023, which left these organizations scrambling to secure a new home in a mere two weeks.
At the open house, visitors can learn how these societies work together to fill in gaps in local history. The genealogical society focuses on personal family histories, offering insights that cannot be found online. In contrast, the historical society provides a broader perspective on the county’s heritage through tangible collections, including century-old publications, maps, and photographs.
Monica Peters, correspondence secretary at the genealogical society, emphasized the importance of understanding one’s ancestry. “People have a keen interest in learning more about their family beyond just a name,” Peters stated. This work fosters a deeper connection to both ancestry and community.
Additionally, Alex Otero, archivist at the historical society, noted the unique role these organizations play. “Outside of our society, there are limited places to access historical artifacts and documents,” Otero explained.
The societies are currently open on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon or by appointment. While the historical society offers free research assistance, the genealogical society charges $20 per hour for in-depth help. This new chapter marks a significant milestone for both organizations, which have served the community for decades—over thirty years at their former location.
Residents are encouraged to share this exciting news and visit the new space to engage with their local history. For more information, visit the Whitman County Historical Society at whitmancountyhistoricalsociety.org and the Whitman County Genealogical Society at whitmancgs.org.
