Museum explains changes
The Spokane Valley Heritage Museum has received a number of inquiries as to our property improvements and the restriction of access through museum property. The museum board appreciates the opportunity to provide the community with accurate information and facts concerning the museum’s property and plans.
Changes to the museum property have caused some confusion. Historically, the Opportunity block survived change; the paving of a dirt road called the Appleway (a.k.a. Sprague Avenue) the widening of Sprague, parallel parking on Sprague and the elimination of parking on Sprague.
At one time there was a house between the museum and the business on the west side. Historic buildings to the east of the museum are to be demolished soon, leaving the museum as the oldest remaining historic building.
The museum is located in the historic Opportunity Township Hall, erected in 1912. Museum property includes the building, the parking lot to the south of the building to the alley and the parking on the west side of the building.
The Spokane Valley Heritage Museum’s expansion and growth continues with improvements to museum property. Landscaping and the installation of outside exhibits on museum property have been planned since the historical organization acquired ownership of the property.
The improvements and other outside exhibits were announced in conjunction with the relocation and renovation of the one-room schoolhouse project, “Saved by the Bell.” The schoolhouse was gifted to the museum by Bell RV Co. Decisions out of our control led to the project being canceled. The schedule for landscaping and installation of outside exhibits was then delayed while inside exhibits were completed.
Parking on museum property has been restricted so that museum visitors and patrons have a place to park. Visitors to the museum include Scout troops, students and senior citizens. Their safety has been compromised numerous times due to cars speeding through the parking lot.
Access to other businesses in the area exists through the alley to the south of Sprague. There is one entrance to the west and two on the east end. Additionally, the Rite Aid project submitted site plans that include two new entrances from Sprague, one entrance from Pines Road and one new access road from the alley through to First Avenue.
The museum has established a remarkable cultural asset for the region. With the assistance of the business community, the education community, the community at large and scores of volunteers, a Valley landmark has been renovated, extraordinary exhibits created, and a repository for the heritage of the Spokane Valley established.
The museum provides an opportunity for education of our children. Numerous school field trips from public, private and parochial schools have visited the museum. Citizens have a first-class tourist attraction to share with visitors. Travelers have been diverted off I-90 to the museum from 33 different states, Canada and abroad.
The museum receives no direct city or state funding and is supported by admissions, private donations, grants and fundraisers.
The SVHM board and volunteers invite you to visit the museum and experience the history of your community!