Upcoming Events
Sasquatch: Man-Ape or Myth, an afternoon with author and naturalist, David George Gordon
May 30, 2026 2:00PM Admission by donation
Learn about the Northwest’s mysterious Wild Man of the Woods from the author of The Sasquatch Seeker’s Field Manual (published by Mountaineers Books). Sift through the evidence, both supporting and refuting this fascinating creature’s existence — and share your stories and views.
An experienced naturalist, David George Gordon shares his enthusiasm for Nature through a range of interactive venues, appearing at museums, schools, libraries, garden clubs— you name it. He studied aquatic biology in college and worked at a museum and two public aquariums in the past. He is the author of 23 books. Whatever the subject, his overall focus is on singing the praises of Nature.
Notice of Temporary Closure
We will be closed from August 9, 2026, to September 15, 2026, as we work on exciting improvements to our space. We look forward to welcoming you back in mid-September!
Harvest Moon- Quinault Basket Maker and Storyteller
September 26, 2026 2:00PM Admission by donation
Harvest Moon is a Master Basketweaver and Storyteller who has spent her life studying and sharing the rich culture of the Coastal Salish Native people. Her presentations are unlike anything you’ve seen in a textbook. She brings in real, hands-on artifacts that you can see up close, and she speaks with the kind of passion that only comes from someone who truly lives and breathes this history.
She’ll take you into the world of the Northwest Coast Tribes — a world full of abundance, deep traditions, and a culture so rich it has been passed down through generations for thousands of years. Harvest Moon shares stories that connect the past to the present, and she has a gift for leaving her audience seeing Native American heritage in a whole new light.
Her name says it all. Harvest Moon means “a light shining forth in the midst of darkness” — and that’s exactly what she brings to every room she walks into.
Her work has earned her serious recognition. She has served two terms on the Washington Commission for the Humanities, received grants from the Seattle Arts Commission, and was honored as an Artist in Residency speaker across the Pacific Northwest. Most notably, she received the Peace and Friendship Award from the Washington State Historical Society for her outstanding contributions to the understanding of Northwest Indian Heritage.
McCleary Historical Society’s 2026 Genealogy Conference
October 10, 2026 10:00AM-3:00PM
Save the date for the McCleary Historical Society’s 2026 Genealogy Conference. This year’s event features a curated lineup of three expert speakers who will delve into the essential tools and techniques needed to navigate modern archives and uncover long-lost family narratives. Whether you are a curious beginner or a seasoned family historian, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to help fill the gaps in your family tree. This event includes lunch and provides the perfect opportunity to network and swap research tips with fellow history enthusiasts in a relaxed setting. We are hard at work finalizing the itinerary, so please stay tuned—more details and registration information will be released soon!
The Mistaken
November 7, 2026 7:00PM Admission by donation
Get ready for a night of music that refuses to be labeled! We are thrilled to welcome back The Mistaken, a group that truly plays “outside the box.” If you missed them last time, now is your chance to catch the genre-bending magic that had everyone talking. From Swing-A-Billy and Twang to soulful Blues, Folk, and Country originals, their sound is as eclectic as it is infectious.
Beyond the incredible tunes, it’s the band’s signature on-stage banter and genuine camaraderie that make the evening special. They were so much fun during their last visit that we simply had to bring them back for another round of musical storytelling and high-energy performance. Grab your friends and join us for a night of great vibes and even better company—you won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind show!
The Olympia Women’s Jazz Choir – Holiday Concert
December 12, 2026 2:00PM Admission by donation
Get ready to jingle all the way as the Olympia Women’s Jazz Choir brings the sparkle, the sass, and the spirit of the season to life at their annual Holiday Concert! Join us for an unforgettable afternoon filled with classic holiday favorites, soulful harmonies, and a few year-round jazz gems guaranteed to warm your heart and get your toes tapping. Known for their vibrant energy and impeccable vocal blends, the choir delivers a performance packed with festive fun and joyful voices. It’s the kind of music that makes the season bright and the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with your community. Don’t miss out on this spirited musical treat—we can’t wait to see you there!
Jon Reynolds Music
February 6, 2027 7:00PM Admission by donation
Experience a night of powerful music as we welcome back Jon Reynolds Music to the stage! With deep roots right here in McCleary and now based in Montesano, Jon is a Pacific Northwest favorite who has been captivating audiences for over 20 years. He brings a massive repertoire of rock hits spanning from the 1950s to the present, reimagined with his signature acoustic style. Jon is best known for his truly unique singing voice and the incredible amount of heart and soul he pours into every song. Whether he’s playing a classic anthem or a modern favorite, his high-energy performance and local connection make this a musical event you won’t want to miss. Come out and support a local talent for an evening of great tunes and soulful storytelling!
“From Timber Towns to Modern Mass Timber”
presented by Candra Burns, industry communicator
March 6, 2027 2:00PM Admission by donation
Explore the evolving legacy of the logging industry in our upcoming presentation, “From Timber Towns to Modern Mass Timber.” For generations, timber towns were the heart of the Pacific Northwest, built around forests that provided both a livelihood and a way of life. Today, that heritage is being reimagined through innovative mass timber construction, bringing wood back into our modern landscapes in powerful new ways. In this engaging session, industry communicator Candra Burns explores how these cutting-edge wood buildings connect back to our local history while supporting healthier forests and addressing climate change. Through compelling stories and real-world examples, you’ll discover how thoughtful wood use is shaping a more resilient future and see firsthand what is being built in our community today.
Our featured speaker, Candra Burns, brings a wealth of personal and professional insight as a 2011 Forester from Grays Harbor College. Having grown up in a Washington coastal timber town, Candra’s roots run deep in the industry she now champions through her agency, Talking Forests. Her perspective is truly global, informed by documenting sustainable forestry practices across 11 countries and presenting at prestigious conferences from Poland to Germany. Join us for an afternoon of storytelling that bridges the gap between our rich regional past and the sustainable innovations of tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What does “By Donation” mean?
A: As a nonprofit, our goal is to keep local history and culture accessible to everyone. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and several community grants, we are able to offer most of our events by donation. This means there is no set fee to enter, but any amount you choose to give helps us keep the lights on and our history preserved.
Q: Why do some events have a fixed price?
A: While we strive to keep costs low, some of our programs have a specific fee or a “suggested donation” for a few reasons:
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Special Guests: Some professional musicians or expert speakers cost more to bring to McCleary.
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Fundraisers: Certain events are specifically designed to raise the vital funds we need to maintain our historic building.
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Supplies: Workshops or classes may have a small fee to cover the cost of materials.
Regardless of the event type, we always list the cost or donation details clearly on our advertising.
Q: Are your events all ages?
A: Most of our programs at the Event Center are designed for all ages to enjoy. While some events may be specifically geared toward students or adult audiences, everyone is always welcome to attend.
Occasionally, we host special events that require a minimum age (such as specific workshops or murder mystery events); in those cases, the age requirement will be clearly listed on all event advertising. If you ever have a question about the age-appropriateness of a specific program, please feel free to contact us.
Q: The museum is pet friendly, does that mean I can bring my pet to events?
A: Service animals are always welcome to events but we find that due to the amount of people and noise, it’s best to leave our other fury friends at home. If you have questions on bringing your pet please reach out to use before the event at 360-964-0561.
Q: Is there a place for my child if they need extra space during an event?
A: Yes! We have a “Fireside Room” located right next to our main room. It features a full view of the stage and is connected to our sound system so you won’t miss a thing. While we ask that children not be left unattended, this is a great spot if you or your child need a little more room. If you need help finding comfortable or accessible seating, please let one of our volunteers know—we are happy to assist you!
A: If the event has ticket sales in advance you can purchase them online via our secure website. If you would rather pay for your ticket by mail or in person please call us at 360-964-0561 and we can make arrangements to hold tickets for you until payment is received. When making a donation for admission you can do so online at the door or by check, cash, or card.
A: Yes! We know how important heating and cooling is to both our visitors and our exhibits and have recently updated our hvac to keep everyone comfortable in all types of weather.
A look back at some of our past events
