Bringing the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center’s Next Chapter to Life
The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center has begun a transformational renovation that will reshape the heart of downtown Wenatchee and expand opportunities for learning, creativity, and community connection throughout the region. Wenatchee Valley Medical Group (WVMG) is contributing $250,000 to support this once‑in‑a‑generation project, which will unify and modernize the museum’s buildings, refresh exhibits and classrooms, and create a welcoming and accessible new plaza and entrance along Wenatchee Avenue.
For many WVMG physicians, the museum is more than a landmark; it’s part of their family story. Dr. Cate Straub, WVMG physician and member of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, shared one of the museum’s lesser‑known connections. “My dad, Bob Straub, has been leading the museum’s pipe organ maintenance team since he moved here 12 years ago,” she said. “If you have been to the museum recently, I hope you enjoyed seeing the train exhibit, learning about the history of Miss Veedol, and receiving a demonstration of the pipe organ—which is the oldest functioning pipe organ in Washington.”
Dr. Straub has also been leading the Matters of the Heart program at the museum. “Dr. Straub has dedicated herself to this program for years and has engaged her physician partners to volunteer as well,” said Dr. Jennifer Jorgensen, president of WVMG. “We are really excited about the new museum and what it will bring to our community and beyond—especially the multiple and varied children’s programs, which so many families will use. It’s another place where people can come together, learn, and connect.”
The Matters of the Heart program gives children and teenagers a rare, hands‑on look into the world of medicine as surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, emergency medicine, and primary care providers guide them through the anatomy of a pig heart. “Any time you can make children more excited about science in general, I think that’s fantastic,” Dr. Straub has said. “Getting them away from a screen and putting something real in their hands is an amazing opportunity. And for the physicians who participate, every year I hear how surprised they are by how engaged the students are—it reinvigorates our own interest in teaching and working with kids.”
The museum also offers STEAM classes (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) and summer camps to the community.
The museum has already raised approximately 80% of its $15 million private fundraising goal, with a dollar‑for‑dollar match from the Weidner Group available through the end of June. This generous match includes the total commitment of pledges that are fulfilled over several years.. Community members interested in learning more or contributing can visit wenatcheevalleymuseum.org or campaign.wenatcheevalleymuseum.org.
