Fort Okanogan Interpretive Center offers new displays, works in progress

BREWSTER – Several new attractions lead the list of things to see at the Fort Okanogan Interpretive Center located near the junction of highways 17 and 174 east of Brewster.

Director Kristen Heidenthal said a new addition to the exhibits is a detailed history of the architectural firm and building contractor responsible for designing and erecting the Interpretive Center in 1959-60.

“From doing an application for the National Register and State Register, we did a lot or research and that’s how this exhibit came to be,” Heidenthal said.

The Interpretive Center was listed on the Washington State Register of Historic Place on March 8 this year and the official certificate designating the recognition hangs near the entry door. Heidenthal said she expects to hear from the National Register of Historic Places in a month of two.

Other exhibits include paintings for sale by Colville tribal artist Ric Gendron and works by Colville painter, sculptor, photographer and mixed-media artist Joe Feddersen.

Among new artifacts on display is a vintage cradleboard donated to the museum from the collection of the late Nat Washington, a Washington State legislator from Ephrata.

A new outdoor rock image or petroglyph display with interpretive panel and sheltered under a bright yellow lean-to sits near the path that leads to the Center’s picnic area.

A recent donation from Malott resident Mike Jones of a bucking chute gate from the original Monse rodeo grounds prompted Heidenthal to apply for grant funds to add an interpretive panel to the piece.

Heidenthal said she is interested in gathering more information and possibly some photographs about old Monse and welcomes feedback from area residents who have details to share. She can be contacted at (509) 689-6665 or email kristen.heidenthal@colvilletribes.com

Arnold Cleveland, a Wenatchi band descendent and Colville Confederated Tribes member will highlight the end-of-season program on  Sept. 29, with stories about growing up on and off the reservation .