About Us

Who We Are

The Centralia Area Historical Museum preserves and shares the story of Centralia and the surrounding region. We collect objects, photographs, documents, and oral histories so the public can study, learn, and enjoy the past.

“When you walk through the door you see Centralia’s history from its beginnings to today.” — Becky Alt, former Executive Director

How We Began

The museum’s roots started in a local garage. As the Centralia collection grew it filled Ken’s garage, which he called the “Centralia Room.” After a public talk, Ken met Nate Rothschild, who recognized the value of the materials and urged that they be saved for the community. That conversation sparked the creation of the Centralia Area Historical Society and, soon after, the museum.

Founders and Early Volunteers

The Society was chartered in 1998. Its original officers were:

• President: Nate Rothschild
• Vice President & Archivist: Kenny Oestreich
• Secretary/Treasurer: Cathy Stuehmeier
• Historian: Dr. George Ross

Other charter members included Woody Koelling, Mike Jones, Wendell Lamblin, Richard Salsbury, John Scattergood, John Stuehmeier, and Virginia Rohrbacher.

Finding a Home

Early on, members searched for a place to display the growing collection. A first offer at 327 South Locust was lost to a fire. Temporary space followed at 111 East Broadway in the former Topper women’s clothing store. In late 1999 the Society purchased our current brick building on South Locust Street, built around 1917 as a Coen Meyer wholesale grocery center that served local Red and White neighborhood stores. The late Ralph Spray, co-founder of Centralia Cartage, made a generous gift toward the purchase.

Dedication Day

The museum was formally dedicated on October 14, 2000. We remain grateful to the founders and volunteers whose persistence and care made the museum possible.