Shafer Historical Museum
Welcome to the Shafer Historical Museum Online Collections!
This database lets you view photos, documents and objects from the Shafer Museum's collections about Methow Valley history. New items and information are added to the database regularly, and we always welcome volunteers to help in the effort. Photos are available for purchase, too. Just click on the request button when you've found one you like.
Tips for Searching
Click the menu above to select a search using keywords, browse random images, or narrow your results using the advanced search.
Keyword Search
Know what you're looking for? The Keyword Search button allows you to perform a general search across multiple fields for any catalog records online. Keyword searches use OR as the default connector between words (e.g. a search for Gunn Ranch will return records associated with Gunn OR Ranch). If you want to find records where both keywords are found, type in AND between the two words. To search for a specific phrase, be sure to put the phrase within quotes (e.g. "Moccasin Lake Ranch" or "Patterson Lake"). You can also use the asterisk (*) as a wildcard (e.g. a search for histor* would come up with records containing history, histories, historical, etc.). Searches are not case sensitive.
Random Images
Just want to look at some cool stuff from Methow Valley history? The Random Images button is a great way to just browse the collection. Each Random Images page displays a random assortment of images from the records online. If something piques your interest, click the thumbnail to view a larger version of the image.
Advanced Search
The Advanced Search button can help you be more specific with your search. You can search for a word or phrase within a particular search category or use multiple categories to further narrow down your search results. For example, searching White in the People field will bring up any records associated with a member of the White family, without having to sift through black & white photographs. You can also search People and Creator records through Advanced Search. Phrase searching with quotes and use of wildcards (*) are available in Advanced Search.
Catalog Searches (Archives / Photos / Libraries / Objects)
The catalog buttons can also help narrow down your search, by only searching with a selected catalog. If you only want to search for Photos, click the Photos button and type in your keyword(s) or phrase. You can also browse records within that catalog without performing a search. Phrase searching, wildcards (*) as well as AND/OR statements are available when performing catalog searches.