Pateros Museum at City Hall

The Pateros Museum at City Hall was converted from an old Fire Hall and Jail in 2009. It features educational outlooks on the city and it's history and includes a fire exhibit honoring the resiliance of the town after the devestation faced in the 2014 Carlton Complex Fires. The initial collection was donated by Douglas PUD from the Wells Dam Visitor Center collection. The Wells Dam Visitor Center was closed in 2001 amid increased security following the September 11 terror attacks.

On July 17th, 2014 four separate wildfires converged into one, erupting into a firestorm that devastated the City of Pateros and surrounding towns. Despite valiant efforts from the already overwhelmed Pateros fire department and crews, the Carlton Complex burned 312 homes in total and nearly consumed the city. That year the Historical Society began working on a fire exhibit to preserve the memory of what happened and educate people on wildfires and fire behavior. The exhibit features a map of the fire, information on wildfire behavior, and a display on the history of the city of Pateros. 

The Pateros collection continues to grow and includes exhibits:

• Relocation of Pateros and Construction of Wells Dam
• Pateros Philippines, Sister City, Namesake, & America's 1898 "Splendid Little War."
• Fort Okanogan - The first American-owned settlement with Washington State
• Early days of Pateros and the Apple Industry
• Railroad & Steamboats