About the Presby Museum

What is the Presby Museum?

Constructed in 1902 by Klickitat attorney Winthrop B. Presby (1859-1914), the Presby Mansion was a family residence, a boarding house for teachers, and a boarding house for railway workers. The Presby House was purchased in 1962 by the Klickitat County Historical Society and is now a museum.

The Presby Museum is a three-story, wood-frame structure with 22 rooms. The house is an interpretation of the Queen Anne style with a hipped roof and a wraparound porch. The design of the house originates from a plan book by George F. Barber called Modern Dwellings. The plan is called “A Sunny Southern Home”. The house is located on a corner lot in the residential area of Goldendale, Washington.

The Presby Museum is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The museum offers a unique glimpse into the history of Klickitat County and the people who have called it home.

On display are collections of artifacts that were utilized by Klickitat County residents during daily life, a collection of antique coffee mills, a reproduction of a one-room schoolhouse, and items from early businesses. The museum also features a collection of Native American artifacts, including baskets, tools, and clothing.

The Presby House Museum is open to the public and offers guided tours of the house and its collections. The museum is operated by the Klickitat County Historical Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Klickitat County.