Chicano/Latino museum artifacts coming to Moses Lake

SEATTLE — Artifacts from a new Seattle-based Chicano/Latino museum will be shown in Moses Lake over the weekend.

The new museum, which is being promoted by Sea Mar Community Health Centers, a non-profit organization that specializes in health/social services in Latino communities in Washington, will be stopping by the Moses Lake Public Library, 418 E. Fifth Ave., from 10-2 p.m. on Saturday.

A total of 13 small photographic displays will be presented for the public to view free of charge. The Sea Mar Museum of Chicano/Latino Culture is set to open to the public in Seattle in fall 2018. The museum will feature Latino experiences and history by telling stories of migration, civil rights and families and how those experiences shaped Latino culture in different areas across the state.

“We recognize the role that heritage and culture play in the health and well-being of communities across the state,” Sea Mar CEO Rogelio Riojas said. “Today, there is no such museum in the region that tells the stories of contributions Latino communities continue to make in areas like the Tri-Cities, the Yakima Valley, and Wenatchee Valley. The Sea Mar Museum of Chicano/Latino Culture will serve this purpose. It will be the first of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.”

Sea Mar is encouraging community members to bring in and donate historical pictures, diaries, artifacts, household items and work tools that have been used by members of the local Latino community in the past.

“This will be your chance to contribute to sharing the history of Latino communities in Washington state,” Riojas said. “We invite you to become involved to solidify your family’s stories, experiences, and history living in the Pacific Northwest.”

For more information on the museum visit www.seamarmuseum.squarespace.com or email museum@seamarchc.org.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.