Buy a grave site, preserve some Franklin County, WA history

The Franklin County Historical Society and Museum is offering an unusual way to help preserve and provide information about the county’s past.

Decades ago 88 grave plots were donated to the historical society.

Half of those were sold and then the project languished. But staff are reviving the project after finding the paperwork for it.

The 44 remaining grave plots at Desert Lawn Cemetery in Kennewick can be purchased for $1,200 to $1,400, said Ellie Neff, office manager for the museum. Families are responsible for the head stone.

“Each plot sold makes a timeless statement of support for the Franklin County Historical Society and honors our mission to preserve the past, promote the history, embrace the present and build resilience for the future,” says the promotional material for the fundraiser to benefit its endowment fund.

For a sales tour, contact Michelle Bertrand at 509-547-3714.

The society’s museum at 305 North Fourth Ave. in Pasco is currently closed to refresh exhibits but will reopen March 15.

Its exhibits and artifacts housed in a 1911 Andrew Carnegie library construction project tell the story of the development of Franklin County.

They include photographs by John Clement in its gallery of rural art, an exhibit on the giant western camel that once roamed Franklin County and an exhibit on Native Americans of the region.