The ‘Joiner’ was a ‘Maker’ who helped establish WVC and the Museum
Kenneth P. Sexton was known as a “joiner” by his colleagues, but he could have just as easily been labeled as a “starter” or a “mover and shaker.” At the same time Sexton was campaigning hard for the establishment of Wenatchee Valley College, he was simultaneously working with community leaders to establish a museum as a member of the Columbia River Archeological Society.
“Sexton was an active leader in at least 12 community organizations,” said museum education coordinator Selina Danko. “If he didn’t know how to get something done, he knew someone else.”
Sexton is one of the featured characters for the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center’s Feb. 28 People of Our Past program. Bob Stoehr will portray Sexton.
Joining the Wenatchee World staff in 1919, Sexton served 20 years as business manager before leaving to pursue ranching full time in 1944. He was sworn in as Chelan County Commissioner in January 1947, serving as chairman at the time of his death in October 1950 at Sexton Hall at Wenatchee Valley College, which houses the Robert Graves Gallery, is named in Sexton is one of five historical figures featured during the Wenatchee Valley Museum’s People of Our Past program. All five characters have ties to Wenatchee Valley College (WVC) and the museum. Both institutions are celebrating 75th anniversaries.
The rest of the People of Our Past lineup includes coaching icon Bill Penhallegon, WVC dean Helen Van Tassell, WVC faculty member and author John A. Brown and award-winning artist and teacher Robert Graves. Tracy Carlson portrays Van Tassell, Eliot Scull is Penhallegon, DonCollins is Graves and Bill Murray takes on the part of Brown.
Each actor will perform three times during the day with a culminating evening meet-and-greet gala starting at 6 p.m. Performances at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. are by donation. Tickets for the evening event are $35 and include historically themed heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine, live music and a chance to mingle with the characters following the performance.
For more information about the People of Our Past program, contact Selina Danko at 888-6240 or [email protected].
