Our History
Avid collectors of local stories, the 1907 Pioneer Society later morphed into The History Museum of Hood River County.
Created in 1978, The History Museum is an active participant in this vibrant multi-cultural community. The non-profit Museum brings the region’s past and present to life through permanent displays, temporary exhibitions, and programs.
The museum holds in trust over 30,000 artifacts, documents, and media that represent the diverse heritage of Hood River County and the Columbia Gorge. We bring to life the stories of all the peoples of this region through education, discussion, and exhibitions.
Our Vision and Mission
VISION
The History Museum is a vibrant center for engaging all people in a better understanding of the community’s heritage that preserves the past, relates it to the present and shapes our future.
MISSION
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To celebrate Hood River County and the mid-Columbia River Gorge area’s diverse cultural heritage and preserve its unique story.
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To hold in trust a collection of artifacts and documents relevant to the region’s heritage.
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To bring to life the stories of this heritage though education, discussion and exhibition.
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To encourage the value of understanding how history shaped the past, impacts the present, and influences the future.
WHO WE ARE
The History Museum is led by the Heritage Council, a 501c3 non-profit organization. The Council members are a diverse group who have many cumulative years of experience in education, law, business, retail, social work, government organizations, the arts, historic research, and various other local community cultural and governmental entities.
