We exist to help the public understand our mutual past and shared future.
Let’s Make History Together
Transformation
Museums today are redefining themselves as the world around us is rapidly changing.
- As our County becomes more ethnically diverse and inter-connected, the role of the Washington County Museum has never been more important.
- In recognition of the goals set by our new Strategic Plan, the Museum has now launched processes that will enable us to better serve all the citizens of Washington County.
- We are here to tell the full story of Washington County, as a leader in Oregon’s arts, history and culture.
Dynamic Change
As a cultural leader of Washington County, we innovate to better meet the needs of our County and create an understanding of our mutual past and shared future.
- A New Mission
A broader mission allows us to be more responsive and to make the strongest contribution to improving life in our County.
“The Washington County Museum ignites the imagination, actively engaging the public in learning how history, art, technology and our innovative pioneering spirit have shaped today’s communities—bringing to life the diverse cultures that have so richly defined this remarkable region.”
This expanded role has led the museums board of directors to adopt a long-term vision of being Northwest Oregon’s “best and most relevant cultural organization.”
- A Broader Vision
To be a first class museum in Washington County, we are creating a gathering place for our community. Here we can explore together the way history intersects with art, culture and technology and have shaped this place we call home.
- A Better Name
The Washington County Historical Society and Museum is now the Washington County Museum.
Uniqueness
The Museum offers unparalleled opportunities to experience and understand the complexity and richness of our County.
- Scope
By embracing arts and technology together with history and culture we reach a more diverse community. Our exhibits will attract residents of many backgrounds, ages, and ethnicities while drawing tourists to our County.
- Authenticity
Museum visitors encounter the genuine article, with hands on learning and exhibits that embody our shared history. This kind of real life experience cannot be duplicated in text or online.
- Accessibility
One of the most complete research libraries in Washington County exists in our Museum. Individuals, families and businesses utilize this vast resource of over 40,000 manuscripts, photographs, oral histories, rare books, maps and newspapers to discover the factors that have shaped our culture and our land.
- Community
The Museum is our place to bring the community together. A place to foster learning and creativity, invite important civic conversations and build an appreciation of how our cultural mosaic forms our modern life and shapes our future.
Relevant & Vibrant
The challenge for history museums today is to be relevant. We exist to help the public understand our mutual past and shared future. Our exhibitions and programs are the tools that we use to cultivate this understanding.
- Our local exhibitions are developed in-house to showcase the best objects from our collection. These exhibits tell the story of Washington County’s uniqueness and relevance to the world around us.
- Our visiting exhibitions are carefully selected from areas outside the County. These exhibits open our minds to the world beyond our local community and explore a broader context from which to understand our local history.
- Vibrant public programs inspire and enrich our community, including our children in the schools, families, our honored elders, scout troops and youth groups. These programs feature hands-on activities and demonstrations that bring history, the arts, and technology to life.
- Over 15,000 individual treasures wait in our collection ready to tell our story. These priceless artifacts create a passion for the original, the unique, and even the ordinary. We know that we don’t yet tell the whole story of our County– there are many treasures waiting discovery and many more unique stories to document and share.
Be A Part of the Transformation
Take part in developing the first class museum that Washington County deserves. Become a stakeholder with the Museum and…..
- Help us become a leader in Washington County on behalf of arts, culture and history.
- Help us establish personal connections with new audiences, so that we may address the needs of our diverse community—and be a vibrant gathering place for all.
- Help us create innovative exhibitions and shape more responsive programs that focus on the visitor experience and inspire the community to visit the Museum.
- Help us develop, identify and diversify our financial resources that will allow us to continue the transformation and compete in the current economic climate.
Join Our Efforts to create a better Washington County by supporting your Museum. An investment of your wisdom, energy and financial support in the Washington County Museum will help us better meet the needs of our County and the challenges ahead. Download our new handout.
Click here to read the Press Release about our new vision.
We Welcome a Call, Visit or Email From You
- Sam Shogren, Executive Director
503-645-5353 museum, director@washingtoncountymuseum.org
- Gary Imbrie, Board President
503-641-7050, X12 office, gary.imbrie@svn.com
