The 10 Best History Museums in Willamette Valley, Willamette Valley

The Architectural Heritage Center is a non-profit resource for historic preservation owned and operated by the Bosco-Milligan Foundation. As "home base" for heritage conservation in the Portland, Oregon metro area, the AHC hosts dozens of programs, tours, and exhibits each year which help people appreciate and preserve older and historic buildings, neighborhoods, and traditional commercial areas.

Pioneer History Museum focusing on Linn county in the 1800's. Main Street style displays bring history to life.

Explore Oregon’s past at the Oregon Historical Society! Located on the historic South Park Blocks in downtown Portland, the Oregon Historical Society’s museum is open seven days a week and features original and traveling exhibitions that tell stories of the people, places, and events that have shaped Oregon and American history. In February 2019, the Oregon Historical Society unveiled a brand permanent exhibit, Experience Oregon, that chronicles the state’s complex history through rare artifacts, hands-on interactives, and digital displays. The Society’s world-class research library is open Tuesday through Saturday and is the perfect place to research a historic home or find a long-lost pioneer relative. Don’t forget to stop by the museum store for a uniquely Oregon souvenir!

Artifacts from the Aurora Colony, settle in the 1850s by seekers of religious freedom.

Located in Bush’s Pasture Park, the Bush House Museum is Salem’s 19th century time capsule. Operated by the Salem Art Association on behalf of the City of Salem, the Museum offers tours to the public and preserves and interprets the heritage of the Bush House and Bush’s Pasture Park to illuminate Oregon history and culture associated with the lives and legacy of Salem’s Bush Family. Featuring many iconic 19th century furnishings, this once technologically advanced home also contains much of its original decor. As the comfortable home of a Bush family member until 1953, the Bush House Museum continues to welcome Salem visitors of all ages throughout the year. While in Bush’s Pasture Park, visitors can also explore the recently restored 1882 Conservatory, the second oldest in the west, and the Bush Barn Art Center. The 90 acre park also features walking trails, a civic rose garden and several children’s play areas.

Open from April through September from 9 to 4 pm, Powerland Heritage Park- "where history comes alive"- (formerly Antique Powerland) has been rated #8 by Oregon Business as Oregon's favorite destination and value-packed bargain. It's 14 unique heritage museums offer something for everyone: trolley rides, vintage and antique cars, vintage John Deere and Caterpillar farm and construction machinery,100 year old logging operations, and more. Be sure to mark your calendar for the annual Great Oregon Steam-Up, always the last weekend in July, first weekend in August.

The Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education explores the legacy of the Jewish experience in Oregon and teaches the universal lessons of the Holocaust. Through exhibitions, programs, educational resources, and opportunities for intercultural conversation, OJMCHE challenges our visitors to resist indifference and discrimination and to envision a just and inclusive world.

NOTE: The Wells Fargo Museum is temporarily closed and will open at the end of October 2019. Thank you for your understanding.