Willamette Heritage Center

Willamette Heritage Center Serene 5-acre site connecting generations with historic museum exhibits, shopping, restaurant, and event rental venues. 📍Salem, OR
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The Willamette Heritage Center is a non-profit museum located in Salem, Oregon. Formed from the merger of two established historical organizations (the Mission Mill Museum and the Marion County Historical Society) the WHC collects, cares for, interprets, showcases, and promotes understanding of an education about the history of the Mid-Willamette Valley region, including Marion County and the grea

ter Salem area. It is anchored by the historic early settlement buildings dating to the 1840s, the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill and its archival and library holdings.

Music at the Mill continues next Tuesday! 🎶Join us on June 16 from 6–8 PM as we welcome Rich Swanger to the Willamette H...
06/10/2026

Music at the Mill continues next Tuesday! 🎶

Join us on June 16 from 6–8 PM as we welcome Rich Swanger to the Willamette Heritage Center for an evening of live music, community, and summer vibes.

Bring a lawn chair, gather your friends, grab food and beverages from Lively at the Mill, and enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by the historic beauty of the Mill.

Music at the Mill is hosted by WHC in partnership with Lively at the Mill.

🎟 Get tickets: https://www.willametteheritage.org/music-at-the-mill/

🍓 The Berry Pass is back, and we're excited to be a participating attraction for Summer 2026!Bring your Berry Pass and e...
06/09/2026

🍓 The Berry Pass is back, and we're excited to be a participating attraction for Summer 2026!

Bring your Berry Pass and explore the stories, exhibits, and history of the Willamette Valley at the Willamette Heritage Center.

📅 Berry Passes are valid June 1–September 7, 2026.

Berry Pass admission details at WHC:
• Valid for one (1) single admission per day during regular business hours
• Each child must have their own Berry Pass for entry
• Adults must purchase standard museum admission

Make plans to visit us this summer and discover Oregon history through interactive exhibits, historic buildings, and hands-on learning opportunities!

Still need your pass? Get it here: https://www.marionberriesbaseball.com/berrypass

Hear from our very own Kylie Pine at this upcoming talk!
06/09/2026

Hear from our very own Kylie Pine at this upcoming talk!

Think your house has a story to tell?Join the Willamette Heritage Center on Saturday, August 22, for a hands-on class de...
06/08/2026

Think your house has a story to tell?

Join the Willamette Heritage Center on Saturday, August 22, for a hands-on class designed to help you research the history of your property in Marion County and the greater Salem area.

Through real-life case studies, WHC staff will guide you through three essential research skills:

➡DIY deed searches to trace ownership over time

➡Finding your home in historic photographs, including aerial and panoramic images

➡A "speed dating" session with some of the most useful research resources available in WHC's collections

Whether you're curious about who lived in your home before you, when it was built, or how your neighborhood has changed, this class will give you practical tools and confidence to continue your own research.

📅 Saturday, August 22, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Willamette Heritage Center (Education Space)
💲 $25 per person

Space is limited—reserve your spot and start uncovering the history hiding in plain sight.
Register here: https://www.willametteheritage.org/historic-property-research-masterclass/

House Images: Capital Journal, 7 Dec 1929, p. 9; Current view shared by owner of property.

On June 30, the WHC and Salem Cinema invite you to a special screening of "1776", the beloved musical that brings the st...
06/06/2026

On June 30, the WHC and Salem Cinema invite you to a special screening of "1776", the beloved musical that brings the story of the Declaration of Independence to life with humor, heart, and unforgettable music.

"1776" captures the challenges of finding common ground, working through differences, and coming together in pursuit of something greater.

Following the screening, stay for a Q&A with historian Seth Cotlar, whose expertise focuses on the United States in the years following the American Revolution. Cotlar will explore the historical realities behind the film and discuss how the nation's founding continues to shape American life today.

As we reflect on 250 years of American history, this special event offers an opportunity to connect with the stories, people, and ideals that continue to inspire generations.

Tickets and event details available through Salem Cinema.
https://www.salemcinema.com/movie/1776

Then and Now: 625 Marion StreetWhen the building was constructed in 1955, do you know what it was purpose built for? HI...
06/04/2026

Then and Now: 625 Marion Street

When the building was constructed in 1955, do you know what it was purpose built for? HINT it wasn’t a school. Answer tomorrow in the comments!

THEN PHOTO: Construction of 625 Marion Street. Photo taken September 21, 1955 by the McEwan Photo Studio for Viesko & Post. WHC Collections 2006.002.1004.002

NOW PHOTO: Howard Street Charter School from their social media page. Howard Street Charter School

On June 3, 1942, all individuals of Japanese ancestry living in the area outlined in the above map were required to repo...
06/03/2026

On June 3, 1942, all individuals of Japanese ancestry living in the area outlined in the above map were required to report to Salem depot to board a train to an unknown destination. They were allowed to bring two suitcases with them of personal belongings. These men, women and children, many born in the United States and citizens, were incarcerated by presidential executive order in a barren camp at Tule Lake, California.

Learn more about local individuals of Japanese ancestry and their experiences during World War II in the Willamette Heritage Center’s Pop Up gallery – through July 6th – or online here: https://www.willametteheritage.org/japanese-american-community-1942/

✨Walk in Freedom’s Footsteps this Juneteenth! ✨Join the Willamette Heritage Center, Oregon Black Pioneers, and Just Walk...
06/02/2026

✨Walk in Freedom’s Footsteps this Juneteenth! ✨

Join the Willamette Heritage Center, Oregon Black Pioneers, and Just Walk Salem Keizer for our annual Juneteenth Community History Walk on Friday, June 19.

This year’s walk highlights the story of William P. Johnson and Elizabeth Walker, early Salem residents whose lives, work, and perseverance helped shape our community. Follow in their footsteps as we visit important locations connected to their family and learn about Salem’s early Black community.

🕘 Guided Walk Times:
• 9:00 AM
• 10:00 AM
• 11:15 AM
• 12:15 PM

Guided walks are capped at 50 participants per tour.

Prefer to explore at your own pace?
Self-guided brochures will be available at the museum from 9 AM–4 PM.

Come celebrate Juneteenth, connect with your community, and discover stories that deserve to be remembered and shared. ❤️🖤💚

Learn More:
https://www.willametteheritage.org/freedomsfootsteps/

Cheers to 100 years! 🥂Since 1926, the Elsinore Theatre Elsinore Theatre has been one of Salem’s most treasured architect...
06/01/2026

Cheers to 100 years! 🥂
Since 1926, the Elsinore Theatre Elsinore Theatre has been one of Salem’s most treasured architectural and cultural landmarks. From vaudeville acts to film screenings to live performances, every moment on stage has contributed to its rich legacy of entertainment. Here’s to 100 more!

To celebrate this milestone, please enjoy a few of our favorite photos from the museum collection.

Images: 1998.008.038, 2004.010.0413, 2022.044.0438, X2012.016.0520 (detail)

Address

1313 Mill Street SE, Ste 200
Salem, OR
97301

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

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