The Union County Museum opens for the 2022 season on Mother’s Day, May 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission to the annual event is free and refreshments will be available. Board members and volunteers look forward to showing museum patrons through the exhibits and sharing news of projects under way and improvements made over the off-season.
“This event gives us an opportunity to welcome patrons, visit with members and highlight projects and plans for the coming season,” said Nod Palmer, President of the Union County Museum Society. “We are grateful to all and proud of what we have accomplished despite the many challenges of the past two years.“
The museum has plans for further major improvements, including the project to restore the windows in the historical bank building. A fundraising campaign is under way to raise the funds needed for the necessary project. Grants are also being sought to help with these and other building maintenance expenses.
This season, the museum celebrates the 25th anniversary of acquiring the Cowboys Then & Now Collection from the Oregon Beef Council and moving it to Union from its original home near the Lloyd Center in Portland. The collection was an amazing addition to the museum and has attracted attention, great reviews and new visitors from far and wide.
While admission to the museum is free on Mother’s Day, the museum board of directors encourages people to join the Union County Museum Society to support the mission of collecting, preserving and presenting our area’s history. Membership starts at just $10 a year for individuals and includes free admission throughout the year. A quarterly newsletter is sent to members, as well. For just $50 a year you can be a Supporting Member and help ensure the museum continues its important role in the county.
The museum is seeking volunteer to help with activities ranging from being a host to working on new projects and ongoing tasks. Days and hours of operation after Mother’s Day are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteer hosts work in shifts, often in pairs. To learn more about volunteering, or to book a tour for a group, please contact Nod Palmer, Museum Society President, history@ucmuseumoregon.com or call and leave him a message at 541.562.6003.
