On July 15, 2010 Benton County Historical Society Board of Trustees adopted a 2010-2013 Strategic Plan.

For your reference you may download it here.

Gone Fishin'! Please call after August 18 to make a research appointment. Thank you.

THE WORLD OF IDEAS LECTURE SERIES

Tuesdays, 12:10-1:00 pm
June 29 - August 3, 2010
Corvallis-Benton County Public Library
645 NW Monroe, Corvallis

LBCC Benton Center, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library and Benton County Historical Museum present a collection of history, culture and ideas. These lectures are free and open to the public. Bring a friend and your lunch and enjoy!

June 29 Trees: An Arboreal Tour of Oregon and Beyond
Drawing on the disciplines of biology, history, literature, popular culture, and art, horticulturist, Nancy Appling, presents an interactive program that discusses why trees have earned a place of high esteem and worship throughout the world and illustrates their importance to Pacific Northwest Native Americans and the culture of Oregon. Presenter: Nancy Appling

July 6 Abraham Lincoln and the American West
This presentation draws on the speaker's recently completed book on Lincoln and the American West and shows how much Lincoln was actually linked to the West. Subjects covered include slavery, western politics, Lincoln and Indians, and Lincoln and the Civil War in the West. A concluding section of the talk deals with Lincoln's interesting connections with Oregon. Presenter: Richard Etulain

July 13 Plowman Poet: The Life and Songs of Robert Burns
With guitar accompaniment, Jeni Foster sings songs written by Burns and places them in the context of his life. Audience participation is encouraged with sing-along choruses, providing a delightfully entertaining way to learn about a fascinating literary personality. Presenter: Jeni Foster

July 20 Raza Sin Fronteras: Mexican American Cultural History
Jim García performs corridos (ballads), reviews artwork, and recites poetry to capture the voices of the Mexican American community and illuminate the uniqueness of Mexican American cultural and intellectual heritage. This presentation explores the diverse Iberian, Mexican, and indigenous influences that shape the character and history of Mexican Americans. Presenter: Jim Garcia

July 27 Language and Legends of Flowers
Flowers, herbs, and trees are woven into the fabric of the religion, mythology, and folklore of every culture. We use them for food, medicines, and potions. Historian and folklorist, Twilo Scofield, presents the language, legends, mythology, and folklore of plants through songs and stories. Presenter: Twilo Scofield

August 3 Trickster at the Crossroads of the World
The trickster is a central character in stories told around the world, and in the religions of many cultures. The trickster is the original boundary crosser who traverses physical and social barriers, and blurs distinctions between right and wrong, male and female, the living and the dead. Curt Yehnert analyzes trickster tales from around the world to show how in making fun of social values they reinforce those values and in profaning sacred beliefs they focus attention on the nature of such beliefs. Presenter: Curtis Yehnert

Linn-Benton Community College is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Persons having questions about or requests for special needs and accommodations should contact the Disability Coordinator at Linn-Benton Community College, RCH-105, 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW, Albany, Oregon 97321, Phone 541-917-4690 or via Oregon Telecommunications Relay TTD at 1-800-735-2900 or 1-800-735-1232. Contact should be made 72 hours or more in advance of the event.

$15 adults, $7 children ages 10 and under

Download the flyer HERE!

Corvallis Art Guild and Benton County Historical Society present a juried art show in support of National Historic Preservation Month. The exhibition will be open to the public from April 9 - May 29, 2010

Click here for submission dates and details

Marlene McDonald of Kings Valley was honored with the prestigious Oregon Heritage Excellence Award. She received the award on April 9 from Mary Oberst, Oregon's first lady, at the annual Heritage Conference in Oregon City in recognition for her contributions to our community and to the history of Oregon. Read whole article at Gazettetimes.com >>>

February 22-April 9
Linda Crew, Bob Welch, Matt Love, Judy Juntunen, John Baker and Jon Lewis
Details >>>

Sponsors for the event include the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Friends of Willamette Valley NWR Complex, Audubon Society of Corvallis, Emerald Photographic Society, PreservationWORKS, Benton County Historical Society, and the North American Nature Photography Association. The refuge is located approximately 8 miles south of Corvallis off Hwy. 99W and 35 miles north of Eugene. Turn west at the brown and white entrance sign onto Finley Road. For more information, contact William L. Finley NWR at 541-757-7236, Monday through Friday from 8am – 4pm.

Philomath High artist a natural molding clay
Gazette Times News article by Raju Woodward
Read Article >>>

Valentines in Vegas
Friday Feb 12th
Details at http://www.bentoncountymuseum.org/ValentinesInVegas.cfm

Celebrate the advent of the holiday season by attending the Philomath Chamber of Commerce Community Christmas Tree Lighting at the Museum on Thursday December 10, 2009 from 6 to 7 pm. The annual tree-lighting celebration will be held in front of the Museum. Philomath Mayor Ken Schaudt will extend his greetings and the Philomath Elementary School children's choir will sing holiday songs. After the tree lighting, Santa Claus will arrive on a fire truck with goodies for the children. For a history of the Christmas tree project and a profile of key players in the Philomath Chamber of Commerce who made this project happen, please visit the Philomath Chamber of Commerce website

The Museum will open a new exhibition during the event in the first floor gallery called "Can You Hear Me? Now?" After the lighting ceremony, the Museum will be open at 7 pm for a special reception for the exhibition, which features musical instruments, radios, televisions and telephones from the collections. Come see how technology has changed in the past 100 years, and try some of the interactive exhibitions, featuring a telephone "party line".

Find out if our venerated local institution of higher learning has been behaving like a Hollywood starlet. George Edmonston, former editor of the Oregon Stater, OSU historian, and BCHS Board member will give a talk on the topic entitled "Is OSU Lying about Its Age?" at the Society's Annual Meeting on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 4 pm in the Moreland Auditorium.

Results of the Society's election of Board of Trustees will also be announced at the Annual Meeting, which begins at 3:30 pm. The event is free and open to the membership and the public.

Noted Northwest author, Rick Steber, will give a talk at the Benton County Museum, 1101 Main Street, in Philomath on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 7 pm in the Moreland Auditorium.

Mr. Steber's work has been called "Western literature at its best."

According to his website, "Each of Rick Steber's books is both an exciting western adventure and historical chronicle. Rich in variety and content, readers feel the compelling dramas revealed through the eyes of the characters. They define the dynamics of western life in a fashion no other author has been able to attain."

Please join us for this free event.

This year's Quilt County exhibition, "Celebrating Oregon's Heritage" continues in the Moreland Auditorium Gallery through October 18, 2009. Every other year, Benton County becomes Quilt County, with simultaneous quilt shows in Corvallis, Philomath, and the surrounding area. Although most quilt exhibitions happen during the month of September, several venues hold their shows over into mid-October. If you haven't had a chance to see these unique and colorful shows, you still have time! Please visit our website for quilt show details. Quilt County exhibition guides are available at the Museum.

The Benton County Historical Society will offer around 100 items on an auction website to raise money to benefit Benton County Historical Museum operations. The Society's goal is to raise $5,000 through its online auction.

The auction will open on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 8 AM PST and run through Saturday, October 10, 2009. Interested bidders may access the auction website through the Museum's website at www.bentoncountymuseum.org or direct link at https://www.cmarket.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=88938360.

Trips, get-aways, restaurant certificates, food and food clubs, services for home and garden, and art and antiques are listed for bid. Email updates are automatically sent to bidders to "watch" items of interest.

Thank you for your donating items and bidding at auction!

The Oregon Cultural Trust has designated Thursday, October 8, 2009 as Oregon's "Day of Culture". Cultural institutions across the state will recognize the Cultural Trust's 7th anniversary of the income tax credit. To date, the Oregon Cultural Trust has accumulated $11.3 million, which generates over $1 million annually to support non-profit cultural institutions around the state. For more information visit www.culturaltrust.org.

The Museum's driveways and parking lot will be under construction for the next two months so we can improve access to the building and enhance parking. Overflow parking is available next door in the fire department's new gravel parking lot behind the fire department (access off of 10th street).

Greenberry Construction is the general contractor for the project, which will consist of demolition and new construction of existing approaches, sidewalks and parking lot.

Sub contractors have generously donated gifts-in-kind to make the project feasible. The total cost of the project is $210,000.

The project calls for the following driveway closures:

• The east driveway is scheduled to be closed from Monday, August 3, 2009 through Wednesday, August 19, 2009.
• The west driveway is scheduled to be closed from Thursday, August 20, 2009 through Tuesday, September 1, 2009.
• Paving and striping will take place Friday, September 18 through Tuesday, September 22, 2009. All access will be closed.
• PARKING at the Museum will be limited during construction. Museum patrons can park behind the Museum building or on the street.
• Parking will be unavailable on site during paving and striping.
• The Museum WILL BE OPEN REGULAR HOURS DURING CONSTRUCTION.

This schedule is subject to change without notice. Thanks for your patience!

Learn more >>>

Benton County Historical Society presents Home Is Where The Art Is, an exhibition of decorative art from the Museum's vast collection.  The exhibition will be open June 19 through August 22, 2009.

In the decorative arts, artists enrich our environment by embellishing everyday household objects. Decorative arts including silver, glass, ceramics, textiles and furniture are the emphasis of the exhibition.  Many of the historic objects on display came to BCHS from the Horner Museum in Corvallis and have not been seen publicly for decades.

Visit the online decorative arts exhibition >>>

These six programs are sponsored by a collaboration among the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, Linn-Benton Community College: Benton Center, and Benton County Historical Society. John Croy/Edward Jones Investments sponsored programs by Mary Bywater Cross, Carole Glauber, Janet L. Brown, and Diane L. Goeres-Gardner.

Oregon Council For The Humanities sponsored programs by Elliott Young and Robert L. Hamm.

All programs start at noon at the main branch of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Bring your own brown bag lunch!

More >>>

Please join your friends and neighbors at the Benton County Museum for a catered barbeque dinner, live music, and silent auction. Thursday, July 9, from 5:30-7:30pm.

Admission for adults is $15 and youth tickets (ages 10 and under) are $7.

This fundraiser for the Benton County Historical Society & Museum is sponsored by Starker Forests, Inc.

The museum is located at 1101 Main Street, Philomath, Oregon. (541) 929-6230

The exhibition will be open May 1 through June 13, 2009.

Please join us for an opening reception Friday May 1 from 5-7pm. Read More...

Winning entries have been announced for the 2009 Willamette Valley High School Art Competition.

See the list and some samples of student art >>>

Media Contacts
Amy Spies, Corvallis-Benton Co Public Library, 541 766-6486 or 766-6793
Christopher Rumbaugh, CBCPL, 541 766-6965 or 766-6793
Larry Landis, The Valley Library, OSU, 541 737-0540 or 737-2761
Mark Tolonen, Benton County Historical Society & Museum, 541 929-6230 x306

Oregon Is Indian County Showing April 2-30 at Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, The Valley Library (Oregon State University), and Benton County Historical Museum (Philomath)

Corvallis, OR - Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, The Valley Library (Oregon State University), and Benton County Historical Museum (Philomath) invite one and all to view a special exhibit of Oregon's Native American heritage, Oregon Is Indian Country, showing April 2 through April 26.

Oregon Is Indian Country represents a groundbreaking project bringing all nine Oregon tribes together to present information never-before-assembled in one exhibit on contemporary indigenous cultures. Oregon's Indian traditions will be inherent from many art forms including native voices, historical artifacts, photographs and more, producing a powerful exhibition.

Corvallis-Benton County Public Library will feature the portion of the exhibit called "The Land". The Valley Library (Oregon State University) is hosting "Traditions That Bind." Benton County Historical Museum (Philomath) will present "Federal Indian Policies."

The exhibit is a direct result of the Oregon Tribes Project, a multi-year collaboration between the Oregon Historical Society's Folklife Program and Oregon's nine federally recognized tribes. Tribal members documented their contemporary traditions and worked with Society staff to plan a series of heritage resources to be used to teach about tribal histories and cultures.

Oregon Tribes utilizes native voices, traditions, and art forms, as well as historic artifacts and photographs to produce an exhibition, educational materials, and public programs to educate people about Oregon's contemporary tribes. Antone Minthorn, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservations says, "We have survived the tidal wave of immigration to our country. The American public needs to hear these stories of survival. This place, the United States of America, is our home, but we all have a voice in shaping a legacy for our children."

Support for this exhibit is generously provided by the following organizations: Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation; Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund and the Siletz Tribal Council; Spirit Mountain Community Fund; Wildhorse Foundation; Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Oregon State Library National Endowment for the Arts; Oregon Arts Commission; Oregon Heritage Commission; Collins Foundation; Jackson Foundation; PGE Foundation; and Oregon Council for the Humanities.

Oregon Is Indian County Programs at Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, The Valley Library (Oregon State University), and Benton County Historical Museum (Philomath) Corvallis, OR - To celebrate and promote the exhibits, three programs, one at each venue, will be offered, throughout the month of April. These programs are free and open to the public. The Corvallis Library will host Esther Stutzman on Friday, April 3 at 7:00 pm in the Main Meeting Room. Esther Stutzman, (Kalapuya, Coos) an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz, will tell stories and offer drumming from the Kalapuya and Coos people. Esther is the chair of a non-profit Kalapuya organization, Komemma Cultural Protection Association, dedicated to researching the Kalapuya. This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For more information, call the Library's Reference Desk, at 766-6793.

The Benton County Historical Museum in Philomath will offer a special demonstration on Saturday, April 11, from 12:00 to 2:00 pm. Alfred 'Bud' Lane III, (Chetco, Lower Rogue, Shasta) a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, will share items and information about Siletz traditional life ways, including information and items representative of Siletz basketry, traditional regalia, utilitarian art/everyday items. For information, call the Benton County Historical Museum at 929-6230.

Oregon State University will host Brigette Whipple on Monday, April 20, at a time and location to be announced on the Oregon State University campus. Brigette Whipple, (Wasco, Warm Springs, Paiute) an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, will offer a culture share about the art of beading for regalia and horse trappings. Brigette began beading at the age of six, watching and leaned from her father's sisters and grandmother. For information, call Archives reference desk at The Valley Library at 737-2761. More >>>

The Benton County Historical Society is proud to host the 26th annual Art: The Fourth 'R' exhibition, celebrating Philomath student art from March 6 through March 28, 2009.

The evening includes a silent auction, entertainment, hors d'ouevres, punch, Oregon birthday cake, and a cash bar. This year, childcare is provided for children ages 2 and up. Your $25 ticket includes admission to the event, "funny money" to play the tables, one drink, and lots of FUN! Tickets are available by calling the Museum at (541) 929-6230. Quantities are limited, so call today!

On Tuesday, February 10, 2009, the Museum will host a "Lincoln Town Hall" event in the Moreland Auditorium from 7 to 9 pm. Mr. Lincoln himself (portrayed by Steve Holgate) will be on hand to talk about his life and presidency - and yes, we will have birthday cake!

There will be songs and music from the Lincoln era, readings from Lincoln in fiction, and a press conference with Lincoln. Steve Holgate is joined by Richard W. Etulain, PhD (whom many of you know from Oregon Chautauqua presentations) Tony Wolk, PhD, Elliott Trommell, PhD, and "Illinois" Doug Tracy.

Don't miss this exciting celebration of the birth of Abraham Lincoln presented by the Oregon Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, supported by the Oregon Council for the Humanities, Oregon University system, Qwest, Landye Bennett Blumstein, LLP, Russell Development Corporation, and Schwabe, Williamson, and Wyatt.

For Immediate Release: April 21, 2008
Contact: Mark Tolonen, Curator of Exhibitions
Phone: 541.929.6230

intertwined: an exhibit of handmade baskets

Philomath, Ore. - The Benton County Historical Society is proud to host "intertwined: an exhibit of handmade baskets" by three Oregon artists Bud Lane, Mariana Mace and Margaret Mathewson. The exhibition will open to the public from May 17 through July 19, 2008. An opening reception will be held Friday May 16 from 5-7pm.

Each artist brings passion and diverse talents to their basketry, from the harvesting of materials to the methods of weaving. Much of the basketry, being shared publicly for only two months, is from private collections. Some are ceremonial tribal headgear. Others are utilitarian. All are inspirational works of art.

"I have had an almost lifelong fascination for using my hands to make things, to put materials together, to interconnect elements: yarns, beads, fabric pieces, parts of plants. Each small stitch, or row, or piece of fabric is much like every other, but how they combine leads to endless variety" says artist Mariana Mace.

Enjoy a visit to Oregon's past AND present! The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 - 4:30. Admission is always free!

Located six miles west of Corvallis on Hwy 20/34, at 1101 Main Street, Philomath, Oregon, the Benton County Historical Society operates the Museum facilities for the preservation of history and culture. Its goal is to preserve the material culture of Benton County, Oregon. It strives to enrich people's lives through interesting exhibitions and educational programs.

The Collins Foundation has awarded a $40,000 grant to help purchase powder-coated steel oversize shelving for Collection Care Facility. Total cost of the shelving is $83,000; the Society received $25,000 from the Spirit Mountain Community Fund and $10,000 from the Brauti Family Fund at the Oregon Community Foundation.

These grants will assure that our valuable collections will be properly stored on shelving that will not collapse, bend or be subject to earthquake.

The Benton County Historical Society committed over $2 million to erect a state-of-the-art storage facility for its collections. The Society accepted the responsibility of the Horner Collection, formerly owned by Oregon State University. The 60,000 object collection will be combined with the Society's 20,000 objects in the new facility. Funds are still needed to support this project. For more information please call Ron Thiesen, Development Director, at the Museum 541-929-6230.

For more information about the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation go to: www.pacificpower.net/ppfoundation. Information about the Collins Foundation can be found at: www.collinsfoundation.org

On Saturday, December 6, 2008 and Saturday, December 13, 2008 from 10 am to 12 noon, Museum members will receive a 20% discount on all Museum Store items--just in time for holiday shopping!

We know that you'll want to save money this holiday season, so we've slashed prices for members only!

We've renewed our stock of best-selling books and have ordered some new, unique merchandise.

Here are a few of the titles and items we have for your shopping pleasure:

Ever Blooming: The Art of Bonnie Hall --members' price $20 (regularly $25)

The Spirit of Corvallis--members' price $20.76 (regularly $25.95)

The Bellfountain Giant Killers--members' price $8 (regularly $10)

New gift items include: Cast iron reproduction banks--members' price $31.96 (regularly $39.95)

Beaver and moose plush toys (to honor the Horner Collection) $6.36 (regularly $7.50)

Plus ornaments, music boxes, canvas grocery bags, and bisque jars--MANY ITEMS PRICED UNDER $10. Stocking stuffers galore!

This is an exclusive sale to thank you for your continuing support of the Historical Society & Museum.

Thank you!

Working in collaboration with other artists on one piece is the most challenging, satisfying, frustrating, invigorating, soul-searching endeavor that I could put myself through-and I love it.

I was approached by Judi to do the mixed media show almost 2 years ago. Then the three of us started meeting monthly at our studios to share ideas, art, and wine. Though I knew of their work as individuals, I hadn't ever worked with them on a show or project. This newness was very exciting for me. It is so typical for each of us to work long periods of time alone in our studios without interacting, creatively, with others. So I would leave these meetings feeling more inspired and putting pen to paper with new ideas and designs. I am very excited to see this show come together. It will certainly be a feast for the eyes and there will be something for everyone to see. - Lauren Ohlgren

I've always enjoyed collaborating on a work with other artists. One learns so much about working in the moment and being able to trust. The challenge on these 3 collaborative pieces was the difference of mediums: glass, wax, paint, oil pastel, paper and objects. We also picked a rather large size which I think surprised us all. I found it interesting that in Webster's Dictionary the words collaborative and collage fall right next to each other. - Judith Sander

The exhibition runs through May 10, 2008.

Mark Tolonen was hired as the new Curator of Exhibitions in February.

Mark holds a BA in History from the University of Connecticut and a graduate diploma in Cultural Conservation from the University of Victoria, Canada. He worked at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, the Clatsop County Historical Society and the Seaside Museum and Historical Society before moving to Eugene in 2006 so his wife could attend graduate school at the University of Oregon. Mark most recently worked at the Lane County Historical Museum in Eugene as the Exhibit Curator. He is a web master, has taught a variety of college-level computer classes, and brings graphic design skills to his position. In addition, Mark has worked on high lifts and scaffolding, reached the summit of the tallest mountain in the lower 48, driven a 62’ twin screw boat on the Columbia River, and pulled the fur of many an 800 lb. wild sea lion and still has all ten fingers!

Walter Frankel, Kate Mathews, Marcia Cutler, Joyce Nesson, Martha Fraundorf, Marjorie Goss, Channa Farber, Sandi Schindler, Bill Myers, Bill Ayers, Bob Fessenden, Wayne Schultz, Dianna Hanson, Rod & Ruby Frakes, Patti Larkin, Linda Holcomb-Bryant, Karen Brockett, Karen Tornaw, Wayne & Marjorie Parker, Sharon Franklin, Molly Eckert, Selby Gunter, Peggy Poling, Jim Vomocil, Tarillis Adams, Andrea Blake, Duane & Marty Cavit, Irene Sussman.

The Kenneth Munford articles were originally published in Horner Museum Tour Guide Series, and over time the Society plans to embellish the online articles with historic and contemporary photographs. Pioneer Trails from Corvallis to the Coast and Pioneer Trails from Benton to Douglas Counties are fun travel companions for summer drives.

Included in the online database are excerpts from McKenney, Langley and Polk Business Directories with emphasis on Corvallis, Monroe, and Philomath, Oregon. Visitors may search by name of individual or company name, as well as categorically by type of business or year. The business directories are a frequently used resource for historians and genealogists.

The data entry was done by volunteer Walter Frankel, who said "As I was cataloguing the 950 photographs from the Harriet Moore estate, I was constantly using the directories to verify information. I knew this information would be useful to others, and am delighted the BCHM web site can now support a searchable database. I only wish it had been available when I was doing that round of cataloguing!"

Click here to browse the auction catalog, donate to the auction catalog, or bid on items!

AUCTION HAS ENDED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Irene Zenev, Executive Director, made a decision to create an exhibition of a sampling of artifacts from the Horner Collection as soon as was feasible after the move. "This exhibition, which we named 'Horner Homecoming', symbolizes the completion of this project," Zenev said. "I felt that we owed it to our members and to the community to develop an exhibition of Horner objects, which had been locked away from public view for so long. We hope that people will be excited to see these wonderful objects again after 15 years - if not for the first time."

Over two hundred artifacts from the Horner Collection are on exhibition in the gallery on the first floor of the Museum. The objects chosen for display are a sampling of the many areas of the collection, intending to show how eclectic nature of the Horner Collection.

Welch, who grew up in Corvallis, is a nationally-recognized columnist, author, speaker and adjunct professor at the University of Oregon. He will share his thoughts, often humorous, about the importance of history in our lives.

Welch is the general columnist for The (Eugene) Register-Guard, and has been honored by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, as well as the Oregon Newspaper Publisher Association's "Best Writing" and "Best Column" awards. Articles of his have been published in more than a dozen books, including the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

He has also had articles published in such magazines as Los Angeles Times Magazine, Reader's Digest, Sports Illustrated, and Runner's World.

Lately the author has been concentrating on medical topics after the release of his book, American Nightingale (Simon & Schuster's Atria Books, June 2004). The book, heralded by Publishers Weekly as a "stirring story," is about the first nurse to die after the landings at Normandy. Among his seven other books are My Oregon, My Seasons, Easy Company Soldier. His latest release is Pebble in the Water.

A selection of his publications will be available for purchase and a short autograph session will follow the breakfast.

Tickets, which include your breakfast, are $14 for members and $34 for non-members. (An individual membership in the Society is $20.) This is an event that you won't want to miss! Please call the Museum 541-929-6230 and ask to have your name added to the reservation list by Monday, November 10, 2008.

Monday, February 23, 2009
Janice Marschner, author "Oregon 1859: A Snapshot in Time"
A Look at Oregon in the Year of Statehood
An overview of the 100+ communities in Oregon in 1859. Lecture will be held at the Benton County Historical Museum, 1101 Main Street Philomath, Oregon 97370 at 10 o'clock a.m. in the Moreland Auditorium. Coffee will be served at 9:30 a.m.; questions and discussion will follow the lecture.

Monday, March 2, 2009
Shannon Applegate, author "Skookum: An Oregon Pioneer's family history and lore"
1859 through Applegate Family Letters
Exploration of a pioneer's family through letters. Lecture will be held at the Benton County Historical Museum, 1101 Main Street Philomath, Oregon 97370 at 10 o'clock a.m. in the Moreland Auditorium. Coffee will be served at 9:30 a.m.; questions and discussion will follow the lecture.

Monday, March 9, 2009
Mary Gallagher, Collections Manager, Benton County Museum
Benton County, Oregon in 1859
Benton County, Oregon's built environment at the time of statehood. Lecture will be held at the Benton County Historical Museum, 1101 Main Street Philomath, Oregon 97370 at 10 o'clock a.m. in the Moreland Auditorium. Coffee will be served at 9:30 a.m.; questions and discussion will follow the lecture.

Monday, March 16, 2009
Patricia Benner, Oregon State University
Hanna and Eliza Gorman, black pioneers of 1844
The story of a mother and daughter who came to Oregon as slaves, and the home that they built in Corvallis.
Talk Description: Hannah, a black woman, and her six-year old daughter Eliza traveled the Oregon Trail in 1844. They made this journey as the slaves of John Thorpe, the head of the wagon train. They are the only known black women to be listed in an Oregon Trail roster. Much of their story is still a mystery, but among the information that is currently known, they became respected members of the Corvallis community. Their home still stands in town on land that they bought from William Dixon in 1857, and two half-lots bought in 1858. Their home is one of the oldest remaining houses in the city. Gorman, their last name, and first appeared in the 1860 census. Later Hannah's son, Hiram Gorman, and his family also moved to Oregon. This presentation shares the wonderful pieces of information that are coming together to tell their story.

Lecture will be held at the Benton County Historical Museum, 1101 Main Street Philomath, Oregon 97370 at 10 o'clock a.m. in the Moreland Auditorium. Coffee will be served at 9:30 a.m.; questions and discussion will follow the lecture.

Monday, March 30, 2009
Esther Stutzman, Kalapuya Tribal elder
The Kalapuya Experience
Lifestyle and impact of contact with pioneer culture. Lecture will be held at the Benton County Historical Museum, 1101 Main Street Philomath, Oregon 97370 at 10 o'clock a.m. in the Moreland Auditorium. Coffee will be served at 9:30 a.m.; questions and discussion will follow the lecture.

Monday, April 6, 2009
Nancy Bryant, Oregon State University
Dressed for the 18th Century
Professor Emerita Bryant's famous "reverse strip tease" describes apparel in the 18th century, an era that led up to western migratiom. Lecture will be held at the Benton County Historical Museum, 1101 Main Street Philomath, Oregon 97370 at 10 o'clock a.m. in the Moreland Auditorium. Coffee will be served at 9:30 a.m.; questions and discussion will follow the lecture.

Irene Zenev, who served as the curator of exhibits for the organization for more than eight years before retiring in November, starts her new job Oct. 1.

"It will be really nice to be back," said Zenev, of Eugene.

"She's a wonderful person to work with. She's very knowledgeable about her field. I'm very much looking forward to working for her," said Mary Gallagher, collections manager for the historical society and museum.

"It's a good time for the Benton County Historical Society right now, and I'm very optimistic about the future," Gallagher added.

Zenev's first task will be overseeing the move of 60,000 items from the mothballed Horner Collection.

Those artifacts, currently stored in the basement of Gill Coliseum at Oregon State University, will be moved to a new $2.3 million collections care facility near the Philomath museum.

The building, under construction, is scheduled to be completed this fall.

"I really felt like I was the perfect person to lead that," Zenev said.

She previously oversaw the move of a collection into a new facility at the Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History in Roseburg. That facility was where she began her museum career, in 1985.

The museum also has plans to showcase items from the Horner Museum in a new downtown Corvallis museum. That facility, however, likely is years away.

In the 1990s, Oregon State University closed the Horner Museum because of budget cuts.

Although Zenev "retired" in November, she kept busy working as a marketing and exhibits specialist for the Lane County Museum in Eugene, as a clerical specialist with Linn-Benton Community College's Benton Center, and by teaching Pilates classes.

About a year ago, she also was appointed by Gov. Ted Kulongowski to the Oregon Heritage Commission, and she also is the Oregon Museum Association's past president.

Zenev sees herself as leading the Benton County Historical Society and Museum for at least five years. She plans to move to Benton County as soon as she can.

Written by Kyle Odegard of the Gazette Times. He can be contacted at kyle.odegard@lee.net or 758-9523.

An election of officers will be held at the meeting. Ballots will be sent to the membership with the slate of proposed officers by October 20, 2008. Please cast your vote, or plan to attend the annual meeting. The membership is welcome.