UMATILLA, Ore.-The Umatilla Museum and Historical Foundation is dedicated to preserving, displaying, and educating about the history of Umatilla and the surrounding areas.
Museum exhibits chronicle the Native American tribes of the area, early exploration, the Oregon Trail, the railroad, agriculture in the region, and, of course, the building of McNary Dam.
“There’s a lot of great history here, and I’m excited to work with the museum to get the community excited to come out and see what we have,” said Laura Olson, a volunteer at the museum.
Umatilla residents who served in the military are chronicled and honored in the museum, and a room dedicated to the schools of Umatilla features antique Umatilla High School memorabilia, as well as an interactive exhibit on the high school’s more recent robotics teams.
The museum is housed in one of Umatilla’s historic buildings, the former City Hall and Police Station, and the jail cell that remains in the building is undoubtedly the most popular exhibit.
The Umatilla Museum is run by volunteers and hours of operation vary, but, as a sign on the front door says, if you want to visit the museum, just call the posted number and a visit will be arranged.
Residents and visitors to the museum are encouraged to share input through messages and comments online about what they would like to see included in the museum, and if they would be willing to help by volunteering.
Admission to the museum is free, however, donations are always welcome to support the Umatilla Museum and Historical Foundation.
The Umatilla Museum, located at 911 6th Street, will be open on Saturday, September 27, from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m., and can be reached at 541.626.2099.
