Willamette Heritage Center

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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 greater 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.

In the news on this day in 1960, the dedication of two, six-foot menorah at Salem’s Temple Beth Sholom.Made in Chicago, ...
10/15/2026

In the news on this day in 1960, the dedication of two, six-foot menorah at Salem’s Temple Beth Sholom.

Made in Chicago, the menorah were given in memory of Morris and Irving Klorfein by Gussie Klorfien and Bertha Grenley. They were supposed to arrive in time for the observance of Rosh Hashanah, but got mistakenly sent to Portland, so were dedicated at the Simchat Torah service instead.

A similar image appeared 15 Oct 1960 in the Oregon Statesman identifying Mrs. Gussie Klorfein and Jacob Weinstein at Salem’s Temple Beth Sholom. WHC Collections 2006.064.0503.034

10/15/2026

📣 Conversations 250 is happening THIS SATURDAY, October 17!

Don’t just come to listen. Come ready to participate in thoughtful dialogue about how we can build community better, even in the midst of our differences.

Join us at the Willamette Heritage Center for one or both of these FREE conversations:

How Do You Do Community?
🗣️ Speaker: Kerry Driver
🕐 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Talking Values Across Divides
🗣️ Speaker: Lowell Greathouse
🕞 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Different perspectives don’t have to keep us apart. Come ready to listen, share, and explore how we can move forward together!

🎄 Volunteers Needed! ✨Want to be part of the magic? Magic at the Mill is returning to the Willamette Heritage Center Th...
10/13/2026

🎄 Volunteers Needed! ✨

Want to be part of the magic? Magic at the Mill is returning to the Willamette Heritage Center Thanksgiving Weekend, November 27–30, and we need volunteers to help make this year’s event extra special!

It takes a community effort to bring this holiday tradition to life. Whether you can lend a hand for one shift or multiple evenings, we’d love to have you join us!

If you are interested, click the link below to learn more about available opportunities.
https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1872848728

Columbus Day will always been synonymous in the Pacific Northwest with the Columbus Day Storm. Friday, October 12, 1962...
10/12/2026

Columbus Day will always been synonymous in the Pacific Northwest with the Columbus Day Storm. Friday, October 12, 1962 saw a massive extratropical cyclone hit our region, leaving destruction in its path. Read more about the Columbus Day Storm in Salem here: https://www.willametteheritage.org/columbus-day-storm/

Photo source: Pedestrians on State Street in Salem trying to get home Friday, October 12, 1962. Al Jones Collection WHC Collections 2007.001.0910. Similar image printed in the Capital Journal newspaper 13 Oct 1962 pg. 6 showing a group of pedestrians in Salem with caption: "Wind-Whipped pedestrians linked arms and braved gale winds which buffeted the city at the peak of homeward-bound traffic. A number of pedestrians were reported dashed to the pavement by the force of the winds."

Knitting and crocheting artists are a common sight around the WHC grounds, and we love seeing creativity in action! 🧶A s...
10/11/2026

Knitting and crocheting artists are a common sight around the WHC grounds, and we love seeing creativity in action! 🧶

A special shout-out to Teaselwick Wools our on-site yarn store!
You can stop by and stock up on beautiful yarns for your next project or ask about upcoming classes.

A little behind-the-scenes appreciation for the team that keeps WHC looking its best! 🧹 Our facility staff work hard to ...
10/11/2026

A little behind-the-scenes appreciation for the team that keeps WHC looking its best! 🧹 Our facility staff work hard to care for our historic buildings and grounds, ensuring they’re ready to welcome visitors and venue clients throughout the year.

We’re also grateful to our members and donors whose support helps us preserve these special spaces for future generations. It takes a community to care for a place like WHC, and we’re thankful for everyone who plays a part!

Recharge before you crash out! Willamette Heritage Center is introducing *Mid-Week at the Mill!*Starting Wednesday, Oct...
10/09/2026

Recharge before you crash out! Willamette Heritage Center is introducing *Mid-Week at the Mill!*

Starting Wednesday, October 28, we’ll be opening our Education Space on Wednesday afternoons between 12:30 and 4:00pm. Students can connect with friends, study, play games, and get creative in a welcoming space off-campus.

also offers a student menu to help keep you fueled through the afternoon! ☕📚

Consider this your new mid-week hangout spot! 👀

10/09/2026

Faces of the women and men who worked the lines of the Producers Cooperative Packing Company in 1932, not too long before the building was destroyed by an arson-lit fire. The plant was located at 1695 Commercial Street NE, between Norway and Jefferson Streets and processed all types of fruit, from from strawberries and gooseberries to prunes!

Panoramic Photo. WHC Collections 2005.015.0102. Given in memory of Lloyd Allen Fast.

Our Curator's Tour is just around the corner...In this guided tour we will look specifically at the manufacture and use ...
10/07/2026

Our Curator's Tour is just around the corner...

In this guided tour we will look specifically at the manufacture and use of textiles that aid us in a good night’s sleep, and how those textiles and sleep traditions have changed over the years as we wend our way through the museum’s permanent and changing exhibits!

📍Willamette Heritage Center
📆Friday, October 16
🕛 10am - 11:30am

*This guided tour is included with museum admission.

It's time to get your tickets for Willamette Heritage Center's annual Magic at the Mill event happening Thanksgiving wee...
10/06/2026

It's time to get your tickets for Willamette Heritage Center's annual Magic at the Mill event happening Thanksgiving weekend!

Come stroll through 5 acres of twinkling holiday lights, bring the kids to meet Santa and take part in festive crafts, pick up a hot cocoa from , and shop local vendors at the biggest night market in WHC history.

All while being surrounded by (arguably) the most historic part of Salem, Oregon.
Purchase your tickets ahead of time to save!
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/magic-at-the-mill

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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