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.

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)

We found these photographs in the McEwan Studio Collection. They were marked as being ordered by the Capital Journal Ne...
05/31/2026

We found these photographs in the McEwan Studio Collection. They were marked as being ordered by the Capital Journal Newspaper to document a fundraising fashion show held by the Junior Women’s Club in 1956. While the article talks about the show, the photos don’t appear and we don’t know who these women are. Do they look familiar to you? Let us know so we can put a name to a face!

Members of the Junior Women’s Club, 1956. WHC Collections 2006.002.1190.001-003. While the actual fashion show was held at the American Legion Hall, the hats were provided by Lipman’s Department Store. These images were likely taken in the department store during the preparation for the show.

A new addition inside WHC's Spinsters Studio has come full circle.This rug was crafted in the 1950s by Thomas Kay’s wido...
05/31/2026

A new addition inside WHC's Spinsters Studio has come full circle.

This rug was crafted in the 1950s by Thomas Kay’s widow using wool fabric produced right here at the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill. Decades later, it has found its way back home to the mill where that wool was first made.

Want to experience a piece of that textile history for yourself? Join one of our spinning classes and learn the traditional skills that helped shape Oregon’s woolen industry. 🧶

This Juneteenth, walk through history with us during WHC's In Freedom’s Footsteps: Community History Walk on June 19 and...
05/30/2026

This Juneteenth, walk through history with us during WHC's In Freedom’s Footsteps: Community History Walk on June 19 and discover stories of freedom, resilience, and the people who helped shape our community.

Guided walks begin at:
🕘 9:00 AM
🕙 10:00 AM
🕚 11:15 AM
🕧 12:15 PM
(limited to the first 50 participants per walk).

Self-guided brochures are also available from 9 AM–4 PM.

Learn more about the Johnson family we are highlighting and plan your visit here: https://www.willametteheritage.org/freedomsfootsteps/

In May 1967, this beautiful new restaurant opened to the public with a full view of McNary Field. Home to the Flight D...
05/28/2026

In May 1967, this beautiful new restaurant opened to the public with a full view of McNary Field. Home to the Flight Deck Restaurant & Lounge today, do you know what the original restaurant was named?

WHC Collections 2006.064.0402.013

See you Tuesday!
05/27/2026

See you Tuesday!

05/27/2026

If you haven’t had lunch at Lively at the Mill yet… this is your sign 👀☕️🥪

Fresh food, great coffee, and a view right here on the WHC campus. Whether you’re stopping in during your museum visit or just looking for a cozy lunch spot in Salem, Lively at the Mill is worth the trip.

Trust us — you’re going to want to come hungry.

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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