About Us

The Eastern Oregon Museum – Our Beginnings

Our roots began as a hobby show in 1953.  The Elkhorn Grange 908 initiated that event, offering visitors an opportunity to view hundreds of hand-crafted tools, pioneer artifacts, farming implements and unique rural collections.

Interest in the event and the items being displayed quickly grew well beyond the Grange’s capacity.  A larger and more permanent location was needed. Fate stepped in – as it often does with history.

The Baker School District no longer had use of the Haines School gymnasium. Built in 1932, the building spanned 5,700 square feet.  It’s arched roof, maple floors, dressing rooms, and office space presented hobby show enthusiasts with a perfect solution The building would not be left to decay, but instead continue as a place for the community to gather.

In 1959, the Eastern Oregon Museum was established – the first museum of its kind in Eastern Oregon.

“History, really, is an extension of life. It enlarges and intensifies the experience of being alive, like poetry and art or music.”

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    Celebrating Our Community Story for more than 60 Years

    Since 1959, the Eastern Oregon Museum has been operating solely as a volunteer, donation-based organization.

    Over its 60 plus years, it has welcomed thousands of school children, tourists, speakers, educators, local community members, public officials, and organizations to its front door.  All who visit are amazed at the fascinating, one-of-a kind items housed at the museum.

    The gymnasium serves as one of five buildings operated by volunteers. Spanning half a city block, the Eastern Oregon Museum also hosts the original 1884 Union Pacific Depot, a farm equipment shed, the Anthony Lakes Ski Area exhibit, and a Carriage House.

    Thousands of artifacts, farm implements, a black smith shop, carriages, heavy equipment, furniture, antique dolls, quilts, vintage ski equipment and memorabilia, a school house display, sewing and washing machines, vintage cameras, military items, rodeo memorabilia, documents, photographs and much more are housed at the museum.

    We invite you to personally see this breath-taking array of items that help depict the spirit of the men and women who built the West – right here in Eastern Oregon.