museum

2023 Magical History Masquerade

Join the Friends of the Cascade Locks Historical Museum aboard the sternwheeler for our 8th year of Magical History Tour dinner cruises! This blast from the past comes with an enchanting new theme- the Magical History MASQUERADE. Support the spookiest museum in the Gorge at this spirited soiree on October 14, from 6pm-9pm.

Tickets include the twilight cruise, an Italian-style dinner, dancing, live music, a silent auction, raffle, and costume contest. Cash bar. Masquerade costume strongly encouraged, nice-casual attire requested for non-costumed guests. Vegan and gluten-free dinner options will be available on the buffet.

The Cascade Locks Historical Museum is always open for free admission the day of Magical History Tour. Come early and see the museum at no additional charge.

Time Travelers Reciprocal Membership Benefits

Cascade Locks Historical Museum is now a Time Travelers reciprocal museum! This national program allows our members to receive certain member benefits at over 500 museums nationwide. Visit the Time Travelers website for a full list of participating institutions and benefits.

Call for New Board Members

The Friends of the Cascade Locks Historical Museum have an open seat on our board. Please see our call for board members, and our flyer for a detailed, formal look at what to expect.

We are seeking applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds and encourage all interested parties to apply, even if you don’t see your experience represented on our “desired qualifications.” You might have experience that we did not think to list, and we welcome fresh ideas and new perspectives. Your most important qualifications are enthusiasm and reliability.

The Important Details:

  • Time commitment = 2-6 hours per month, depending on seasonal activities and committee involvement. Monthly board meetings are usually at 10am on the third Monday of the month. (Willing to adjust days/times to accommodate new board members)

  • Financial commitment = active membership in the Friends of the Cascade Locks Historical Museum. Membership starts at $12. No other minimum give/get or required board contribution.

For further questions or to apply, please reach out to Janice at director@cascadelocksmuseum.org.

Museum Closed for Winter

Museum season 2022 is a wrap! Thank you to the thousands of visitors who came to see us this year! It was so wonderful to welcome so many folks to our community.

The museum closes seasonally so that we can do all the important behind-the-scenes stuff that make our summers rock. We plan to come out of this winter with another major exhibit update and our first-ever strategic plan (YAY!!!!!). Thank you to Braemar Charitable Trust for supporting us on our strategic planning process.

Just because we're closed doesn't mean we're gone! Staff are available by email, phone, DM, and appointment. Stay tuned for off-site excitement through the winter, starting with a History Night at Gorges Beer Co. on November 10.

In the news: KGW's "What's in a Name?" Warrendale, Oregon

Friends of the Cascade Locks Historical Museum executive director Janice Crane appeared on KGW 8’s “What’s in a Name?” series. Do you know how Warrendale, Oregon, got it’s name? Learn now on KGW’s site.

Cascade Locks Historical Museum to Celebrate 160th Anniversary of the Oregon Pony

Cascade Locks Historical Museum to Celebrate 160th Anniversary of the Oregon Pony

The Cascade Locks Historical Museum is hosting a celebration of the 160th anniversary of the Oregon Pony. The Oregon Pony was the first locomotive to run on the first railroad in the state of Oregon. The event will take place on July 16, 2022 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Cascade Locks Historical Museum, 417 SW Portage Road, in Cascade Locks. Admission is $5 per person ages 4 and up, or free for younger children and museum members. The event includes admission to the museum, and access to crafts, games, and activities.

Community Egg Hunt

The museum will host an activity table at the Cascade Locks Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 16, 2022. Join us for family history activities!

Can’t make the egg hunt but want to work on community history with your family? You can download our activity worksheets here.