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14 Discover local history and art

The best way to get to know area communities ” secrets and all ” is to explore their museums. The following is a list of museums, and many have changing exhibits and hours:

• Agness-Illahe Museum is located up the Rogue River from Gold Beach at 34470 Agness-Illahe Road, Agness. For more information about displays and seasonal hours, those interested can call 247-2014. Those who want to visit should call ahead for museum hours and display information.

• Bandon Historical Society Museum is located at 270 Filmore and U.S. Highway 101 in Bandon. The museum houses 40 exhibits and more than 1,000 historic photographs. Operated mostly through volunteer efforts, the museum's hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Special tours also can be arranged. Cost is $2 for adults; members and children under 12 are free. For more information, those interested can call 347-2164.

• Chetco Valley Historical Society Museum, located at 15461 Museum Road in Harbor. For more information, those interested can call 469-6651.

• Coos Art Museum is located at 235 W. Anderson Ave., Coos Bay. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, those interested can call 267-3901.

• Coos County Logging Museum in Myrtle Point brings to life the county's rich history in logging with displays about the people, equipment and boom times of the 1900s. An exhibit of myrtlewood panels carved by Alexander Benjamin Warnock, depicting œThe Glory Days of Logging" also is on display. The museum at the corner of Seventh and Maple streets is hard to miss with its distinctive architecture. The museum is closed during the winter and early spring. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

• Coos Historical & Maritime Museum, located at 1220 Sherman Ave. at Simpson Park in North Bend, gives visitors a look at the region's diverse industries and lifestyles. The museum is open year round from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information about changing exhibits, those interested can call 756-6320.

• Coquille Valley Art Center is studio to a community of artists. Located 1.5 miles south of Coquille on Highway 42, the Art Center features year-round displays of works by local artists. Displays are changed regularly. For more information, those interested can call the museum at 396-3294.

• Curry County Historical Society Museum, located at the Curry County fairgrounds in Gold Beach, the museum is operated by the Curry County Historical Society. The museum has expanded into an annex, new offices and enlarged displays and interpretation of Native American history. The society also has a wealth of genealogical information on Curry families, a research department and a bookstore. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, those interested can call 247-6396.

• Marshfield Sun: This pioneer printing museum offers a turn-of-the-century collection of well-maintained presses, type and historic newspapers, as well as a display of photographs of pioneer Marshfield and the Mosquito Fleet. The Marshfield Sun Building is located on Coos Bay's historic Front Street (U.S. Highway 101 North), across from the Timber Inn restaurant. Hours are from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Memorial Day through Labor Day, or by appointment. For more information, those interested can call Marshfield Sun Association President Lionel Youst at 267-3762.

• The Pioneer House: This Powers community museum features exhibits of Coos County's early settlement days. Hours vary throughout the summer. The museum is open year-round by appointment only. For more information about museum hours and activities, those interested can call (541) 439-3331.

• Port Orford Lifeboat Station: This museum and maritime interpretive center, located at the former U.S. Coast Guard station at Port Orford Heads State Park, features memorabilia from the Coast Guard station (1934-70) as well as the Navy years (1939-45). Exhibits include photographs, and a 36-foot motor lifeboat formerly assigned to the station. The museum is open April through October, Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. People also can visit the station online at http://www.portorfordlifeboatstation.org.

• Remote Store Museum is located off Highway 42 on Remote Lane, a 42-mile drive from Coos Bay, Bandon or Roseburg. For schedule information or to make arrangements for the museum to be opened, call 572-2163.

• Siuslaw Pioneer Museum, at the corner of Maple and Second streets in Old Town Florence, showcases early pioneer life in western Lane County, as well as Siuslaw Indian and other Native American artifacts. The museum also has compiled historical information about more than 500 families who lived in the area. The information is accessible on computers. The research library features pictures, family information and documents. The museum is open year-round except the month of January, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours are from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, those interested can call (541) 997-7884 or e-mail to museum@winfinity.com.

• Umpqua Discovery Center: This Reedsport museum is located at 409 Riverfront Way. The Discovery Center has natural and cultural history exhibits. This is a good place for children and adults to explore Native American and early explorer history through real-life displays. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from June 1 to Sept. 30; and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. between Oct. 1 and May 31. For more information, those interested can call (541) 271-4816.

Planning a trip?

14 Discover local history and art

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