Hood River: The History Museum of Hood River County

You may think of Hood River as a place for windsurfing, skiing, and other outdoor recreation. That is true, and that aspect is represented at the history museum. It is even represented historically, as you can see some really old skis.

There is much more there, including the wheel from the last sternwheeler race on the river.

Growing out of the Pioneer Society started in 1907, the museum has many artifacts from their pioneer times.

They do not limit the collection to that history. There are also displays about indigenous residents and their history, art, and prominent artisan, nurse and healer Martha Aleck.

A mural honoring Aleck and Shizue Iwatsuki, a social organizer and poet who came to Hood River from Japan, starts your experience.

Once you begin acknowledging non-white residents, it can open the door to uglier truths, like internment of Japanese-Americans, and efforts after release to keep those residents from coming back.

The museum does not shy away from that and is stronger for it.

One of the most eye-catching displays was a section on old fruit labels, reminding you of local agriculture.

Local history, water sports, and business combine in the exhibit on locally founded Luhr-Jensen fishing lures.

From its early origins in an unused chicken coop during the Depression, you can see lures, and watch media while sitting in a boat (kind of).

In addition to displays, there are archived materials available.

The real treasure is the staff, who are eager to help and share stories. 

It is easy to look at a picture and miss details, but give them a chance and staff will point things out and enrich the experience.

They also told us about a 1905 murder case that resulted in the first conviction for murder in the absence of a body, with evidence presented by Portland chemist Dr. L. Victoria Hampton.

Historically, residents have not liked to talk about that one, but with the popularity of true crime podcasts, there could be some opportunities there.

COVID: I did not see anyone else wearing masks. It was not crowded, but it is also not a large building.

Accessibility: There is a wheelchair lift to the second floor. It may not be quite as convenient as an elevator, but it's there.

It is a nice little museum, with a heart.

https://www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org/