Saturday, May 3, 2025

McMinnville -- Yamhill Valley Heritage Center


On more recent trips to the coast, we noticed a large barn-like structure around McMinnville.

 
It is actually a collection of several buildings, including a historic schoolhouse and multiple exhibit halls.

 
Ground was first broken in 2007, and new development is still happening.

 
There is general information about Oregon, as well as the Yamhill Valley specifically.
 

 
That includes artifacts, maps, and photos. Look at the size of that celery!

 
The center honors the agricultural heritage of the valley, with large exhibits on timber, dairy, and John Deere.
 
 
 

That includes many interesting facts about the John Deere company.



I really liked some of the miniature models, giving a good sense of the scale and layout.


 


With a focus on serving the community, there are many educational opportunities for children that can be experienced at the center or where the wagon can travel out to Yamhill County schools.
 
 
 
 


There is also a research library on site.
 

 
It would be possible to spend hours there, but it could also be a fun stop among many. We combined it with the Erratic Rock.
 

 
We had a good visit and found the volunteer staff friendly and helpful.
 

 
COVID: While masking does not seem to be required anymore (the education page references that expectation and that it would have applied during Spanish flu as well), I was not the only person wearing one. Ventilation does seem to be good and there is plenty of space to spread out.


 
Accessibility: This was very good. I was pleasantly surprised to see that even the historic schoolhouse was accessible.
 


I also noted on the education page that they mention being able to modify the general student programs for older or younger audiences to make it age-appropriate, along with a general sense of helpfulness and interest at the center.

 


 https://yamhillcountyhistory.org/yamhill-valley-heritage-center/

 


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