Members of the Yasui family were among the millions of immigrants who came to the United States seeking new opportunities during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Like many Issei (first-generation Japanese immigrants), they experienced racism and oppression; state and federal laws prevented Japanese immigrants from owning land, and anti-Japanese organizations sought to strip Nisei (second-generation Japanese Americans) of their birthright citizenship. Yet Nikkei (Japanese immigrants and their descendants) like the Yasui family persisted in establishing roots in Oregon, starting families and businesses, and shaping the social and economic fabric of the communities where they lived.
In 2026, the United States marks its 250th birthday with the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence. What did the events of 1776 mean to the people living in the Mid-Willamette Valley? In this multi-part, multi-disciplinary exhibit, we will explore how echoes from the year 1776 continue to be heard in our community. […]
Waves of Tradition celebrates the diverse maritime traditions and scenic beauty that shaped Oregon’s South Coast in conjunction with the United States’ 250th anniversary. Highlights include local cultural connections to the shipbuilding and fishing industries as well as traditional festivals, legends, and superstitions. Event Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible venue Accessible parking Sensory-friendly accommodations Service animals welcome
Since Oregon's founding in 1859, Jews have participated in public life—building towns and holding office in the nineteenth century, advocating for civil rights, immigrant communities, and social justice in the decades that followed. Drawing from the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education’s collections, How We Show Up shares the stories of early Jewish […]
One Nation Exhibition brings together contemporary artists who explore the ideals and contradictions embedded in the American promise. Drawing on the national motto E Pluribus Unum, “Out of Many, One,” the exhibition reflects on how a diverse society strives toward unity while confronting social, political, and cultural divisions. Through painting, photography, sculpture, textile, and mixed […]
Experience World War I through the eyes of an ordinary American soldier in Sapper: Sgt. Wayne Woodruff and the Great War, a special exhibition at the Woodburn Museum. Discover the story of combat engineer Sgt. Wayne Woodruff through personal artifacts, including his unlaundered trench coat, training manuals, and pocket Bible, offering a powerful glimpse into […]
Thomas D. Keizur, the City of Keizer’s namesake, embodied the city motto of "Pride, Spirit, and Volunteerism." After his family's arrival to the Oregon Country in 1843, he quickly became involved and volunteered to make this land a good place to live and work. He participated in the country's first election, he devoted his time […]
