Coos History Museum
The Coos History Museum faces Coos Bay along Highway 101 frontage. With ever-changing exhibits, event and rental space, a unique museum shop and a developing bayfront plaza, this community built facility (550+ donors) opened new in 2015.
Formerly known as Coos Historical and Maritime Museum, the Coos Historical Society was founded in 1891, this is one of the oldest continuously operating local historical societies in Oregon. It boasts more than 250,000 historic photographs (reproductions are available) and a broad based collection of museum objects. The county’s diverse history is communicated through artifacts and images, including items associated with the Coquille and Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, and with later coal miners, loggers, ranchers, fisherman and shipbuilders. Local shipwrecks are chronicled, along with frequently changed exhibits on a wide variety of topics from pre-history to the present.
The museum’s gift and book shop carries more than 50 titles concerning local natural and cultural history, coastal access and tourism routes as well as gifts.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm. Admission rates subject to change, Adult $7 Kids age 5 – 17 $3 and Family rate $17. Free to under age 4, active duty service personnel and CHM members.
The winter version of the Wednesday Farmer’s Market (November – April) is inside the museum Sprague Gallery weekly from 10am to 2pm with free admission. The museum features a monthly evening lecture series entitled, First Tuesday Talks (February – December) at 6:30 PM. Tip: get there when the doors open at 6 PM to attend this popular lecture series. Every Second Sunday of the month, museum admission is FREE with hand-on activities available in the afternoon. Visit website for more information.
