Submitted by Rene Carroll
Members of the Camas-Washougal Historical Society Board of Directors have their place in local history as they work to preserve and share stories of the past through operation of the Two Rivers Heritage Museum, 1 Durgan Street in Washougal.
Four new CWHS board members were welcomed to their three-year terms in January. They are Jason Ferrier, Josh Stahly, Trish Bayer and John Bayer who is also the newly appointed CWHS secretary. The group joins Jim Cobb, President; Alma Ladd, Vice President; Betty Eggar, treasure; Marilyn Brown, Lois Cobb, Dorothy Durkee, Ivar Godtlibsen, Richard Johnson and Patricia Suggs.
“This is a working board, with members taking on responsibilities for the operation of the museum and for the work of the society,” Cobb explained. “Once people join our board, they are excited to become more involved and pick a category of the museum operations that piques their interest. The new members bring the board total to 12, with 15 being the number of the full board. We are always looking for new members as many on our board are in the 80s!”
“My love of history and my desire to learn about my community drew me to volunteer at the museum for the last 10 years,” explained Stahly. “I have enjoyed meeting and working with the outstanding group of dedicated people that work here at the museum. When the opportunity to be part of the board came up last summer, I was excited to become even more involved. We have a small gem of a museum here and I look forward to helping care for it.”
Among the many lasting contributions made by CWHS board decisions and actions over the last 12 years, Cobb feels that the creation of The Carriage House display annex and the Gathering Place pavilion are two of the most significant projects. “Our role is to tell the stories of the area and the people who have come before us,” said Cobb. “These two areas have allowed us to expand the artifacts on display and present more stories to be told.”
“Sharing time and talent with museum volunteers is rewarding in so many ways,” said Johnson. “I have been involved with the Two Rivers Museum for about 12 years now and have learned what a museum needs to tell the stories that come with donations of all kinds. The improvements to the displays and the addition of the Gathering Place facility, are among the accomplishments that I am proud to have been a part of. These features at the Museum create a destination of choice for visitors who will see and learn about the history of our community.”
“It is a fun place to volunteer, especially if you love history,” added Cobb. “We have committees that allow people to follow their interests and do work that they enjoy. We need people to be docents and host visitors during museum hours, curate existing or create new displays, research artifacts and local history, help maintain and enhance the museum buildings and grounds, plan and produce educational programs and assist the community with their own local research.”
To learn more about the museum and CWHS membership and volunteer opportunities visit the Two Rivers Heritage Museum website.
The TRHM will reopen for visitors on Saturdays beginning March 5, from 11am to 3pm. It has been closed since November for maintenance and exhibit refresh work. Prices are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for students and free for children under 5 and CWHS members.
