Submitted by Camas Washougal Historical Society
Two Rivers Heritage Museum will open their doors and welcome back visitors on Saturday, March 4, 2023, after their annual winter maintenance closure. The museum, located at 1 Durgan Street in downtown Washougal, is operated by Camas Washougal Historical Society volunteers and features a wealth of photos, artifacts and information about the people, places and businesses prominent in the early years of Camas and Washougal.
Open each Saturday through October from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., volunteer docents help guide visitors through the museum to offer interesting extra information and stories as well as answer questions.
The museum is considered a favorite stop for customers aboard the American Empress Cruise Line that stops at the Port of Camas-Washougal during the summer months, it remains unseen by most local residents. This “best kept secret” holds many treasured artifacts and stories which stir fond memories for those who grew up here and provides historic background and context for those new to the area.
Popular displays include artifacts and information on Native American baskets and stone tools, early physicians, fishing, lumber and farming industries, a 30s style kitchen, woodworking tools, early mining, local military uniforms, teddy bears, Camas and Washougal High Schools, beautiful depression era glass bowls and vases, musical instruments and more.
Relatively new to the museum is the Native American-inspired Gathering Place at Washuxwal longhouse pavilion. The design is based on the traditional cedar plank houses used by Native American tribes who lived in what is now East Clark County in the early 19th century. Programs are being planned to help tell the stories of the area’s earliest inhabitants and will be open for the public.
The museum gift shop offers scenic postcards, rugs woven onsite with Pendleton fabrics, a variety of surplus antiques as well as many books about local history.
The Two Rivers Heritage Museum admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for students and free for children under 5 and all CWHS members. Group tours are available any day of the week (by appointment only). Leave a message at 360-835-8742 for scheduling.
CWHS is always looking for volunteers and new members to join and help support the preservation of local history. More information about the CWHS and the Two Rivers Heritage Museum can be found on the Camas Washougal Historical Society website.
