The Kerbyville Museum was originally founded as a host site for visitors to the nearby historic Naucke House, built in the 1880s, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum houses a display of pioneer and late 19th-century items including furniture, clothing and household items. The larger museum building is built on the site of the old general store next to it, and includes exhibits on Native Americans, mining, logging and pioneers. A recently added exhibit, “Seeing the Dragon – America in the Vietnam War 1958 to 1975,” outlines those years with first hand accounts, photos and military items.
During the Illinois Valley annual March Heritage Days, Oregon schoolchildren take field trips to the Kerbyville Museum and History Center where they have the opportunity to stand on the porch of an original pioneer home. They get to churn butter, see an original dry goods display and open the post office boxes of the original settlers to their community. They examine spinning wheels, make authentic-styled pioneer rag dolls and learn about the rigors of pioneer life, like how to scrub clothing on a washboard or hammer a horseshoe. During the summer they come back to pan for gold, right in the front yard. Call ahead before visiting; hours vary according to the availability of volunteers.
Where: 24195 Redwood Hwy 199, Kerby (google map)
More Info: 541-592-5252 | OregonMuseums.org