Albany Regional Museum

136 Lyon Street South
Albany OR 97321

Phone: 541-967-7122
Email: [email protected]

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Description:
About Us:

The Albany Regional Museum is a non-profit organization incorporated by the State of Oregon to acquire, document, preserve, and interpret materials that illustrate the history and development of Albany, Oregon, and those areas within its sphere of influence.

The goal of the Albany Regional Museum is to be a first class museum, with educational exhibits and interactive events all open and accessible to the public. The museum has been successful in acquiring and displaying a variety of artifacts representing the history of the Albany area.

There is no fee to visit the museum. However, donations are most appreciated. Volunteers run the museum, with the help of an administrative coordinator and a part-time staff person. The Board of Directors oversees the operation and development of exhibits. Donations and volunteers have enabled the museum to be open six days a week.

The museum has become a community treasure, preserving and displaying thousands of precious artifacts and historical materials for the enjoyment of visitors.

The Albany Regional Museum building was built in 1887 and originally housed the S. E. Young Company at First Avenue and Broadalbin Street. In 1912, the building was moved to its present location at Second Avenue and Lyon Street, the area formerly called Chinatown. The move was a distance of three blocks and took 26 days from the time the building was jacked up to the time it was set down.

Laborers used a team of horses to roll the building on huge logs. The building was so wide that the power and light company had to remove some poles to allow it to pass through the streets without causing structural damage. Bets were made on the time and possible damage on the move.

Purchased in July 1999 by the Albany Regional Museum following a generous donation from Bill and Doris Scharpf, the museum has attracted many volunteers and donors who have provided the means to make the Albany Regional Museum a community treasure.

Future plans include restoring the 1912 facade of the building, shown above. The main entrance to the museum is now located on the north (parking lot) side of the building. Also, there is a need to strengthen the building's foundation, add an elevator to make the second floor more accessible, provide handicap-accessible restrooms, and a second stairway (for safety considerations).