Wander into the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum and our docents are on hand to greet you with a warm welcome. They provide a brief introduction of our former schoolhouse building and a short explanation of the Museum exhibits. You are encouraged to roam the main and upper floors by a winding staircase or elevator to view exhibits on your own. The Museum’s collection is entirely comprised of local pioneer items. Additional artifacts and displays are located outside the building. The docents are happy to answer your questions. Among the more popular exhibits are: the Marine and logging displays, and of course, the exploding whale video.

“There’s so much to see! We’re going to come back again!”
“I had no idea there was so much here!”
“This place is awesome. It’s like my grandma’s house!”

Not surprisingly, our docents have a love of history, particularly of the Florence and Siuslaw Valley areas. They enjoy meeting visitors to share exhibit information and details of pioneer life. A glance at the guest book reveal visitors have come from areas both near (Springfield, Salem, Portland) and far (East Coast, Mid West, Canada, England, France, Puerto Rico, Rhodesia).

Meet Our Docents

JOHN BARNES

A docent since 2016. He previously worked for the Oregon Forestry Dept. and is a member of the Museum’s Heritage Players.

CAROLE CAMPBELL

A docent for us since 2021. “I thoroughly enjoy being a docent. It gives me a chance to meet people and learn where they’re from.”

JUDY FLEAGLE

Has been a docent with us since 2002 and is a well-known, popular local author of eight books (so far!). “Most people are truly impressed with the Museum”.

ELLA HOLMES

While living part of the year in Florence, she enjoys being a docent, is fascinated with the Museum displays, and looks forward to sharing them with visitors.

JOHN KENT

Previously a docent and researcher at the Deschutes Historical Society in Bend. He marched in the 1969 Rhody Parade as a North Eugene High School band member.

WAYNE LUCKINBILL

Has been in Oregon since 1984, and in Florence for one year. He thoroughly enjoys history, researching genealogy, and considers himself an amateur historian.

JUDY OMMEN

Has lived in Florence for 14 years and was previously a museum docent in Mexico. She is an avid reader, and has always enjoyed pioneer family history.

PAM TANORA

Had previously worked at a museum in Anchorage, Alaska for 20 years. She was pleased to discover her family’s name in one of our Museum’s Pioneer books!

EILEEN WISEMAN

Has been a docent since 2023. When not volunteering, Eileen likes reading. She enjoys history and working at the Museum while continuing to learn more about Florence.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MUSEUM DOCENT