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’s 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 agree that being a museum volunteer helps connect them with visitors to the community. They find great pleasure in sharing knowledge of the exhibits, and pioneer life in the Siuslaw area. A chance to converse with visitors, hear what they may be interested in, and to learn where they’re from is among the most enjoyable part of being a docent. A glance at the guest book reveals 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

SHERILL ANDROSKY

Comes from a local pioneer family, whose pictures are displayed within the museum’s collection.

JOHN BARNES

Docent for 8 years. Previously worked for the Oregon Forestry Dept. Active cast member of museum’s Heritage Players.

ELLEN BLOOMQUIST

Docent for 7 years. “The best part of being a docent is meeting people from all over the world.”

CAROLE CAMPBELL

Docent for 3 years. “I enjoy being a docent because it gives me a chance to meet people and learn where they’re from.”

CAROLE COHEN

Previously from Dexter, I often came to Florence as a visitor. My husband and I have now lived here for 5 years..

JUDY FLEAGLE

Docent for 21 years. Well-known local author. “Most people are truly impressed with the museum”.

JIM HAYS

Jim enjoys history and has worked in several Oregon museums. He is also a Research Library volunteer.

DIANE VANDERHEY NEAL

Former elementary school music teacher who blends her love of history with teaching music. Enjoys conversing with children who visit the museum.

PAM TANORA

Has worked at a museum in Anchorage, Alaska for 20 years. Discovered her family’s name in our museum’s pioneer books.

EILEEN WISEMAN

Docent for 1 ½ years. Enjoys working as a museum docent while learning more about Florence.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MUSEUM DOCENT