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

Sherill is a member of a local pioneer family, whose pictures are displayed throughout the museum’s collection.

JOHN BARNES

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

ELLEN BLOOMQUIST

Docent for 7 years. “The best part of being a docent for me is meeting people from all over the world. I thoroughly enjoy that!”

LYNN BROOKS

“I’ve lived in Florence for 16 years. I’ve always loved history and really enjoy meeting all the people who come in.”

CAROLE CAMPBELL

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

JUDY FLEAGLE

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

JIM HAYS

Jim has always enjoyed history and has worked in several Oregon museums. He is also one of our Research Library volunteers.

DIANE VANDERHEY NEAL

Former elementary school music teacher. Enjoys sharing music and history with museum visits by children.

PAM TANORA

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. Likes history and enjoys working as a museum docent while learning more about Florence.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MUSEUM DOCENT