MUSEUM LAUNCHES WALL RECONSTRUCTION CAMPAIGN
PRESERVING OUR PAST
The Siuslaw Pioneer Museum is launching a campaign to save its west wall. Time has taken its toll on our beloved Museum and we are now facing a critical challenge: the west wall has suffered significant dry rot damage, threatening the structural integrity of the building and the priceless artifacts it houses. As custodians of the Siuslaw Valley’s rich history, we’ve launched the West Wall Reconstruction Project to address this urgent issue. Our plan is straightforward, but ambitious.
To begin, we are in the process of conducting a professional assessment to determine the full extent of the damage and a price estimate for repairs. Once completed, we will continue our fundraising campaign for this project until early summer 2025, at which point reconstruction will begin.
Fundraising is underway and we have set a tentative fundraising goal of about $70,000 from local donations. Because the final cost of this project is not yet known (as we await the assessment) and will certainly exceed our local fundraising goal, we are actively seeking support through other means such as grants, community donations, and partnerships.
It is a formidable undertaking, but essential. More than just a collection of artifacts; the Museum is a vibrant hub where history comes to life! Our exhibits, such as Indigenous artifacts, displays like Jean’s Sewing Shoppe, and the Cushman Railroad and train exhibit, help connect visitors to the past in both visual and tangible ways. Educational programs like the Heritage Players’ historical reenactments, the Kyle Research Library and free entry days for low-income families make history accessible to everyone.
Without a secure and stable building, these invaluable programs and resources are at risk. Left unaddressed, the dry rot issue will eventually lead to structural failure, jeopardizing the preservation of the priceless historical artifacts that embody the Siuslaw Valley’s rich and significant heritage.
By launching the West Wall Reconstruction Project, we are not just repairing a wall—we are preserving the stories, artifacts, and experiences that define our community. This project will ensure that the Museum remains a cornerstone of cultural education and pride for years to come.
We can’t do this without you. Your generosity can make all the difference in reaching our goals and ensuring the Museum remains a vibrant part of Florence’s future. To donate or learn more about the Museum, visit our website, call 541-997-7884, or send a check to Siuslaw Pioneer Museum Association, PO Box 2637, Florence, OR 97439. Together, we can safeguard our past for generations to come.