Donating Items to the Linn County Historical Museum:
We deeply appreciate community members who think of the Linn County Historical Museum when considering donations. Our mission is to preserve and share the history of Linn County, and we welcome items that help tell the story of the people, families, and events that shaped our region.
Donation Criteria
To be considered for our collection, an item must have a clear connection to Linn County. This may include:
- Objects that originated in Linn County
- Items owned, made or used by Linn County families
- Pieces that reflect significant events, industries, or cultural history of the region
While we value every offer, we are limited by space, preservation needs, and collection priorities. For these reasons we are not able to accept every item that is submitted.
How to Submit and Item for Consideration
If you have an item you believe meets the criteria, please email us at lchm [at] co.linn.or.us (lchm[at]co[dot]linn[dot]or[dot]us) with the following information:
- A brief background of the item
- Any known history, including who owned it and its origination
- Why you believe it is significant to Linn County
- Clear photographs of the item from multiple angles
Once we receive your submission, it will be reviewed by our Accessions Committee, which evaluates all potential donations. The committee will determine whether the item can be accepted into the collection or will be declined.
Thank you for helping us preserve Linn County's rich history for future generations.
Other Ways to Give:
Supporting the heritage of our community
Growing Services: More Plans For The Future
- Improve access to historic resources for genealogical research
- Provide more educational and outreach services to the community
- Create new and changing exhibits
- Partner with other community groups
- Continue efforts to improve collections care
- Heritage Courtyard Brick order form
Get Involved
If you would like to be more involved or become a supporter of the LCHM and Moyer House, there a couple wonderful opportunities: One is by becoming a member and working with the Linn County Museum Friends and the other is by donating through the Linn County Historical Museum Trust. More information on both organizations is available below.
Linn County Museum Friends
The Museum Friends are the support community for the Museum and the Moyer House, donating money through memberships and donating time through a myriad of volunteer opportunities.
Yearly membership dues help pay for the daily operations of the Moyer House and museum, staffing, brochures, Gift Shop offerings, resource materials, paint, supplies, newsletters, etc. Members vote for the Friends Board, receive a newsletter, notice of special events, and a 10% discount at the Gift Shop.
The following categories of membership are available:
- Individual: $25.00
- Family: $40.00
- Patron: $100.00
To become a member please send your donation to Linn County Museum Friends, Inc. PO Box 607, Brownsville, OR 97327 (your donation is tax deductible).
Volunteer
Volunteers are a crucial part of the museum operation, opportunities include greeting people, research, tour guides, office support, maintaining the bookstore, working with collections and records, painting and cleaning. Volunteers are key to maintaining and creating new exhibits.
Call the museum or e-mail us at lchm [at] co.linn.or.us (lchm[at]co[dot]linn[dot]or[dot]us) if you are interested in joining the fun!
Linn County Historical Museum Trust
The Museum Trust was formed in 1984 as a county wide organization of supporters whose goal is to raise funds for the ongoing support of the Museum and the Moyer House. The Trust adds donations to a capital fund, the interest is used for the museum. Thus, the trust ensures the continuation of the museum’s efforts. In the past Trust funds have helped fund the courtyard at the entrance of the museum and the painting of the exterior of the Moyer House. Our on-going projects include the Pioneer Plaque program, the Heritage Courtyard and the Oral History programs. The Trust has completed over 130 personal Linn County interviews.
The Linn County Historical Museum believes in long-term support of the museum. Contributions to the Trust are invested. The Trust now holds over $250,000 and uses some money each year to support museum needs.
Donation Programs, Pioneer Plaques and Brass Plates:
Help build a fund to ensure the ongoing operations of LCHM and the Moyer House.
Donations of any amount are gladly accepted. You will receive a donation acknowledgement for your tax records.
Pioneer plaques: A gift total of $600 entitles a donor or group of donors to a pioneer plaque – a most fitting way to pay tribute to an early ancestor. Over the years, 34 plaques honoring pioneer families have been given by the Trust.
A gift of $1,000 by an individual or business will be noted by an engraved brass plate on a wall in the Museum.
Heritage Courtyard
The Linn County Historical Museum Trust has created a “Heritage Courtyard” in the area outside the front entrance to the museum. The Linn County Parks and Recreation Department has constructed the first wall and two benches to create an attractive outdoor area and a gathering place where visitors can sit and relax. We are currently selling heritage bricks to be placed on the soon to be built second wall.
This courtyard celebrates families and individuals who came to the Willamette Valley by 1950 and showcases the area’s rich heritage and history in which we pride ourselves.
You may order a brick, or bricks, that will be etched with the names of family, friends or loved ones. The grid on the order form below shows three lines with a maximum of 13 characters per line to designate names with or without the dates of arrival. Each brick will cost $300 and is tax deductible. Thank you for your support.
Contribute to the Trust Fund
To contribute to the Trust Fund send your contribution to PO Box, 226 Tangent, OR 97389. The trust would be happy to help with bequests. Please call the museum at (541) 466-3390 for information.