Elvis was in the House!

The Museum's 'Valentines in Vegas' event was very successful! Thanks to all those who came to the Alumni Center on Saturday, February 14, 2009 to support the Benton County Historical Society & Museum! Elvis entertained the crowd and led the gathering in song: Happy Birthday to Oregon in commemoration of 150 years of statehood. Team Casino provided the gaming tables and encouragement for the players. Thanks to the staff and wonderful volunteers who made it happen!

Oregon State Library selects 150 Oregon Books for the Sesquicentennial Celebration

What better way to celebrate Oregon's statehood than read a book about the Oregon experience? The librarians at the Oregon State Library in Salem have chosen 150 titles for your reading enjoyment. The list includes books for young and older readers alike.
Go to http://www.oregon.gov/OSL/OR150.shtml to download the list.
The Benton County Historical Museum Store carries several of the titles. Visit the Museum Store and check it out!!

Bring Your Sweetheart to Valentines in Vegas

February 14, 2009 - not only is it Valentine's Day but it's also Oregon's 150th Birthday!!

The Benton County Historical Society is marking this double celebration with its second annual Valentines in Vegas casino games event on Saturday, February 14, 2009 from 7 to 9 pm at the CH2M Alumni Center on the Oregon State University campus. Team Casino will be joining us again to help you play all your favorite games: blackjack, craps, roulette and Texas Hold em. Seasoned gamblers and beginners are all welcome!

The evening includes a silent auction, entertainment, hors d'ouevres, punch, Oregon birthday cake, and a cash bar. This year, childcare is provided for children ages 2 and up. Your $25 ticket includes admission to the event, "funny money" to play the tables, one drink, and lots of FUN! Tickets are available by calling the Museum at (541) 929-6230. Quantities are limited, so call today!

Free flyers may be downloaded at http://www.bentoncountymuseum.org/ValentinesInVegas.cfm

Abraham Lincoln Visits Philomath

On Tuesday, February 10, 2009, Abraham Lincoln (Tim Holgate) will hold a Town Hall meeting at the Benton County Historical Museum from 7 to 9 pm in the Moreland Gallery/Auditorium. Other presenters include: Richard Etulain, Tony Wolk, Gary Kersey, and music from the Lincoln era by "Illinois" Doug Tracy. The event commemorates the bicentennial of Lincoln's birthday and cake will be served! This event free and open to the public. Please join Lincoln and his entourage at the Museum!

Forestry Students Ring the Bell

On Wednesday, February 4, 2009 about 20 students from the Forestry Department at Oregon State University visited the Museum.

Dave Stemper, instructor, wrote: "My interpretation students are JUST BEGINNING development of their small interpretive displays at OSU, and I wanted them to see what you have in place at Benton County as a means of sparking some ideas."

The students also learned a little about the history of our National Register Building. The thick, white bell rope in the auditorium/gallery caught their attention and two students asked if they could ring the bell. Since the bell can be heard best from outside the building, the group gathered in the parking lot while one stayed inside and pulled on the bell rope.

The bell was installed in the cupola of the Philomath College building 1867 .