Historic Preservation Month

painting of historic building in idyllic countryside

Benton-Linn Historic Preservation Month

MAY 2025 

 

Some events require registration, most are free.
This events schedule is a collaboration between the Benton County and Corvallis Historic Resources Commissions, the Albany Landmarks Commission, and PreservationWORKS. All events are operated by volunteers – please thank them for their service. Benton County and Corvallis will be celebrating our volunteers at our annual ceremony, which takes place on May 29th at the Majestic Theter in downtown Corvallis.

In addition to the events planned for the month of May, the Benton County Historic Resources Commission is hosting a number of events all year long! Stay informed and participate by visiting their website. Benton County Historic Resources Commission - Historic Preservation Month - Benton County Community Development, Oregon (bentoncountyor.gov)

 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

 

May 1st 5:30 - 6:30 PM MASONIC TEMPLE TOUR 
Location: 306 SW Madison Avenue, Corvallis 

Are you curious about the Masons and what a Masonic Temple looks like? Register for this tour and you will meet some 
Masons, learn about the history of the guild, and all the ways Masons contribute to our community. Then you will get to 
walk into the temple, a site not to be missed! This tour is limited to 25 people, reserve a spot

 
May 2nd 5 - 7 PM PRESERVING YOUR FAMILY TREASURES 
Location: Albany Regional Museum 

In honor of National Historic Preservation Month, the Albany Regional Museum will be hosting a hands-on workshop 
where visitors can learn from our Collections Manager how to preserve their family treasures. Guests can learn from our 
Collections and Exhibits Manager, Amy Bozorth, how to properly store and share their photos or documents. If 
participants bring their own USB thumb drives and up to 10 loose photos, assistants will help scan and save them. 
Admission to our exhibits during First Friday hours is waived! 

May 4th  11 AM  HARDING CENTER: THROUGH HISTORIC RENOVATION FOR BEST USE NOW 
Location: Meet at the front office, 510 NW 31st St, Corvallis 
Presented by Eric Wright 

Come join us for a tour showcasing the historic renovation of the Harding Center. Learn about the process of 
transforming this iconic building. 
Explore the rich history of the Harding Center and see how it has been revitalized for current use. 
This is a unique opportunity to witness the transformation of a historic building and discover how it is being repurposed 
for the best use now. 
This tour is limited to 20 people, reserve a spot

May 4th 5:30 PM  TOUR OF HISTORIC BUILDING RENOVATIONS 
Location: Everbowl, 425 SW Madison, Corvallis 
Presented by Lee Eckroth 

Join Lee for a walking tour of his downtown renovations of historic buildings and best practices to breathe new life into 
historic buildings. 
 
May 5th 4 PM  UNTOLD STORIES OF OSU WALKING TOUR 
Meeting Location: Near the large metalwork football sculpture in the plaza on the east side of Reser Stadium, 660 SW 
26th Street, Corvallis 
Presented by Janet Seiko Nishihara, PhD, Director of Oregon State University’s Educational Opportunities Program 

When you walk through the Oregon State University campus you are walking through history. In this guided tour of 
OSU’s campus, you will learn about ten significant people, events, and locations pertaining to the history of students of 
color at Oregon State University and how they strived to make OSU a more inclusive and equitable campus for us all.  
 
May 6th 2 PM   HISTORIC PHILOMATH COLLEGE TOUR 
Location: Philomath Museum, 1101 Main St, Philomath 

Historic tour of Philomath College will highlight the stories of the students and teachers who lived and worked here, 
shaping the future of the town of Philomath. Erected in 1867, building is now listed as a National Register of Historic 
Places. The campus once included a gymnasium and tennis court! Learn about the intriguing history of church of the 
United Brethren in Christ and their legacy in the modern town of Philomath, Oregon. 
Tours are led by a trained docent from Benton County Historical Society. 
Dress for the weather; a portion of the tour occurs outside. 
Accommodations can be made with advance notice! Please email education@bentoncountymuseums.org for 
accommodations relating to a disability. 
Cost: $10 per person. Registration required. Promotions and membership discounts do not apply to this program. 

May 7th 4 PM   BENTON COUNTY COURTHOUSE TOUR 
Location: Benton County Courthouse, 120 NW 4th Street, Corvallis 
Presented by Jill Van Buren 

Tour this 1888 beauty. The oldest courthouse in the state that has been in continuous operation, this courthouse is a 
regional icon and graces the logos of both Benton County and the City of Corvallis. The interior and furnishings have 
been respectfully preserved. This tour requires passing through a security scanner at the main doors; please do not 
bring sharp objects. 
 
May 9th  2 - 3 PM  FRANKLIN SCHOOL NEIGHBORHOOD TREES WALKING TOUR 
Meeting Location: Franklin School, 750 NW 18th St, east entrance, Corvallis 
Presented by Lyn Larson
 
Discover the beauty above you! Celebrate the enduring companionship of heritage trees in the historic Franklin School 
Neighborhood.  This one-hour guided tour includes the 1889 Franklin Square Park, Corvallis' oldest park and home to 
more than 15 different tree species. The tour will end at Franklin School and segway into a tour of the school itself.  
 
May 9th  3 - 4 PM  FRANKLIN SCHOOL TOUR 

Meeting Location: Franklin School, 750 NW 18th St, Corvallis 
Presented by Troy Brandt 
Directly after the neighborhood tour, come tour the historic Franklin School and learn about its history and how 
preservation was combined with renovation to give the historic resource continued life and best use. 

May 10th    STEP INTO THE SHADOWS OF BENTON COUNTY’S PAST: SEASON 1 
Location: Online 

This May, rediscover the rich and mysterious history of Benton County through Spectres Past—a series of immersive, self-guided
game experiences that blend local history with a twist of fiction. Whether you're a history buff, puzzle lover, 
family adventurer, or simply curious about the hidden stories of Corvallis, there’s a tale waiting just for you. 
Across 12 unique episodes—available all month long during Historic Preservation Month—you’ll encounter figures from 
the past brought to life through interactive storytelling, clever clues, and hauntingly engaging gameplay. Choose your 
path: explore one episode or dive into all three seasons. 
Season One launches on May 10, followed by Season Two on May 17, and the final season—Season Three—on May 24. 
Then, gather with fellow players for a thrilling Grand Finale celebration at the Corvallis Museum of the Benton County 
Historical Society on June 1st. Complete your journey, swap stories, and uncover the final mystery together. 
 
May 10th 9 AM - 4 PM  HISTORIC WINDOWS RESTORATION 
Location: 635 Water Ave, Albany
 
Join Chris Gustafson, owner of Vintage Window Restoration LLC, in a conversation about a niche business adventure, and 
perspective of the historic preservation trades industry. Learn how to restore historic windows and try out your skills 
with a hands-on window sash repair. Come prepared for a presentation and show and tell, followed by Q&A. PPE will be 
provided. Bring a lunch, coffee and pastries will be provided in the morning. There is limited space available so reserve a 
spot

 
May 10th  10:00 AM ALBANY TWEED RIDE 2025 
Meeting Location: The Natty Dresser, 124 Broadalbin St SW Albany 

Don your finest tweed attire and join us for a bicycle tour of Albany’s National Historic Districts! Arrive by 9:30 am to 
enter the costume and best bike contests. The ride starts at 10 am. The tour will stop occasionally to talk about the 
historic buildings and sights along the way. The ride ends at the Deluxe Brewery where they will be hosting their annual 
Vintage Bicycle Show and Swap Meet. Food and drink will be available for purchase at the brewery, but riders are also 
welcome to bring a picnic lunch to the ride, as the brewery allows outside food. Don't want to do the Tweed Ride? You're 
still invited to the Bicycle Show from 1-5 pm. Entry to attend is free. 
 
May 10th 11 AM - 3 PM  CUMBERLAND CHURCH 133RD BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION & OPEN HOUSE  
Location: 1400 Santiam Road S.E., Albany 

Come celebrate the beautiful Cumberland Church, which is in the process of being restored. Long-term future plans are 
to offer educational and enrichment programs for children and families to promote the social well-being of the 
community, provide a facility for the arts, education, recreation, celebration and locally-based activities in order to 
increase the opportunity for personal and collective growth in our community, and invite groups, both public and private, 
to rent the building for events. 
 
May 11th  2 - 4 PM OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY HISTORIC DISTRICT WALKING TOUR 
Meeting Location: East side of OSU’s Community Hall, 1650 SW Pioneer Place, Corvallis  
Presented by Larry Landis  

This tour is limited to 25 people, reserve a spot by emailing tro2005@gmail.com 
OSU is Corvallis' most recent historic district with more than 80 contributing structures and it’s the only Oregon Campus 
listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Learn about the development of campus structures, and early Olmsted

and Taylor campus plans, quads, and viewsheds. Appreciate the most comprehensive collection of distinctive John V. 
Bennes-designed buildings. Parking is FREE on weekends.  

May 12th 8:30 AM - 5 PM  2nd Annual Leticia Carson Symposium 
Meeting Location: OSU’s LaSells Stewart Center, 875 SW 26th St, Corvallis 

Come learn the story of Letitia Carson, one of Benton County's first Black residents (came to Oregon in 1845) and likely 
first black landowner in Oregon. Join us on a fieldtrip to her original homestead.  
8:30 – 9 AM: light breakfast, informal Leticia Carson Legacy Project updates 
9 AM – 12:45 PM:  Ten speakers in three panels: 
History: Zachary Stocks, Hailey Brink, Larry Landis 
Land: Luhui Whitebear, Travis Mulliniks, Kelly Bosworth, Lauren Gwin 
Legacy: Charlotte Epps, David Stucky, and a 3rd TBA 
Lunch will be provided. 
Field trip vans to Leticia Carson’s homestead leave from the Alumni Center after lunch and return by 5 pm 
Registration and Leticia Carson’s Legacy 
 
May 13th 5:30 PM FIRST AVENUE HISTORY WALKING TOUR, ALBANY 
Meeting Location: Burkhart Square (Next to the Albany Civic Theater), 101 SE 1st Ave, Albany 

Join this walking tour of 1st Avenue to learn about the history of the buildings and the businesses that have occupied 
them over the past 150 years. The tour starts promptly at 5:30 PM and will be approximately 1 hour in length. While the 
tour is free, there is a suggested $5 donation per person, to benefit the Monteith Historical Society. 
 
May 14th 12 - 1 PM HISTORY BITES - NOVAK FAMILY AND RESTAURANT 
Location: Albany Regional Museum
 
Matilda Novak will be presenting on her family’s escape from communism resulting in the creation of Novak’s Restaurant 
here in Albany, Oregon. Learn about what they are up to now! 
Cookbooks and sauces will be available for purchase following the presentation, so make sure to bring cash if you are 
interested. 
History Bites is free to attend. Admission to exhibits is now fee based, but always free for Albany Regional Museum 
members! 
Light refreshments provided. 
 
May 14th 5:30 PM SECOND AVENUE HISTORY WALKING TOUR, ALBANY 
Meeting Location: Burkhart Square (Next to the Albany Civic Theater), 101 SE 1st Ave, Albany 

Join this walking tour of 2nd Avenue to learn about the history of the buildings and the businesses that have occupied 
them over the past 150 years. The tour starts promptly at 5:30 PM and will be approximately 1 hour in length. While the 
tour is free, there is a suggested $5 donation per person, to benefit the Monteith Historical Society. 
 
May 16th  4 PM  UNTOLD STORIES OF OSU WALKING TOUR 
Meeting Location: Near the large metalwork football sculpture in the plaza on the east side of Reser Stadium, 660 SW 
26th Street, Corvallis 

Presented by Janet Seiko Nishihara, PhD, Director of Oregon State University’s Educational Opportunities Program 
When you walk through the Oregon State University campus you are walking through history. In this guided tour of 
OSU’s campus, you will learn about ten significant people, events, and locations pertaining to the history of students of 
color at Oregon State University and how they strived to make OSU a more inclusive and equitable campus for us all. 
 
May 16th 5:30PM  OREGON’S “TRAIL OF TEARS” 
Meeting Location: Robnett’s Hardware Store, 400 SW 2nd Street, Corvallis 

Presented by Nolan Streitberger, https://www.nolanstreitberger.com/trail-of-tears 
This project started with several years of preparation and research, reading through thousands of historical letters, 
looking over old survey maps from the 1850s, and utilizing satellite imagery from today. Nolan retraced the entire route 
and was able to locate bygone roads that are no longer in existence while following others that are still here today. He 
made photographs using an antique wooden view camera and the wet plate collodion photo process from the 1850s and 
paired them with the journal entries written in the same time period. These landscape photographs illustrate the fraught 
expedition that Ambrose detailed in his daily journal. The imperfect photos play off the serendipitous technical flaws to 
create ghostly images that echo the grim history of the past and capture the forgotten and seldom told story of Oregon's 
“Trail of Tears.” 
 
May 17th    STEP INTO THE SHADOWS OF BENTON COUNTY’S PAST: SEASON 2 
Location: Online 

This May, rediscover the rich and mysterious history of Benton County through Spectres Past—a series of immersive, self-guided
game experiences that blend local history with a twist of fiction. Whether you're a history buff, puzzle lover, 
family adventurer, or simply curious about the hidden stories of Corvallis, there’s a tale waiting just for you. 
Across 12 unique episodes—available all month long during Historic Preservation Month—you’ll encounter figures from 
the past brought to life through interactive storytelling, clever clues, and hauntingly engaging gameplay. Choose your 
path: explore one episode or dive into all three seasons. 
Season Two launches on May 17 and the final season—Season Three—on May 24. 
Then, gather with fellow players for a thrilling Grand Finale celebration at the Corvallis Museum of the Benton County 
Historical Society on June 1st. Complete your journey, swap stories, and uncover the final mystery together. 
 
May 17th  10 & 11:30 AM HISTORIC ALBANY STREETCAR TOUR 
Meet at: Albany Regional Museum 

Streetcar seating is limited, and reservations are required. Tickets are $5 per person. To reserve your ticket to board, 
contact the Museum today at 541-967-7122! Tour guests will hop aboard the Albany Streetcar at the Albany Regional 
Museum for a narrated tour by an A.R.M. docent and Albany historian. The tour will feature how the arrivals of river, 
railroad, and highway travel were integral in Albany’s history, growth, and becoming known as Hub City of the Willamette 
Valley. The tour will feature humorous, unique, and wild stories related to the history of Albany’s street railway system 
and railroads.  
 
May 17th 1 PM  ALBANY AIR MUSEUM INFO. SESSION 
Meeting Location:  Albany Air Museum - Wings of History, 525 Aviation Way SE, Albany 
Presented by Dr. Mariapaola Riggio  

Attendance is limited to 50 people, reserve a spot
Mariapaola Riggio, PhD in Structural Engineering and Associate Professor in Wood design and Architecture at OSU, and 
her graduate students in the "Structural Health Assessment and Monitoring of Timber Structures" class will demonstrate 
a holistic approach to assessing structural health of historic wood buildings. Structural health assessment is crucial 
because a building can be likened to a living organism that undergoes changes during its service life due to factors such 
as the environment, loading history, maintenance, and use. While there has been a growing use of engineered wood 
systems in large span structures, a specific focus on the performance and reliability of timber structures is relatively 
recent. Moreover, interest in the conservation of the architectural timber heritage has also increased steadily over the 
last few decades. Cookies will be provided. 
 
May 17th 2 PM   HISTORIC PHILOMATH COLLEGE TOUR 
Location: Philomath Museum, 1101 Main St, Philomath 

Historic tour of Philomath College will highlight the stories of the students and teachers who lived and worked here, 
shaping the future of the town of Philomath. Erected in 1867, building is now listed as a National Register of Historic 

Places. The campus once included a gymnasium and tennis court! Learn about the intriguing history of church of the 
United Brethren in Christ and their legacy in the modern town of Philomath, Oregon. 
Tours are led by a trained docent from Benton County Historical Society. 
Dress for the weather; a portion of the tour occurs outside. 
Accommodations can be made with advance notice! Please email education@bentoncountymuseums.org for 
accommodations relating to a disability. 
Cost: $10 per person. Registration required. Promotions and membership discounts do not apply to this program. 
 
May 18th  3:30 PM  CEMETERY CLEANING WORKSHOP, CRYSTAL LAKE CEMETERY 
Meeting Location: 1768 SE Crystal Lake Dr, Corvallis 
Presented by Dr. Carol Chin, Dieskau Reed & Phil Hayes  

The workshop is free. Registration is not required. You can participate as much as you like. All tools will be provided. 
Please bring snacks and drinking water. A port-o-potty will be on-site. If you would like to work, please wear work clothes 
and bring gloves. A hat is also recommended.  
 
 
May 27th  6 PM  HOW TO RESEARCH YOUR HOUSE’S HISTORY WORKSHOP – IF WALLS COULD TALK 
Meeting Location: Albany Public Library, 2450 14th Ave SE, Albany 
Presented by Camron Settlemeier  

Do you own a historic home and are curious about the history of structure? Join this workshop and learn how to 
research the story behind the building. 
 
May 20th 4:30 PM ATOMIC RANCH WALKING TOUR 
Meeting Location: intersection of NW Lincoln Ave & NW 15th St, Corvallis 
Presented by Doug Sackinger
 
Explore the history of Ranch-style houses, which are a uniquely American domestic architectural style - long and low.  Many 
ranch neighborhoods like those in Corvallis developed during the post WWII “Atomic Age” when housing demand for 
returning servicemen boomed.  These homes reflect an informal and casual lifestyle and the auto-oriented culture of their 
time. 
 
May 21st  6 PM  HARWOOD HALL & NATIVE SOCIAL CAPITAL AT CHEMAWA INDIAN SCHOOL 
Location: Albany Public Library, 2450 14th Ave SE, Albany 
Presented by Dr. David Lewis 

Harwood Hall was the superintendent of Chemawa and Sherman Indian schools and used Native students and culture to 
develop the schools in the early 20th century. Hall and his wife benefited socially from their use of Native culture. Issues 
of Indian education, appropriation of Native culture, and misuse of Native students highlight this presentation. 
 
May 22nd  5:30 - 6:30 PM AVERY-HELM HISTORIC DISTRICT TOUR 
Meeting Location: Corner of 2nd St & Western Blvd. Free parking located one block south at 2nd St & B Ave 
Presented by Joel Orton 

Join Joel for a tour of the Avery-Helm Historic District. The Avery-Helm neighborhood is part of the Joseph C. Avery land 
claim filed in 1845. It includes 9 full blocks, and ten partial blocks laid out on a grid system. The historic houses 
remaining in the district present a window into the domestic aspects of the city's development from 1870 to 1949. 
 
May 24th    STEP INTO THE SHADOWS OF BENTON COUNTY’S PAST: SEASON 3 
Location: Online 

This May, rediscover the rich and mysterious history of Benton County through Spectres Past—a series of immersive, self-guided
game experiences that blend local history with a twist of fiction. Whether you're a history buff, puzzle lover, 
family adventurer, or simply curious about the hidden stories of Corvallis, there’s a tale waiting just for you. 

Across 12 unique episodes—available all month long during Historic Preservation Month—you’ll encounter figures from 
the past brought to life through interactive storytelling, clever clues, and hauntingly engaging gameplay. Choose your 
path: explore one episode or dive into all three seasons. 
Season Three launches on May 24. 
Then, gather with fellow players for a thrilling Grand Finale celebration at the Corvallis Museum of the Benton County 
Historical Society on June 1st. Complete your journey, swap stories, and uncover the final mystery together. 
 
May 24th  9 AM - 1 PM INTERIOR TOURS OF THE UNDER-RESTORATION WILLAMETTE GRANGE HALL 
Meeting Location: Willamette Grange, 27555 Greenberry Road, Corvallis 
Presented by Jay Sexton 

Tour the historic Willamette Community and Grange Hall, built in 1923, at 27555 Greenberry Rd, 8 miles south of 
Corvallis at the corner with Hwy 99W. 
On the National Registry of Historic Places, this Grange Hall is being restored to its former glory. See the progress, learn 
some Grange History, and see history preserved into a vibrant future as a living Grange Hall and Community Center. 
Willamette Grange Website and YouTube Video 
 
May 24th  10 AM  COLLEGE HILL NATIONAL HISTORIC DISTRICT TOUR 
Meeting Location: Harding Center, 510 NW 31st St, Corvallis 
Presented by Bruce Anderson 

Join Bruce for a new tour of the College Hill National Historic District: 31st Street - 100 years later. The city’s first model 
homes, built and sold by a developer contractor. 
 
May 25th  1 PM  OSU HERITAGE TREES TOUR 
Meeting Location: Front of OSU’s Community Hall, 1650 SW Pioneer Place, Corvallis 
Presented by Dan Blanchard 

Join Dan, Campus Arboretum Curator of Living Plant Collections, for a walking tour at OSU to learn about the heritage 
trees on campus and the history of the campus landscape. Parking is FREE on weekends. 
 
May 28th   5:30 PM ALIVE IN THE MARGINS WALKING TOUR 
Meeting Location: Courtyard Marriott lobby, 400 SW 1st St, Corvallis 
Presented by Jema Patterson  

The often-overlooked narratives of women, queerfolk, and people of color have shaped and enriched the tapestry of 
history. Come hear remarkable stories of individuals whose struggles, triumphs, and contributions defied societal norms 
and odds to leave an indelible mark on the course of history. In under a mile, we cover a century of incredible stories. 
From a fierce suffragette’s battle to a Chinese woman’s struggle against the misogyny of the 1930s, this tour unveils the 
strife that shaped our world. Learn of a Japanese man’s fight against racism during WWII (with two happy endings!) and 
meet a trans man whose medical breakthroughs changed the course of history.  
Step into the past and discover the untold stories of those who defied the odds, broke boundaries, and challenged the 
injustices of their time. Learn about how the people who lived through history's hardest moments fought to rewrite the 
narrative. 
 
May 29th   6 - 8 PM  HISTORIC PRESERVATION CELEBRATION 
Location: Majestic Theatre, 115 SW 2nd St, Corvallis 

The annual celebration of historic preservation in Benton County. The theme this year is the balance of being a steward 
of a historic resource preservation and of our footprint on the future environment and climate. Join the City of Corvallis, 
PreservationWORKS, and Benton County in honoring the work of our volunteers and the community members working 
hard to preserve and restore our local history. Please join us in celebrating history and honoring preservation advocates! 

May 30th  5 - 7 PM BALD HILL FARM: PAST AND FUTURE 
Presented by Jessica McDonald, Greenbelt Land Trust Executive Director 

Please register for this event at https://greenbeltlandtrust.org/event/bald-hill-farm-history/   
We are celebrating Benton County Historical Preservation Month with a walk at Bald Hill Farm. Calling all local history 
buffs!  
Come and learn more about the fascinating history of Bald Hill Farm, from Kalapuya through western settler migration. 
We’ll delve into the world of the extensive Mulkey family whose name graces the property’s creek and ridgeline, and 
trace back local tales through oral and written documents. Space is limited for this free event.  
This will be a slow, easy walk on gravel roads with many stops and we will be mostly standing.  There will be a restroom 
available at the beginning and end of the walk. 
Please leave your furry friends at home! 
 
May 31st   12 - 2 PM FAIRMONT GRANGE HALL #252 OPEN HOUSE 
Location: Fairmount Grange Hall, 845 Northwest North Albany Road, Albany 
Presented by Fairmount Grange Hall members 

Tour this lovely historic grange hall, meet today's grangers, and learn about over 150 years of grange history in Oregon. 
https://www.grange.org/fairmountor252/  
 
June 1st  5 PM  SPECTRES FINALE 
Meeting Location: Corvallis Museum, 411 SW 2nd St, Corvallis 

Gather with fellow players for a thrilling Grand Finale celebration at the Corvallis Museum of the Benton County 
Historical Society on June 1st. Complete your journey, swap stories, and uncover the final mystery together. 
 
July 30th  6:30 - 8:30 PM HISTORY THROUGH HEADSTONES – ALBANY’S EARLY EDUCATORS 
Location: Riverside Cemetery, SW 7th Ave, Albany 

Albany Regional Museum in partnership with Riverside Cemetery invites you to attend our 15th annual History Through 
Headstones featuring exhibits and docents presenting the historical contributions of Albany’s early educators. 
Refreshments will be provided by Riverside Cemetery Association. 
 
Preservation Month activities are funded, for the most part, with federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. 
Department of the Interior, Oregon State Historic Preservation Office, Certified Local Government Program. However, 
the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior, nor does the 
mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Department of the 
Interio
r. 

Full schedule online at bit.ly/bentonhpm