Historic Preservation Month
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
Interior.
Full schedule online at bit.ly/bentonhpm
