Welcome to the Troutdale Historical Society
Taking Care of Old Business First
Mayors Square Mural, located in downtown Troutdale at Mayors Square - muralist Dwayne Harty commissioned by THS and funded through a Community Enhancement Project grant through the City of Troutdale in 2016.
Our Mission
A panoramic view of Troutdale's east end with Troutdale City Hall and Wilson Construction/Larsson Garage on Historic Columbia River Highway. The white two story house uphill on the left above City Hall was the home of Clara Larsson, c1930
Our mission at the Troutdale Historical Society is to gather and preserve material relating to the history of the community of Troutdale, the Sandy River, the Columbia River Gorge, and nearby areas to be available for public viewing. We are committed to stimulating interest in the history and knowledge of our past.
The year 2016 marked the 100th anniversary of the construction of the Historic Columbia River Highway. We continue to educate visitors at our King of Roads-Byway of the People exhibit describing the construction, destruction, and rebuilding of the Columbia River Gorge scenic route. Our programs focus on local landmarks, buildings, and sites in our community that tell the story of Troutdale.
Annually, we host a festive Christmas open house in the historic Harlow House, and eleven months of the year, on the last Tuesday of the month we co-host a fascinating history program at McMenamins Edgefield. Keep an eye on our events page for more programs hosted by the Troutdale Historical Society.
Would you like to become a member of the Troutdale Historical Society?
We have two different ways to sign up on our membership page; print out and complete our membership application or select the plan you want. You will receive a quarterly newsletter, updates in upcoming activities, a reduction in membership cost with the Oregon Historical Society, a 10% discount to our Barn Store, and even a part in running our museums. We even have room for volunteers to learn and grow in historical work.
Our Museums
Harlow House Museum
THS Barn Exhibit Hall
Depot Rail Museum & Caboose
We maintain three museums - Fred E Harlow farmhouse built c1900; Barn Exhibit Hall currently exhibiting King of Roads - Byway of the People; 1907; Depot Rail Museum and 1975 CA-10 Union Pacific Caboose. Our museums educate the immediate community and visitors about the history of Troutdale and surrounding areas with rotating exhibits illustrating our unique and colorful history.
Fred E Harlow House, c1900
726 E Historic Columbia River Highway
Open: Wednesday - Saturday 10 am - 4pm; Sunday 1 - 4pm
Closed: Monday & Tuesday
Admission: Free - donations gladly accepted
Barn Exhibit Hall, 1998
732 E Historic Columbia River Highway
Open: Wednesday - Saturday 10 am - 4pm; Sunday 1 - 4pm
Closed: Monday & Tuesday
Admission: $5 - ages 12 years +
Free - under 12 years, THS Members, and
Multnomah County Residents
Thank you for supporting Oregon History
On May 18, 2021,
Multnomah County said “YES” to Oregon history and passed the Oregon Historical Society levy (Measure 26-221) with 78.53% approval. Thank you "Yes for Oregon History" for your support!
What that Means for you:
This allows all Multnomah County Residents free
admission to all Historical Society museums
in East Multnomah County.
Shop & Donate
Shop at these participating businesses and they will donate a percentage to the Troutdale Historical Society.
Sign up is easy...click on an image and it will direct you to their website.
Business Sponsors - Thank you!
Thank You!
Physical: 732 E Historic Columbia River Hwy
Mailing: 219 E Historic Columbia River Hwy
Troutdale, OR 97060
(503) 661-2164