

Barn Exhibit Hall
Thursday - Sunday
Noon - 3:00 p.m.
The Barn Exhibit Hall, conceived by John Nasmyth of the Troutdale Historical Society, stands as a testament to community passion. Nasmyth's innovative funding approach involved bringing a check whenever inspired. Spearheading construction was Dick Jones, a society find through historic home tours, earning him the title of the main builder despite his untimely passing. Opening a decade later, the hall showcased its first exhibit in 1998, "Smelt Run! A Fish Story," commemorating Troutdale's vibrant past. Subsequent exhibits delved into Lewis and Clark's exploration and Troutdale's centennial. Today, the hall captivates visitors with "King of Roads - Byway of the People," honoring the Historic Columbia River Highway's centennial, narrating its construction, decline, and preservation.
Museums
Harlow House
Thursday - Sunday
Noon - 3:00 p.m.
Built in 1900 on the "Harlow Farm," the Harlow House in Troutdale has a rich history. Constructed by Fred E. Harlow, son of the town's founder, Captain John Harlow, originally a sea captain from Maine turned Portland businessman. Captain Harlow named the area Troutdale for its fish ponds. Fred E. Harlow and his family resided in the house until 1915. Lou Harlow, another son, and his wife Laura Bullock Harlow, both mayors of Troutdale, were the next occupants. Lee and Mabel Evans, the final residents, lived there in the 1940s. Purchased by the Troutdale Historical Society in 1979, the Harlow House, situated on high ground, survived the 1948 flood. Now a museum, it's listed on the National Register of Historical Places, with its grounds part of the city park system.
Rail Depot & Caboose
Monday - Wednesday
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thursday - Sunday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Established in 1882, Troutdale's history revolves around a pivotal moment when founder Captain John Harlow persuaded railroad builders to establish a depot by leveraging the navigability of the Sandy River. The town thrived along the Union Pacific line, hosting diverse enterprises like a meat packing plant, distillery, lumber mill, opera house, and newspaper. The original 1882 depot, integral to shipping fresh vegetables, burned in 1907, replaced promptly. Now owned by Troutdale since 1976, the depot, moved to its current location, remains a historic treasure. The station agent's office preserves railroad artifacts, and a donated
caboose enhances the site since 1987, showcasing Troutdale's railroad legacy.

UPCOMING
EVENTS

Step Back to the Icy Winter of 1950! Brace yourself for a chilling journey into history! Join Mark Nelsen, Chief Meteorologist at FOX 12 News, as he unravels the story of January 1950, the coldest month our region has ever experienced in modern recorded history. Picture this: frozen rivers, snow-covered landscapes, and record-breaking temps that turned daily life upside down! Mark will bring this frosty tale to life with rare photos, fascinating weather data, and the science behind the storm,

History Pub at McMenamins Edgefield: In the era of the First World War and its aftermath, the quest to identify, restrict, and punish internal enemy "others," combined with eugenic thinking, severely curtailed civil liberties for many people in Oregon and the nation. Professor Kimberly Jensen will share research from her new book 𝑂𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑜𝑛'𝑠 𝑂𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠: 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟, 𝐶𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑙 𝐿𝑖𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐸𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑦 𝑇𝑤𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑡ℎ 𝐶𝑒

Step Back to the Icy Winter of 1950! Brace yourself for a chilling journey into history! Join Mark Nelsen, Chief Meteorologist at FOX 12 News, as he unravels the story of January 1950, the coldest month our region has ever experienced in modern recorded history. Picture this: frozen rivers, snow-covered landscapes, and record-breaking temps that turned daily life upside down! Mark will bring this frosty tale to life with rare photos, fascinating weather data, and the science behind the storm,
Click an image to open a full screen view and description of the event.
