Located in historic Troutdale, Oregon, the Barn Exhibit Hall Museum preserves the history of the Columbia River Gorge, Troutdale’s agricultural roots, and the Historic Columbia River Highway.
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The Barn Exhibit Hall Museum opened its first major exhibit in 1998 with Smelt Run! A Fish Story, created in celebration of the Troutdale Historical Society’s 30th anniversary. The exhibit explored the history of the Sandy River smelt runs, a seasonal tradition that once brought thousands of visitors to Troutdale each year. Through historic photographs, artifacts, and interpretive displays, guests experienced an important part of the community’s cultural and economic history.
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Additional exhibits soon followed, including presentations on Lewis and Clark and the expedition’s connection to the Sandy River region. In 2007, the museum celebrated Troutdale’s Centennial with What Went By, an exhibit honoring the city’s first 100 years and the people, businesses, and events that helped shape the community.
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Today, the museum is home to King of Roads – Byway of the People, an exhibit commemorating the Historic Columbia River Highway, America’s first scenic highway. Visitors can explore the story of the highway’s construction, learn about the local residents who helped build it throughout Multnomah County, and discover the ongoing effort to preserve one of Oregon’s greatest historic treasures. The exhibit also highlights the highway’s role in transforming tourism in the Columbia River Gorge and its distinction as one of the first roads in the nation designed with a painted center line.
Built by the Community
The Barn Exhibit Hall Museum itself stands as a testament to community vision and volunteer dedication. The idea for the museum was championed by Troutdale Historical Society member John Nasmyth, who believed the society needed a permanent space to preserve and display historic farm equipment, agricultural artifacts, and local history collections.
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Society members worked together to design and construct the building, with volunteer Dick Jones contributing countless hours as the project’s primary builder. After Jones passed away before the project was completed, Robert Strebin helped finish the museum and prepare it for opening. Nearly ten years after construction first began, the Barn Exhibit Hall Museum officially opened its doors to the community.
More Than a Museum
Today, the Barn Exhibit Hall Museum serves as both a local history museum and a vibrant community gathering place. In addition to rotating exhibits that change throughout the year, the museum hosts educational programs, indoor and outdoor community events, and family-friendly activities for visitors of all ages.
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The museum is also home to Yarn at the Barn, the Troutdale Historical Society’s free monthly fiber arts program open to all skill levels. From history presentations and seasonal celebrations to hands-on learning opportunities, the Barn continues to connect the community with the stories, traditions, and people that shaped Troutdale and the Columbia River Gorge.
