The Wait Is Over: Museum returns stronger than ever

Oregon’s official military history repository is set to reopen its doors once again. After sixteen years of preparation and dedication, the Oregon Military Museum is ready to welcome the public. The reopening introduces expanded exhibits, fresh programs and a powerful opportunity to explore the state’s military story like never before.

What started in the 1970s as a humble collection in a storage closet has grown into what is sure to become one of the West’s premier military history destinations. With four times the exhibit space and access to historic buildings once closed to the public, visitors can move at their own pace. The shift invites curiosity, encourages return visits, and opens the door to a more personal connection with Oregon’s military history.

Every exhibit in the museum includes personal stories of Oregonians who served. The goal is to reflect a true cross-section of the state’s service — making the museum not only a place to honor all those who served but also one where all Oregonians can see themselves. One standout is a handmade cookbook pieced together by an Oregon service member from the metal of a downed aircraft, a reminder of grit and ingenuity carried through even the toughest conditions. All artifacts tie back to Oregon, linking personal moments to a broader story of service and sacrifice.

Outside, tracked vehicles create an immersive setting for summer programs and live demonstrations. The c1911 Battery A Field Artillery Horse Barn and Quartermaster Storehouse add historical depth and show how logistics and artillery shaped Oregon’s military success and legacy.

The museum’s mission reaches far beyond preservation and exhibits. Special programs, hands-on student challenges and veterans-only gatherings have turned it into a place where people of all ages find something to connect with. Events like Tank Day, WWII Day and Living History Day aren’t just about looking back — they offer authentic experiences that bring history to life for kids, families, and longtime history buffs alike.

The Oregon Military Museum Project is the museum’s sole source of funding for exhibits, programs, and preservation efforts. Donations are greatly appreciated and will directly support this mission and help keep Oregon’s military history alive and accessible for future generations. OMMP is a 501(c)(3) and donations are tax deductible.

Visiting the Oregon Military Museum offers a rare and exciting chance to step onto an active Oregon National Guard post — something most people never get to do. Your journey will begin with a stop at the entry gate, where you’ll show your ID to a uniformed guard who will happily point you in the right direction. It’s a unique part of the experience and adds a real sense of occasion and connection to the living history of the site.

Plan your visit to the Oregon Military Museum at Camp Withycombe, 15300 S.E. Minuteman Way, Clackamas. Admission is free and includes access to the historic park, museum galleries, research library, and all public events and programs. Beginning July 12, it will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday–Saturday. For more information, visit oregonmilitarymuseum.org, call (971) 355-2275, or email info@oregonmilitarymuseum.org.