About Us
History shapes our understanding of who we are as individuals and as a society. The Two Rivers Heritage Museum, created and run by the Camas-Washougal Historical Society, serves as a scholarly asset to our SW Washington communities and beyond. We are dedicated to the important work of putting the power of history into everyone’s hands.
The stories at Two Rivers are multi-cultural. Our artifacts reflect the strong bonds Two Rivers developed with both the Native populations and with the diverse newcomers who settled here to start a life of opportunity.
Our region is abundant in natural resources, with two major rivers, which we now call the Columbia River and Washougal River, which served as the lifeblood of the region, and fertile ground which sustained all who made this region their home. SW Washington offered quality of life and opportunity then as it still does today.
Mission & Vision
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Two Rivers Heritage Museum is operated by the Camas-Washougal Historical Society.
The purpose of the Museum is to collect, research and preserve the history that tells the story of the development of the Camas/Washougal area.
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The Museum will accept, catalog and preserve relevant artifacts and documents and will use those items to develop and provide educational and cultural programs for the public.
Our Past and Present
1975
Local citizens formed the Camas Washougal Historical Society to save the 100 year old Van Vleet home at Parkers Landing. Three days later, an arsonist burned the historic home to the ground and the new group became a recovery work party that spent several days collecting square nails, bricks, shards, tool parts, and anything else that could be saved.
1981
The first museum space was a room obtained in the basement of the Camas Library and the museum became known as the “Camas Washougal Historical Society Museum”. That room was soon filled up and items were being stored all over Clark County.
1991
A large donation from the Barbara Heriford Estate was received and the board saw a need to find a new location.
1991
The city of Washougal offered a site at 17th and B streets for construction of a new museum. An old gas station at that location was set up as headquarters for the Capitol Building Fund Campaign.
1993
An architect was hired to prepare drawings for the new 3 story museum building.
1996
The Gift Gallery building at 16th and Front streets was put on the market and it was deemed a more desirable site because of its lower cost and an accelerated time line for opening a new museum. It seemed to be an ideal location and the building had basement storage.
1996
All the artifacts were finally gathered in one place, the remodeling was complete, and the museum opened under the name “Two Rivers Heritage Museum”.
1997
The Camas Business and Professional Women’s Club disbanded and, because several of the women were Society members, they deeded their building to the museum. The property was used for a year, then sold to pay off the existing mortgage.
1999
Christine Kropp, a former Camas Paper Mill executive secretary, bequeathed the Society a sizable donation that allowed a measure of financial stability.
2002
A 4,500 square-foot basement and a main floor were added to the building.
2009
The Carriage House was built for the museum’s larger items such as a Dr.’s buggy, bee keeping and prune harvesting equipment, and large tools.
2017
The Gathering Place planning begins.
2018
Fundraising begins for The Gathering Place.
2020
Construction for The Gathering Place is delayed to due a global pandemic.
2021
After a few delays, The Gathering Place is complete.
Two Rivers Heritage Museum Today
The Museum currently has a large collection of Native American baskets and artifacts. We inherited a fantastic old doll collection and antique glass and china items. We have a collection of thousands of photos of local businesses, buildings, events and people. We also have dairy, farming, logging, musical instruments, old kitchen displays, books, land records, cemetery records, many family histories, antique furniture, toys, tools, a replica of a farm blacksmith workshop, and mining operation. Visitors from all over come to the museum to research their homes, property, and relatives. Our gift shop includes books about local history published by local authors.
Two Rivers Heritage Museum is rich in the history and culture of our past. We invite you to visit!
