It’s official! The Oregon Military Museum’s grand opening, or rather re-opening, is July 12, 2025.
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Welcome to 2025! While the year is well underway, its significance is just beginning. This milestone year marks both our grand reopening (yay!) and the Museum’s 50th anniversary, and we are thrilled to finally share the news you’ve all been waiting for! After nearly two decades of closure, we will fully reopen on July 12, 2025! Leading up to that special Saturday, we will host sneak peeks, a launch party, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
So, what’s new? While special events and programming will begin in April, our Historic Park season will align with the July 12 reopening. And for the first time in years, the Museum itself will be open four days a week for self-guided tours.
Inside the Museum, visitors will find new exhibits and experiences. Overlooking the Historic Park, the Hall of Valor honors Oregon’s 13 Medal of Honor recipients, alongside 21 others with ties to the state, through a wall display and interactive component. This stunning space will also host future programming and events. Additionally, three exhibit galleries will highlight Oregon’s military legacy, artwork from the Museum’s collection, and nearly 200 historic firearms.
Our inaugural main exhibit, We Are Oregon, explores the region’s military connections and its people from pre-statehood to today. This first-generation exhibit showcases the breadth of Oregon service through biographies, conflicts, and technology. Aligning preservation and visitor experience, textile (including uniforms) and paper artifacts will rotate annually, allowing us to ensure their continued care while also highlighting new Oregon stories.
The Temporary Gallery will debut with History in Art: Selections from the OMM Collection, scheduled to run through 2026. This exhibit uses the Museum’s art collection to underscore the importance of provenance and context. Finally, no visit will be complete without seeing the Weapons Gallery, an intimate space featuring over 400 years of firearm technology. This exhibit offers a powerful display of military history and innovation, showcasing the evolution of weaponry through the centuries.
As we approach this long-awaited milestone, we continue to face the ongoing challenge of ensuring the Museum’s future success. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Whether through joining our Volunteer Corps or supporting the Museum through our foundation, your contributions will help keep our doors open and our mission thriving. We aim to double our volunteer team and will rely heavily on the foundation for financial stability. Your time, resources, and advocacy make all the difference. Together, we can preserve and share Oregon’s military heritage for generations to come.
We can’t wait to welcome you and to celebrate this exciting new chapter!
| Continue reading below for: A New Museum, A New Year, A New Schedule Special Events Happening Each Month A Few Faces from We Are Oregon Program Series – Make It to One, Two, or All Three Add Your Name to the OMM Volunteer Corps! From OMMP: Whiskey Tasting in April & Annual Memberships All Year Long Upcoming Additions to the Honor Brick Garden |
A NEW MUSEUM, A NEW YEAR, A NEW SCHEDULE
2025 marks the 50th anniversary of what would become the Oregon Military Museum. In 1975, the Oregon Military Department established the Oregon National Guard Museum and Resource Center. Having made it into the next century, the museum was renamed the Oregon Military Museum in 2001, representing all branches of service. Then in 2008 with the upcoming construction of the AFRC at Camp Withycombe, OMM was relocated to the Clackamas Armory which was then renovated to be the museum it is today.
After 50 years, we at the Oregon Military Museum are beaming with excitement that the exhibit galleries and library will be completed, and the re-opening of the Oregon Military Museum is just months away. In order to properly prepare and support the opening of the Museum and its galleries, library, and program spaces, we are delaying the start of the Open Park season to coincide with the grand re-opening of the Museum. Starting July 12, the Museum will be open Wednesday through Saturday, 10am to 4pm. The Historic Park will be open Fridays and Saturdays during the same time, July 18 to September 27. Special events and programming begin in April.
SPECIAL EVENTS HAPPENING EACH MONTH
We are rolling out some new and repeat events—at least one per month (mostly on the third Saturday of the month), and all free—leading up to and beyond our July opening. A print-read flyer and poster of all these events are also available to download.
The Pacific Northwest & World War II
Saturday, April 19, 11am-3pm
Celebrate The Pacific Northwest & World War II with interactive educational activities, displays, demonstrations, and living historian engagements for all ages. This free family-friendly event showcases equipment, vehicles, uniforms, photos, stories, and more. Explore the range of military service provided during WWII, especially by those from the Pacific Northwest. Learn about their experiences overseas and stateside, as well as how the home front supported the war efforts.
Living historians, organizations, and reenactors interested in participating in this event by providing displays, activities, or living history engagements, please email [email protected].
The Story of Oregon’s Legendary WWII Spy Claire Phillips, by Sig Unander
Saturday, May 10, 11am-12:30pm
Local Historian Sig Unander presents the story of Claire Phillips, the Portland stage actress turned nightclub owner, spy, and savior of American prisoners of war in the occupied Philippines during World War II. Join us in the Hall of Valor as Unander dives into Phillips’ world of fake identities, espionage, revenge, and resistance. Weather permitting, the Historic Park will be open after the presentation for visitors to explore.
Living History Day
Saturday, June 21, 10am-4pm
Oregon’s history and military legacy come alive through dynamic displays, historical reenactments, and interactive activities. Regional history and military heritage organizations, museums, living historians, and military support organizations come together to honor and share the impact of armed services and those who served throughout Oregon’s history. Current service members will also be onsite to share technology and experiences from their recent military service. Living History Day is free and fun for all ages.
Individuals and organizations interested in participating in the event by providing displays, activities, or living history engagements, please email [email protected].
Oregon Military Museum 2025 Grand Re-Opening
Saturday, July 12, 10am-4pm
You are cordially invited to the grand re-opening of the Oregon Military Museum, including our premiere We Are Oregon exhibit in the Drill Floor Gallery, exploring the people, places, and events from pre-statehood into the 21st century. The first of our rotating displays in the Temporary Gallery, History in Art: Selections from the OMM Collection connects context with content, while a curated selection of firearms will be on display in the Weapons Gallery. The Hall of Valor, celebrating the Medal of Honor recipients of Oregon, and the Thomas E. Withycombe Library will also be open to the public.
TANK DAY!
Saturday, July 19, 10am-4pm
Tank fans of all ages, come visit us for our third annual TANK DAY! Explore the tracked vehicles outside in the Historic Park, talk with veteran tankers, and check out equipment and all things tank related. Vote for your favorite and get your own Tank Day! sticker before (or after) heading inside to the Museum’s Drill Floor Gallery to see more tracked vehicles from the collection.
Kids Summer Fun Bash
Saturday August 16, 11am-4pm
In collaboration with the Oregon National Guard Child & Youth Program, OMM invites you to join us in the Historic Park for lawn games, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, challenge courses, and more. Free and fun for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Union Soldiers & The Civil War
Saturday, September 20, 10am-4pm
Step into the lived experiences of Union soldiers during the American Civil War through reenactments, demonstrations, interactive engagements, and more with the help of the Sons of Civil War Union Veterans, 26th NY Colored Regiment, and NW Civil War Council.
Living historian and reenactors interested in participating in the events with displays, activities, or living history engagements, please email [email protected].
A FEW FACES FROM WE ARE OREGON
Enjoy a sneak peek of the many who made their mark over the course of Oregon’s history from pre-statehood to present day and highlighted in our upcoming exhibit We Are Oregon. You can learn more about them and many others whose impact has been felt within and beyond Oregon’s borders when you visit the completed exhibit later this year.
Douglas Pritt: A year after commanding the Oregon contingent of the National Guard responding to Hurricane Katrina (2005), Brigadier General Pritt led Task Force Phoenix V in Afghanistan with a team that included soldiers from nearly every US state, including 950 from Oregon, and military officers from 19 countries.
Sammy E. Radow: After joining the Oregon National Guard at age 15 and then serving in both WWII and the Korean War, Lieutenant Colonel Radow served throughout the Vietnam Era, working with the CIA and Special Forces during the Laotian Civil War, also known as the Secret War.
Chester Earl McCarty: Once assistant attorney general, McCarty went on to serve in WWII and the Korean War before becoming the first pilot to fly over the South Pole. As part of Operation Deep Freeze, he airdropped supplies to build the first base at the South Pole.
George Tweed: Stationed on the US territory of Guam as a radioman with the US Navy before the attack on Pearl Harbor, Tweed evaded capture by the Imperial Japanese for three years after they invaded the island. As part of Operation Forager, he shared intel which helped the US reclaim Guam in 1944.
Hazel Ying Lee: The first Chinese American woman to fly for the US military, Lee was selected out of thousands to be a Woman Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) during WWII. She was the only woman to enter the WASP program with wartime flying experience, gained while volunteering in the Sino-Japanese War.
George A. White: Appointed as the Adjutant General (TAG) of Oregon in 1915, White went on to mobilize troops for Mexican border service, organized the 41st Division for WWI (and assisted in the creation of the American Legion after the war), and began preparing the 41st again for WWII.
Sereno Brett: After leading the first American tank attack during WWI, Brett then took over the 1st Tank Brigade from LTC George Patton. After the war, he worked with future President Eisenhower on the Transcontinental Convoy, laying the framework for the 1956 Interstate Highway Act.
Louis Southworth: Originally brought to Oregon as an enslaved man, Southworth was able to purchase his freedom and later became a school board chairman. He is also considered the first Black man to serve with the Oregon Militia in 1856 during the Rogue River War.
Owen Summers: Civil War veteran and Oregon state legislator Summers sponsored the 1886 Summers Law establishing the Oregon National Guard. He then went on to command the 2nd Oregon Volunteers during the 1898 Spanish-American War.
Sarah Winnemucca: As a translator for the US Indian Office and the US Army during the Bannock War (1878), Winnemucca became a skilled writer and voice for indigenous equalities. She also started a school teaching Paiute children in English and their native tongue.
PROGRAM SERIES – MAKE IT TO ONE, TWO, OR ALL THREE
Whether you are a veteran who likes to connect with other veterans, a military history enthusiast who enjoys learning through discussion, an artist who is looking for inspiration, or an individual who appreciates quiet reflection, the Museum’s upcoming program series offer a range of experiences.
Our first BUFF Circle is this month, March 28. Our second Veterans Morning Meetup is happening the following Friday, April 4. Once installation is complete and the Museum is fully open, both series will return in the summer (July and August), and our monthly Extended ARM Gallery Hours will start in September. Check out the Events page on our website for more details.
The BUFF Discussion Circle – Bringing Unabashed Fervor & Fascination
Select last Fridays of the month, 10am-11:30am
March 28 || July 25 || October 31
March topics: Tanks and tracked vehicles, their impact, evolution, and capacity
Calling all military buffs, history buffs, and tech buffs to be part of the BUFF Circle! OMM invites all buffs (from novice to expert) to bring your unabashed fervor and fascination to join the circle. Learn, share, and discuss topics ranging from military and technology to history and culture. Join us in the Hall of Valor (just off the Museum’s lobby) to enjoy light refreshments along with good conversation. All are welcome to bring materials related to the day’s discussion topics, as well as ideas for future circles.
Veterans Morning Meetup
Select first Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm
April 4 || August 1 || November 7
Local veterans, veteran groups, and veteran supporters are welcome for a morning of stories, meetups, and introductions while enjoying a morning spread of coffee, tea, and light snacks. Guest veterans will kick off each meetup with open conversation to follow. All are welcome to share their own stories, listen, or reminisce while seeing old friends or making new ones. Veterans and active military service members of all generations and branches are welcome.
Extended ARM Gallery Hours – Artfulness, Reflection, and Mindfulness
Second Thursday of the month, 9am-11am
September 11 || November 13 ||December 11
Reserved for the second Thursdays of the month, the galleries are open as a quiet place for visitors to create and meditate with Artfulness, Reflection, and Mindfulness (ARM) during the Extended ARM Gallery Hours. Participants are welcome to bring an easel, folding chair, sit pillow, or blanket to anchor themselves in the gallery. Visitors are also welcome to bring earbuds or headphones to listen to or block out sound. Read more about permitted tools and supplies.
ADD YOUR NAME TO THE OMM VOLUNTEER CORPS!
Join the OMM Volunteer Corps and be part of the Grand Re-Opening team! Gallery attendants are needed, along with other volunteer opportunities, as we open the Museum weekly, Wednesday through Saturday. Once a week, twice a month, twice a week – we’ll work with your schedule. Sign up in time for Spring Training, happening in May and June, and get your feet wet by helping at special events starting in April. Training, support, and appreciation provided. Submit your Volunteer Application Form (it takes just 5 minutes to complete) to set up an interview ahead of Spring Training. Get started at oregonmilitarymuseum.org/volunteer.
FROM THE OREGON MILITARY MUSEUM PROJECT
Whiskey Tasting in April & Annual Memberships All Year Long
We at the Oregon Military Museum Project warmly invite you to An Evening of Whiskey, History & Community. Join us Saturday April 26, 6-8pm, for an unforgettable evening at the Oregon Military Museum, where history meets craftsmanship in a special whiskey tasting event hosted by New Brighton Distillery. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, New Brighton Distillery embodies the farm-to-flask movement, sourcing nearly every ingredient from Oregon’s rich, fertile farmland. As you savor each unique pour, you’ll also have the chance to have a sneak peek of the Museum’s Hall of Valor, honoring Oregon’s Medal of Honor recipients.
Throughout the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction, with all proceeds supporting the continued growth and success of the Oregon Military Museum. Get your tickets today and join us for a night of whiskey, prizes, delicious food, and great company!
If you can’t attend (or even if you can) but still want to support the Museum, the new Annual Membership Program has a variety of options for individuals, households, and organizations. Exclusive perks range from 10% off at the Museum Store to a one-time use of an OMM event or meeting space, as well as invitations to special events, including the Museum’s launch party in July.
Visit oregonmilitarymuseumproject.org for how you can make a lasting impact.
UPCOMING ADDITIONS TO THE HONOR BRICK GARDEN
MSgt OWEN GOTCHALL
US ARMY WWII
OREGON ARMY NG
SGT BILL SHULTZ
US ARMY 1941 – 1945
NORTH AFRICA – ITALY
MG THOMAS E RILEA
ADJUTANT GENERAL
WWII SOUTH PACIFIC
5/5/1895 – 2/3/1959
OMM STAFF
Kathleen Sligar, Museum Director & Curator
Katrina O’Brien, Director of Programs & Services
Joey Beach, Museum Coordinator
The Mission of the Oregon Military Museum
To inspire and educate visitors about Oregon’s military heritage and legacy to include the National Guard, the state’s early militia, and all branches of the Armed Forces.
To meet its professional stewardship obligations for the historical artifacts and archives entrusted to its care.