The Umatilla County Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 1974, and each year's Board of Directors has built upon the vision of its 100 charter members in providing the means to document and share local history.

An historic journal, Pioneer Trails, was first published in 1976. It continues to be printed three times annually to document the stories of the people, places and events in Umatilla County.

In 1981 contents of the Sturgis Museum at Blue Mountain Community College were donated to the Historical Society, the beginning of its collection of historic objects.

A storefront gallery opened as headquarters for the Historical Society in 1985. Limited exhibits were installed and Terrific Tuesdays, an educational program series began.

Arrangements were made to convert Pendleton’s train station to a museum in 1987. Renovations followed and the exhibits, programs, and collections came under one roof for the first time in 1988.

As the organization continued its steady growth, it became apparent that the Historical Society was outgrowing its space. A facility expansion was completed in the Fall of 2003. The depot was renovated for use as exhibit galleries, and a new entry building and preservation wing were constructed to provide space for a classroom, a museum store, offices, work space and artifact storage. The $2.8+ million project also included a courtyard, landscaping of the museum grounds, and construction of a small open-air amphitheater.

The Umatilla County Historical Society was organized to collect and preserve historical objects and stories unique to the Umatilla County region and uses them to strengthen present and future generations’ understanding of that history through exhibits and diverse programming.

Do you enjoy interesting stories and colorful anecdotes? Are you interested in delving deeper into local history? Join the Umatilla County Historical Society so that you won’t miss any of the publications; you’ll have unlimited free admission to Heritage Station Museum; and you’ll be notified of all programs and special events. You’ll also receive a couple of guest passes to treat friends or family!

Do you enjoy meeting people from all over the world?  Would you like to make new friends and work with dedicated, community-service oriented individuals? Do you have a passion for preserving and sharing local heritage and history?  If so, consider joining the ranks of volunteer staff at Heritage Station Museum.  Opportunities to be involved are numerous and varied.

If you are creative or handy with tools you might enjoy assembling exhibits or maintaining the facility.  If you enjoy organizing events or planning programs Terrific Tuesdays may be your niche.  If development and marketing bring you fulfillment, fundraising events and opportunities abound.  Managing the collection offers the opportunity to catalog and pack artifacts or to establish and maintain research archives.  Gallery and Store Attendants are on the "front line", welcoming all who stop by Heritage Station Museum.

Call 541-276-0012 and ask how you can be involved.  You will be given a volunteer application with a list of opportunities to consider.  The Museum Manager will help match your schedule and interests with one of a variety of interesting job possibilities.  Any amount of time you can volunteer is appreciated, whether weekly, monthly or just for a special event or project.  All necessary training will be provided and you'll be included in special volunteer-only activities.

Get on board at Heritage Station -- you'll be glad you did!

The Umatilla County Historical Society is a non-rofit organization that is supported by dues, donations, grants, sponsorships and fundraising events. Because it is designated as a 501(c)(3) entity, all contributions are tax-deductible.

Donations support the annual operations and special projects (e.g. the Byrd School, the Homestead exhibit, and Capital Improvements). Occasionally, special projects provide naming opportunities. The Historical Society also has an Endowment Fund which provides long term stability.

For more information about these and other projects and to learn how you can support the Historical Society, now or through an estate gift, please talk with the Development Director.

From time to time Heritage Station Museum facilities are available to rent for non-museum events. The following areas may be available for rental: classroom, Pendleton Foundation Trust Gallery, courtyard, or the entire facility. To check availability and pricing call the Museum Manager.