Deschutes Historical Museum and Society

Annual Chili Feed and Raffle Fundraiser
2025-11-07 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend, OR
The Annual Chili Feed and Raffle takes place at the Deschutes Historical Museum over the weekend closest to Veteran’s Day and is the Deschutes County Historical Society’s largest annual fundraiser. The 2025 event will be our 42nd anniversary of the Annual Chili Feed and Raffle, and takes place
November 7 & 8 with chili being served from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. Museum admission is free throughout the event.
Over 20 raffle packages from local businesses and donors will include potential prizes for adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, bibliophiles, pet owners, wine connoisseurs, and everyone on your holiday list!

History Pub: The Klamath Termination Act of 1954: To Help Native Americans or Take What They Have?
2025-10-28 19:00 - 20:00 | McMenamins Old St Francis School, 700 NW Bond St, Bend, Oregon, 97703
Presented by Perry Chocktoot
In 1954, the Klamath Termination Act of 1954 revoked the federal recognition of the Klamath Tribes which resulted in the sale of their tribal lands. Join Klamath tribal member Perry Chocktoot for a presentation on the history of this termination, its impacts, and the long fight for tribal restoration.
Perry Chocktoot is a member of all three of the Klamath Tribes: Klamath, Modoc, and Yahooskin Paiute. He was raised in the traditional lands of the Klamath Tribes, and the history of his family is found throughout the area. Chocktoot is the former director of the Culture and Heritage Department, former chairman of the Intertribal Fish and Water Commission, and former member of the Oregon Governor’s Task Force for Cultural Resource Identification. He also conducts the Annual C’waam Ceremony of the Klamath Tribes. Chocktoot’s parents, grandparents and Elders raised him to be self-sufficient and live off of the land and waterways. As a lifelong fisherman, Chocktoot is active in the restoration of the C’waam fishery and supports stream restoration to aid in environmental recovery.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m., Presentation starts at 7:00 p.m.
Reservations required, $5 per person CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Escape the Museum- SOLD OUT
2025-10-10 - 2025-10-25 | Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend, OR
The Curse of the Curate’s Collection
New Escape Room Experience, October 10-25, 2025
The Deschutes Historical Museum announces an escape room experience based on real local history. Your team of up to six players work together to find clues, solve puzzles and escape The Curse of the Curate’s Collection. Playing the part of Research Interns, participants assist historian A.R. Chive in locating the missing collection before your rivals do. Oh, and times-a-ticking… you only have 60-minutes on the clock, so every moment is crucial to your escape.
The real history:
In 1909, the Bend Bulletin announced that Rev. J. Anthony Mitchell, local curate and acquirer of antiquities, was “collecting towards a museum” for the community of Bend. After his death in 1911, Mitchell’s relics and curios were frequently exhibited around town, eventually finding a permanent home at the Deschutes Public Library.
However, in 1969, the few remaining items in the collection mysteriously disappeared from a small, locked room in the library’s basement. The only remnants of the once-noted collection, purchased by the public and the city of Bend in 1912 to form a city museum, were never found… Until now!

The Case of the Curate’s Collection escape room experience will kick off October 10 and 11, with additional dates throughout the month of October.
Tickets go on sale October 1 CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
A fundraiser and membership drive, Escape the Museum is sold as an immersive adventure for up to six people. Escape the Museum cost for non-members $180/hour session for up to six players, and Museum members is $150/hour session for up to six players. As a bonus, each non-member purchasing a session receives one free household membership. Grab your friends and family, form a team, and get ready to uncover the location of Father Mitchell’s collection. For more information contact the Deschutes Historical Museum.

History Pub: The Lands Everyone Wanted with Jeff Kitchens
2025-09-30 19:00 - 20:00 | McMenamins Old St Francis School, 700 NW Bond St, Bend, Oregon, 97703
The Three Sisters
For over 200 years the U.S. has been trying to figure out what to do with its “public” lands. From surveys to sales, grazing to natural gas development, national seashores to national parks, the U.S. has had a very complicated history of land use. Our public lands are the cornerstone of the history and story of America’s relationship with its land as well as the women and men who forged that relationship. It is this legacy, combined with the modern needs and uses of society, that a multitude of local, state, and federal agencies carry upon their shoulders today. Join Jeff Kitchens, Bend resident and a not-so-novice historian, as he shares the story of America’s relationship with its public lands.
Jeff Kitchens has been working in public land management for over 25 years. His varied career took him throughout the U.S., including Oregon, Montana, Nevada, and Colorado. He worked in wildland fire management, forestry, wildlife management, lands and surveying, mining, and cultural resources, as well as wilderness and wild and scenic rivers. He worked on national projects for two federal agencies’ headquarters and was a field forester, spending eight hours a day marking timber on snowshoes in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In addition to helping manage public lands, Jeff is also the owner of Innovative Leadership, a private firm focused on developing and supporting intuitive, resilient, decisive, and inclusive leaders.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m., presentation begins at 7:00 p.m.
History Pub Tickets

Hollinshead-Matson Homestead Museum Open House
2025-09-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Hollinshead Park, 1235 Northeast Jones Road, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
The Hollinshead-Matson Homestead Museum at Hollinshead Park
The Hollinshead-Matson Homestead Museum offers visitors a look back to life in Central Oregon in the 1940’s.
Join us for a free open house, tour the museum, and hear stories about farming and life in Bend from Sharron Rosengarth, one of the Matson family children that grew up in the homestead house.
Event hosted by Sharron Rosengarth and Bend Park and Recreation District, with support from volunteers and Deschutes Historical Museum.

Oregon Festival of Cars: CANCELLED
2025-09-13 | Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend, OR
9/4/25: CANCELLED BY EVENT ORGANIZERS DUE TO POTENTIAL AIR QUALITY ISSUES
The Oregon Festival of Cars has been recognized by many as their favorite car event of the year.
The first 50 or so cars will be parked on the grass. Parking will be from 8:30 – 9:30 am. The rest of the group will be parked on contiguous asphalt. Being downtown will give you easy access to coffee shops and restaurants and shopping.
Free and Family Friendly

Legacy Business Reception and Social
2025-09-06 14:00 - 16:00 | Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend, OR
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Deschutes County Historical Society. As part of our celebration, DCHS is shining a light on other legacy businesses around Deschutes County that have reached 50, 75, or even 100+ years, as well as business owners who were born in Deschutes County. As we reflect on our own history, DCHS strives to ensure we preserve the stories of businesses throughout the county as well.
We have invited businesses with strong ties to the Deschutes County community for a celebration, and we encourage our members and the public to help us to celebrate these “legacy businesses.”
Join us on the lawn of the Deschutes Historical Museum for socializing, root beer floats, and strawberry shortcake. Business owners will be available to share objects, stories, pictures, and reminisce about the history of their business.
Free with museum admission.

Reflections of History: An Architectural walking tour
2025-08-30 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-08-16 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-07-12 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-06-28 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-14 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-05-24 10:30 - 12:00 | Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend, OR
Reflections of History: An Architectural Walking Tour
Stroll through the Drake Park Neighborhood Historic District and take a step back in time when walking was the thing to do, and neighborhoods were all about proximity. Participants will be introduced to the architectural styles represented in the neighborhood, hearing stories of a changing community.
Tour begins and ends at the Deschutes Historical Museum.
May 10 & 24, June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26, August 16 & 30
Time: 10:30 a.m., approximately 90 minutes
Length: One (1) mile through historic neighborhood. The sidewalks can be uneven.
Space is limited, RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED
Tours are subject to change and cancellation.
We recommend the following: Comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, bring water.
Tours are led by knowledgeable museum volunteers.

The Little Woody Festival
2025-08-30 12:00 | Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend, OR
Nestled on the lush lawn of the Deschutes Historical Museum in vibrant downtown Bend, Oregon, this enchanting festival goes beyond the barrel to bring you an unforgettable celebration of craft beverages and whimsical fun.
This year, The Little Woody Festival is going deeper into the woods – celebrating not just barrel-aged perfection but all things tree-inspired! From whiskey-soaked oak-aged stouts to tart, berry-infused sours, this festival is a toast to the forests, orchards and barrels that shape the finest brews.
🍺 Taste the artistry of local craft beverages
🎭 Transform yourself in our Gnome Costume Contest.
🎤 Express your voice at the Gnome Open Mic
🎨 Dive into Interactive Art and Games
Tickets are good for both days! Keep your wristband and tasting glass to attend both days. Click Here to Buy Tickets
The Deschutes Historical Museum is the Beneficiary of this event.

The 2025 Little Woody Festival
2025-08-29 17:00 - 21:00 | Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend, OR
The Gnomes are out in force for Labor Day Weekend and they are all heading to the Deschutes Historical Museum for The Little Woody Barrel-Aged Beer, Cider & Whiskey Festiva!l
This local favorite event infuses the historic technique of brewing in aged wood barrels with the historic landmark Reid School, today the home of the Deschutes Historical Museum. Combine that with good music, lawn games, and Gnomes and you are in for some end-of summer hijinks and fun!
As the event’s beneficiary a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Deschutes County Historical Society.
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

History Pub: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Oregon; A Living Legacy with Glenn Voelz
2025-08-26 19:00 - 20:00 | McMenamins Old St Francis School, 700 NW Bond St, Bend, Oregon, 97703
Amid the depths of the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt formulated a bold plan for putting millions of unemployed Americans to work on the nation’s public lands. Between 1933 and 1942, over 86,000 Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) enrollees worked on Oregon’s national forests, state parks, and tribal lands. Their labor transformed the landscape and created some of the state’s most beloved recreational areas.

Glenn Voelz is a local author and serves on the Deschutes County Historical Society board. His most recent book, The Civilian Conservation Corps in Oregon – A Living Legacy, is available at the Deschutes Historical Museum and local bookstores.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m., presentation begins at 7:00 p.m.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

The Early Days of Bend walking tour
2025-08-23 10:30 - 12:00 | Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend, OR
The Early Days of Bend walking tour
Travel back to when the river ran wild, ponderosa pines were plentiful and Bend the Beautiful was a town in the making. Learn about early Bend through the stories of six “Bendites” and how these residents helped transform a young hamlet into a booming town.
Tour begins at the Deschutes Historical Museum and ends at Lone Crow Bungalow on Wall St
May3, 17, & 31, June 21, July 5 & 19, August 2 & 23
Time: 10:30 a.m., approximately 90 minutes
Length: Less than a mile traveling through old neighborhoods and parkways. The sidewalks can be uneven.
Space is limited, REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
We recommend the following: comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, bring water.
Tours are led by knowledgeable museum volunteers
Tours are subject to change and cancellation.

Fourth Annual Antique Fair
2025-08-09 09:00 - 16:00 | Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend, OR
Specially curated by the Deschutes Historical Museum, the Antique Fair features a wide variety of antiques and selected collectibles, as well as music and food.
Admission is free for the fair and the Deschutes Historical Museum.
Interested in being a vendor? Apply today!
2025 DCHS ANTIQUE FAIR VENDOR APPLICATION

A Tribute to Bracero Workers in Central Oregon
2025-08-04 16:00 - 18:30 | Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond, Oregon, 97756
Join the Latino Community Association, the Deschutes County Historical Society, and the Deschutes Public Library on August 4th at the Redmond Library to celebrate Bracero Program Day and learn how the Bracero Program contributed to the agricultural success of Redmond and Central Oregon. This day honors the contributions to our farming community of the Bracero workers — Mexican men who came to the United States on short-term contracts — and recognizes their sacrifices, hard work, and dedication.
Community members are welcome to come starting at 4 p.m. to explore a bilingual exhibit, to learn about how to support our local Latine community, and to enjoy light appetizers. A short presentation on the Bracero workers who lived at the Redmond Bracero camp, their stories, and their contributions to our Central Oregon community will begin at 5:30 p.m., and will be in English with Spanish translation.
CLICK HERE for more information

The Early Days of Bend walking tour
2025-08-02 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-07-19 08:00 - 17:00 | Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend, OR
Early Days of Bend walking tour
Travel back to when the river ran wild, ponderosa pines were plentiful and Bend the Beautiful was a town in the making. Learn about early Bend through the stories of six “Bendites” and how these residents helped transform a young hamlet into a booming town.
Tour begins at the Deschutes Historical Museum and ends at Lone Crow Bungalow on Wall St
May3, 17, & 31, June 21, July 5 & 19, August 2 & 23
Time: 10:30 a.m., approximately 90 minutes
Length: Less than a mile traveling through old neighborhoods and parkways. The sidewalks can be uneven.
Space is limited, REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
We recommend the following: comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, bring water.
Tours are led by knowledgeable museum volunteers
Tours are subject to change and cancellation.

History Pub: Beatrice Cannady: Oregon’s Advocate for Social Change
2025-07-29 19:00 - 20:00 | McMenamins Old St Francis School, 700 NW Bond St, Bend, Oregon, 97703
Beatrice Morrow CannadyPhoto courtesy of Oregon Historical Society
Beatrice Morrow Cannady was one of Oregon’s most prominent social activists of the early 20th century and a leader within Portland’s early Black community. Through her legal actions, publishing, and social
networks, Cannady challenged hate and injustice across the state and pushed for racial equality.
Mariah Rocker is the public programs and exhibits manager at Oregon Black Pioneers. With a bachelor’s in public relations and sociology, Mariah’s passion for uncovering and sharing the stories of marginalized communities is evident in both her professional and personal pursuits. In her free time, Mariah channels the strength and resilience of historical icons through historical costuming and reenactment.
About Oregon Black Pioneers
Oregon Black Pioneers is the only historical society in Oregon dedicated to preserving and presenting the experiences of African Americans statewide. For more than 30 years, OBP has illuminated seldom-told stories of people of African descent in Oregon through engaging exhibits, public programs, publications, and historical research.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m., presentation at 7:00 p.m.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

The Early Days of Bend walking tour
2025-07-05 10:30 - 12:00 | Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend, OR
The Early Days of Bend walking tour
Travel back to when the river ran wild, ponderosa pines were plentiful and Bend the Beautiful was a town in the making. Learn about early Bend through the stories of six “Bendites” and how these residents helped transform a young hamlet into a booming town.
Tour begins at the Deschutes Historical Museum and ends at Lone Crow Bungalow on Wall St
May 3, 17, & 31, June 21, July 5 & 19, August 2 & 23
Time: 10:30 a.m., approximately 90 minutes
Length: Less than a mile traveling through old neighborhoods and parkways. The sidewalks can be uneven.
Space is limited, REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
We recommend the following: comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, bring water.
Tours are led by knowledgeable museum volunteers
Tours are subject to change and cancellation.

Fourth of July Open House
2025-07-04 10:00 - 16:30 | OR
On July 4, 1980, former Oregon governor Victor Atiyeh stood on the front lawn of the newly dedicated county historical museum and declared, “It [Deschutes Historical Museum] will be here, as a reminder of the past, after many of us are gone.” Forty-five years later, we welcome visitors looking to discover the history of the Deschutes Valley and those who came here to live.
Join us as we celebrate the anniversary of the Deschutes Historical Museum’s opening, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Deschutes County Historical Society, with free admission, ice cream, and family-friendly games.

The Early Days of Bend walking tour- FULL
2025-06-21 10:30 - 12:00 | Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend, OR
The Early Days of Bend walking tour- FULL
Travel back to when the river ran wild, ponderosa pines were plentiful and Bend the Beautiful was a town in the making. Learn about early Bend through the stories of six “Bendites” and how these residents helped transform a young hamlet into a booming town.
Tour begins at the Deschutes Historical Museum and ends at Lone Crow Bungalow on Wall St
May3, 17, & 31, June 21, July 5 & 19, August 2 & 23
Time: 10:30 a.m., approximately 90 minutes
Length: Less than a mile traveling through old neighborhoods and parkways. The sidewalks can be uneven.
Space is limited, REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
We recommend the following: comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, bring water.
Tours are led by knowledgeable museum volunteers
Tours are subject to change and cancellation.

2025 Oregon Archaeology Road Show
2025-06-07 11:00 - 15:00 | Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend, OR
Celebrate the Archaeology & Heritage of Oregon and Beyond
The 13th annual Archaeology Roadshow focuses on The Archaeology of Art & Craft and features dozens of exhibits and activities hosted by archaeologists and heritage specialists representing universities, tribes, federal and state agencies, companies, and nonprofit organizations.
The Roadshow also invites visitors to bring personal objects (stone tools, pottery, animal bones) they wish to know more about. We’ll have a panel of experts on hand who will help interpret your find. No financial appraisals are given.
This family-friendly event gives visitors of all ages the chance to learn more about Oregon’s past and its connections to us today. It is completely free and open to all.

Early Days of Bend Walking Tour- TOUR IS FULL
2025-05-31 10:30 - 12:00 | Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend, OR

History Pub: Big Red and Other Preservation Tales
2025-05-27 19:00 - 20:00 | McMenamins Old St Francis School, 700 NW Bond St, Bend, Oregon, 97703
Hear the dramatic tale of Bend’s Crane Shed, nicknamed “Big Red,” as well as other stories of historic buildings saved and lost to Bend’s past. What do historic buildings mean to a community, and how can these structures find new roles to remain a vital part of local culture? What factors do successful preservation stories share?
Join Kelly Cannon-Miller, executive director of Deschutes Historical Museum, to learn how to make a difference in the life of a historic building, during National Historic Preservation Month in May.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m., presentation starts at 7:00 p.m.
BUY TICKETS

Early Days of Bend Walking Tour
2025-05-17 10:30 - 12:00 | Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend, OR

Roots of Strength: A Journey Through Black History in Central Oregon
2025-05-15 16:00 - 18:30 | Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond, Oregon, 97756
A family-friendly celebration of the 100 year anniversary of the Bend Colored Men’s Business Club.

The Father’s Group, COCC Afrocentric Program, WeBlack Radio, and Central Oregon Earthseeds invite the community to a free family-friendly, interactive, and educational celebration of the 100 year anniversary of the Bend Colored Men’s Business Club. Participants will immerse themselves in the stories of the founding members of the Club as well as the Black leaders at the helm of early social justice movement organizing –Reverend J.W. Anderson and Beatrice Morrow Cannady– who came from Portland to connect with and support local Central Oregon leadership and educate white folks in the community. We will trace the roots of our local Black community a century ago to the branches of activism and the progress of racial equity that we see in Central Oregon today.
This event is a collaboration between Black leaders from The Father’s Group, COCC Afrocentric Program, WeBlack Radio, and Central Oregon Earthseeds and in partnership with Allyship in Action and the Deschutes County Historical Society, with support from the St. Charles Belonging Grant and the Bend Genealogical Society.
Questions? Contact lizg@deschuteslibrary.org
