The Columbia County Historical Society, established in 1930, opened the first historical museum in Columbia County in Vernonia in 1964. August 1970 saw the second museum open in the old Columbia County Courthouse in St. Helens, Oregon. Since that time, many communities have started their own societies/museums. Their information is included in this website. Most of the museums do not charge admission but donations are always welcome.
Location: Currently closed while relocating to the John Gumm Building and Civic Center
Mailing Address: 230 Strand Street, St. Helens OR 97051
Hours: Closed until Fall 2025
Website: http://www.colcomuseum.org
Contact: museum@colcomuseum.org 971-225-3971
Location: 511 East Bridge Street, Vernonia, OR 97064
Hours: Saturday, 1 to 4 pm
Sunday, 1 to 4 pm
Contact: vernoniamuseum@gmail.com 503-429-3713
Location: The museum is located in the historic Flippin Castle house at 620 SW Tichenor Street Clatskanie, OR
Hours: Open by appointment only.
Website: http://www.cityofclatskanie.com/aboutclatskanie/museum.html
Contact: Phone: 503-338-8268 (President Debbie Hazen)
Location: 52432 SE First Street Scappoose, OR 97056
Hours: Open by appointment.
Website: http://www.scappoose-historicalsociety.org/
Contact: (971) 645-3320
Location: 700 West A Street, Rainier Oregon 97048
Mailing Address: PO Box 762 Rainier, OR 97048
Hours: Fridays and Saturdays Noon until 4:00
Website: https://www.rainiermuseum.org
Contact: rainiermuseum@hotmail.com 503-949-9366 or 360-751-7039
Location: 1925 First Street Columbia City, OR 97018
Mailing Address: PO Box 263 Columbia City, OR 97018
Hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday 1 to 5
November thru February tours by appointment
Open for special events through the year. Tea and sweets on Fridays from 2 to 4
Website: http://www.capleshouse.com/
Contact: 503-397-5390
Location: 405 Allen St, Kelso, WA 98626
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 to 4
Website: www.cowlitzcountyhistory.org
Phone: (360) 577-3119