Since 1951, the Benton County Historical Society has preserved historical artifacts, photographs, and manuscripts. Besides the iconic Bruce the Moose, which graces the entrance to the Society’s new LEED-certified building in Corvallis, its collection includes over 140,000 artifacts –photographs, historical documents, textiles, quilts, clothing, domestic arts, farm implements, natural history, scientific instruments, and personal possessions. The Society’s reach extends far beyond its two physical museums: more than 86 local schools have used the museum’s traveling outreach program for their students.
The project installed 103.7 kW of solar panels on the roof of the Society’s artifact storage warehouse adjacent to the Philomath Museum in 2023. The solar energy it produces will provide most of the electricity needed for both buildings.
