The Museum, a non-profit organization, has its roots in the 1998 community effort to revitalize Government Camp. Shortly after gaining non-profit status and recruiting a Board of Directors, the new organization received its first bequest. The bequest was a large collection of Mount Hood history related objects and papers. A condition of the bequest required us to establish a museum and use the collection to share the history of Mount Hood. That requirement was fulfilled in 2001 when we acquired the building, now referred to locally as “the Museum”. Community volunteers have, over the past 22 years, converted this former Bed and Breakfast residence to a fully functional museum that is ADA accessible, has museum quality archival storage, six exhibit galleries and meeting space. The International Ski History Association has recognized Mt. Hood Museum as a World Class Ski Museum. We are listed as a regional history museum by Travel Oregon. We are also an official Oregon Territory Visitor Information Center.
We strive to be more than just a museum. Our volunteers conduct living history events such as Ski the Glade, Steiner Cabin Tours, and Social History Happy Hour programs. We collect, catalogue, and preserve Mount Hood related artifacts and archives. Some of our volunteers also research and document Mount Hood History. Have you noticed we are big on volunteers?
The Museum is the only public meeting place in the community. All governmental public meetings are held here, free of charge. The Museum can also be rented for private gathers such as birthday parties, celebrations, and social events such as a ski club function.
Perhaps at this point you are asking what is the source of funding for this operation? The short answer is funding for the Museum does not involve any property tax funds. The entire budget is a combination of donations, grants, gift shop proceeds, fundraisers, and membership dues. Membership counts two ways. First, the dues contribute to the general operating fund but secondly, memberships are an indicator of community support which is very important when applying for grants.