Oregon Heritage / History Projects Get a Boost, Including Coast Museums, Coos Bay Cemetery

Published 07/12/25 at 6:35 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Seaside, Oregon) – A variety of historical projects around the state will get a financial boost, slightly strengthening the tourism industry in those areas as well as providing a firmer sense of the past. The vibes for an area could get a boost. (Above: historic Butterfield Cottage in Seaside)

Oregon Heritage has announced the distribution of $300,000 in grant funding across 20 projects aimed at preserving historic properties and advancing archaeological research throughout the state. The division, part of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, awarded six of the grants through its Diamonds in the Rough program, which supports façade improvements that bring historic character back to buildings.

The remaining 14 grants were offered through the Preserving Oregon program, targeting properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places and archaeological efforts.

Façade restoration funding was awarded to sites in Burns, Lebanon, Malin, Portland, Roseburg, and Salem. Southern Oregon University received support for an archaeological project developing a plastic identification tool.

Butterfield Cottage today

Thirteen historic structures also secured preservation grants, including the Kraus House (Aurora Colony Historical Society), Antelope School, Madras Army Airfield North Hangar, City of Talent Town Hall, Wasco Train Depot, Columbia County Courthouse in St. Helens, Fogelbo House in Portland, Bush House in Salem, Petersen Farm House in Deschutes County, the EM&M Building in Enterprise, and the Weissenfels Blacksmith Shop in Mt. Angel.

Marshfield Cemetery, courtesy City of Coos Bay

Along the north Oregon coast, Tillamook Air Museum was awarded $9,059 to replace five LED lights and approximately 20 damaged panels on the facility’s north hangar door. On the south Oregon coast, Coos Bay’s Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery will benefit from funding allocated to stabilize and repair 81 grave markers.

All grants were approved by the State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation. The nine-member body is composed of professionals in history, architecture, archaeology, and related disciplines who evaluate nominations to the National Register of Historic Places.

Tillamook Air Museum

For details on the grant programs, visit www.oregonheritage.org.

Additional funding through Oregon Heritage Commission’s Oregon Museum 2025 Grant Program reached the Seaside Museum, which secured $4,259 for heritage tourism enhancements. Museum board president Leah Griffith spearheaded the application, aiming to improve promotional efforts and develop a walking tour while adding visitor experience equipment. Seaside Museum information is available at seasideoregonmuseum.com or by calling 503-738-7065.

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