History Museum Opens March 7 with Peter Marbach’s “The Pursuit of Happiness”
From the Museum of Hood River County:
The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 25, 2026 — The History Museum of Hood River County opens for the season on March 7, 2026, with The Pursuit of Happiness, a photo exhibition by renowned Oregon photographer Peter Marbach.
In celebration of Oregon’s diverse beauty and spirit, the America 250 Oregon Commission contracted with Marbach to showcase the essence of Oregon and its vibrant communities. The Pursuit of Happiness captures the heart of festivals, events, and celebrations that bring communities together across the state. From iconic gatherings to intimate local traditions, these images share the joy, creativity, and connection that make Oregon’s cultural life so unique. Join us in celebrating the moments that unite and inspire us all.
Now is a great time to become a member of The History Museum! On Friday, March 6, the museum is hosting a free members-only reception and talk by Peter Marbach, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30, and Peter will speak at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served. You are welcome to purchase or renew your membership at the event, or visit the museum website (hoodriverhistorymuseum.org). Annual museum memberships start at only $25 for seniors and students, $35 for individuals, $50 for families, or $100 for a Supporter-level membership with free access to 1000+ museums/ zoos/ galleries in North America (narmassociation.org).
About the photographer: Peter Marbach’s distinguished career spans three decades, creating evocative landscapes of unspeakable beauty. He has authored several coffee table books and has numerous regional and national publication credits. A self-portrait celebrating sunrise on the summit of Mt Hood, one year after open heart surgery, graced the cover of a National Geographic map of the Cascades. His 2019 book, “Healing The Big River – Salmon Dreams and the Columbia River Treaty,” continues to educate the public about the importance of modernizing the Columbia River Treaty to lay the groundwork to eventually restore the salmon migration back to the headwaters in BC.
Marbach’s work has evolved over the years to pursue projects that contribute to the community at large, from working with tribes and First Nations in their quest to restore salmon runs on the Columbia, or his volunteer work in Nepal supporting individual educational advancement for women and children.
His projects have been featured on Oregon Field Guide, OPB’s Think Out Loud, and recently on KGW’s Grant’s Getaways. Current commissioned exhibits with The Oregon Historical Society include the centennial celebration of the iconic Pacific Coast Highway 101 in Oregon, on display January through September 2026, and the travel exhibits entitled The Power of Place and The Pursuit of Happiness, both celebrating Oregon’s unique place for the national America 250th anniversary this year.
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ABOUT THE HISTORY MUSEUM OF HOOD RIVER COUNTY
The History Museum is a vibrant center for engaging all people in a better understanding of the community’s heritage that preserves the past, relates it to the present, and shapes our future. Led by the non-profit Hood River County Heritage Council, the Museum brings the region’s past and present to life through permanent displays, temporary exhibitions, and programs.
VISITOR INFORMATION
Beginning March 7, 2026, the History Museum of Hood River County is open Monday-Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm. Admission is $8, $6 for honored guests 65+ and veterans, free for members, children 10 and under, and currently serving military personnel and families. The Museum is located at 300 E. Port Marina Drive, Hood River, OR 97031. For further information, call 541.386.6772, email info@hoodriverhistorymuseum.org or visit www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org
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