The History Museum’s Rolling on the River annual fundraiser, May 21

May 5

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From The History Museum of Hood River County:

By Lisa Commander

Hood River, Ore., May 5, 2026 — The History Museum of Hood River County is holding its annual fundraiser on May 21, 2026: Rolling on the River, Celebrating the History of the Gorge. Join us to build community and support local history: Thursday, May 21, 2026, 6:30-9 p.m. at The Ruins, 13 Railroad St, Hood River.

We are thrilled to welcome Archer Mayo, recently named Royal Rosarian Newsmaker of the Year, as both featured speaker and Master of Ceremonies. Archer will share the remarkable story of discovering the Martin family car in the lock at Cascade Locks—an unexpected breakthrough that helped unravel the long-standing mystery surrounding the Martin family’s disappearance in 1958. Through this journey, Archer reflects on what the search revealed about persistence, community memory, and the vital role local history museums play in preserving and illuminating the stories that shape our region. His talk promises to be both gripping and deeply meaningful, connecting past and present through the power of local history.

Tickets will be sold for raffle prizes, including a one-night stay + $150 for food/ beverages at the fabulous new Lightwell Hotel and annual memberships to the Columbia Gorge Museum in Stevenson. Delicious desserts and savory snacks by Boda’s Kitchen + drinks from The Ruins bar. Music will be provided by Madison Helton-Brown and Chari Harrington, performing on viola and violin.

Buy your tickets ahead and save: $40 in advance, $45 at the door. Tickets available to purchase at the museum or online: https://www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org/

Come show your support for The History Museum. It takes a village to support a local history museum, and the rich history of Hood River and the Gorge is worth preserving and sharing!

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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.

This beautiful place along the Columbia River has provided a home for successive peoples and generations. Their intriguing stories and struggles are told through a collection of artifacts, including art, decorative arts, costumes, photographs, tools, agricultural and sporting equipment, and archival documents. From Indigenous baskets and beadwork to the first windsurfing board, the diverse holdings of the museum mirror the area’s diverse people and their interests. The vintage photograph collection of over 20,000 items is a strong part of the collection which can be enjoyed by all online at hoodriverhistorymuseum.org.

VISITOR INFORMATION:

The History Museum of Hood River County is open Monday-Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm. Admission is $8, or $6 for “honored guests” 65 and over and veterans. Museum admission is free for museum 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 (yellow MUSEUM building, past the DMV near the marina). For further information, call 541.386.6772, email info@hoodriverhistorymuseum.org, or visit www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org.