The Bandon Historical Society was founded in 1976 and is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission of preserving and presenting historical material and artifacts related to the history of the Bandon area.
The Society operates a museum at the corner of Highway 101 and Fillmore Avenue open six days a week (seven days a week in the summer), eleven months a year. Housed in a former Bandon City Hall, it was the second building constructed after the disastrous 1936 fire. Before moving into the current location, the museum was located in a historic bank building (currently the Masonic Temple) and the old Coast Guard building, now the home of the Port of Bandon. Bandon’s history museum shares the story of a town blessed by water and cursed by fire. Be sure the kids take our History Detective’s challenge.
The Museum has a paid director, a twelve-person board of directors, about 40 active volunteers and an annual paid membership of over 600.
The average annual visitor count is over 5,500. During the school year, approximately 400 students come on classroom visits.
In addition to housing the Historical Society’s collection, the Museum generates articles for the local newspaper, provides speakers for clubs and organizations, fosters publications, hosts classroom visits and sends educators into classrooms, aids family research, generates educational materials and serves as a source of information about its past for the community.
The financial support of the Society comes primarily from membership dues, museum admissions, gift shop revenue, as well as memorial and other donations. We also hold fund raisers from time to time during the year.
“We are looking forward to your visit to the Museum. Stop in to see what the Bandon area was like in the past and meet our volunteers and staff.”
Gayle Hankwitz, Executive Director
Meetings
The Board usually meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 4PM at the Museum. All members and guests are welcome to attend. Please check the calendar if you plan to join us.
Board Members
The Board usually meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 4PM at the Museum. All members and guests are welcome to attend.
President – Elaine Stohler
Vice President – Mary Schamehorn
Secretary – Faye Albertson
Treasurer – Jim Proehl
Berta Dargen
Rick Hinojosa
Donna Mason
Charis McGaughy
Nancy Murphy
Reg Pullen
Sheri Wright
Sharon Haga
Staff
Executive Director – Gayle Hankwitz
There is another way you can donate to the museum! Save your McKay’s shopping receipts (must be no older than 6 months). We receive a 1% donation from McKay’s based on the value of those receipts!! Drop them off at the Museum anytime.