Welcome to
Troutdale Historical Society
Preserving Yesterday,
Enlightening Today,
Inspiring Tomorrow....
THS Presents
Get ready for an exciting year of exploration and fun with the
Troutdale Historical Society's Columbia Kids Club!
We’re offering four fantastic events in 2025, perfect for young adventurers and history enthusiasts. Best of all? They’re FREE to attend!
March 30th (3:00 pm - 5:00 pm): Trading and Travel of the Columbia River -
Come and learn the history of trading and early travel of Troutdale!
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June 29th (3:00 pm - 5:00 pm): Pioneers Day –
Step back in time to experience the life of pioneers who shaped our local history.
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September 28th (3:00 pm - 5:00 pm): Troutdale's Artistic Legacy –
Explore the artistic history of Troutdale and the talented individuals who left their mark.
December 21st (3:00 pm - 5:00 pm): Troutdale Through the Ages –
Discover the changes Troutdale has seen, from its earliest days to the present.
Each event promises hands-on activities, exciting stories, and a whole lot of fun! We’re also looking for passionate volunteers to help make these events even more special. If you're interested, get in touch with us—we'd love to have you join the team!
Join us at Troutdale Masonic Hall, 202 SE Dora Ave, Troutdale, OR, 97060—we can’t wait to see you there!
Barn Exhibit Hall
Thursday - Sunday
Noon - 3:00 p.m.
The Barn Exhibit Hall, conceived by John Nasmyth of the Troutdale Historical Society, stands as a testament to community passion. Nasmyth's innovative funding approach involved bringing a check whenever inspired. Spearheading construction was Dick Jones, a society find through historic home tours, earning him the title of the main builder despite his untimely passing. Opening a decade later, the hall showcased its first exhibit in 1998, "Smelt Run! A Fish Story," commemorating Troutdale's vibrant past. Subsequent exhibits delved into Lewis and Clark's exploration and Troutdale's centennial. Today, the hall captivates visitors with "King of Roads - Byway of the People," honoring the Historic Columbia River Highway's centennial, narrating its construction, decline, and preservation.​
Museums
Harlow House
Thursday - Sunday
Noon - 3:00 p.m.
Built in 1900 on the "Harlow Farm," the Harlow House in Troutdale has a rich history. Constructed by Fred E. Harlow, son of the town's founder, Captain John Harlow, originally a sea captain from Maine turned Portland businessman. Captain Harlow named the area Troutdale for its fish ponds. Fred E. Harlow and his family resided in the house until 1915. Lou Harlow, another son, and his wife Laura Bullock Harlow, both mayors of Troutdale, were the next occupants. Lee and Mabel Evans, the final residents, lived there in the 1940s. Purchased by the Troutdale Historical Society in 1979, the Harlow House, situated on high ground, survived the 1948 flood. Now a museum, it's listed on the National Register of Historical Places, with its grounds part of the city park system.
Rail Depot & Caboose
Monday - Wednesday
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thursday - Sunday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Established in 1882, Troutdale's history revolves around a pivotal moment when founder Captain John Harlow persuaded railroad builders to establish a depot by leveraging the navigability of the Sandy River. The town thrived along the Union Pacific line, hosting diverse enterprises like a meat packing plant, distillery, lumber mill, opera house, and newspaper. The original 1882 depot, integral to shipping fresh vegetables, burned in 1907, replaced promptly. Now owned by Troutdale since 1976, the depot, moved to its current location, remains a historic treasure. The station agent's office preserves railroad artifacts, and a donated
caboose enhances the site since 1987, showcasing Troutdale's railroad legacy.
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UPCOMING
EVENTS
Join us for a free children's program! Sunday, March 30th from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Troutdale Masonic Hall, 202 SE Dora Ave, Troutdale, OR, 97060
History Pub at McMenamins Edgefield
Join us for a free children's program! Sunday, March 30th from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Troutdale Masonic Hall, 202 SE Dora Ave, Troutdale, OR, 97060
Click an image to open a full screen view and description of the event.
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