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Columbia Gorge Research Library

Area History & Research

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum has more than 26,000 documented objects in its collections. Explore photographs, Native American artifacts, and tools and household furnishings of the region. The Center is interested in expanding its collections and welcomes inquiries from potential donors. The collections are open for research by appointment

Historical research at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center touches many areas of interest, including Lewis and Clark archaeology, Native American basketry, local land settlement, Rock Fort, historic Fort Dalles and steamboats on western rivers. The collections are open for research by appointment only. Contact: collections@gorgediscovery.org or 541.296.8600 ext. 242.

Making a Donation FAQ

Click here for questions about making a donation.

View Part of our Collections.

You can explore a portion of our collections online.

Click here to view the Native American Basketry archive.

Click here to learn about our photo collection.

William Dick Research Library

The William Dick Library
The library has over 2,000 volumes on local and regional history. Genealogy files are the strength of the library. The library also houses the Educator Resource Center (ERC) which provides local gorge area educators free access to classroom curricula and materials. The library is open for research by appointment. Email library@gorgediscovery.org for information.

Photo Collection of Native American Fishing

HISTORIC PHOTO ARCHIVE

Explore images of Celilo Falls, the Gorge, and area communities from the mid-1800s through the 20th century. The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum photo archives have over 29,000 images, including the Wasco County Pioneer Association collection. If you would like to purchase a digital image of one of the photos in our collection, contact the Museum Registrar at collections@gorgediscovery.org or call 541-296-8600 ext. 242. Please have a specific topic in mind, and if possible include the catalog accession number. Image searches requiring significant staff time to research are subject to additional cost.

NATIVE AMERICAN BASKETS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

The first people to inhabit North America arrived in the region approximately 12,000 to 15,000 years ago, making this area one of the longest inhabited regions in the western hemisphere. Theirs is a rich culture, evident in the basketry and tools used in daily life. The basketry collection at Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum showcases intricate Native American design work unique to the mid-Columbia basin and the Pacific Northwest. Conservation and online access to the basket collection is supported by grants from Oregon Heritage Commission and Oregon Cultural Trust, both of which invest in preserving Oregon’s arts, humanities and heritage. Exhibit 10,000 Years.

View the online Native American Basketry Collection.

Artifacts from the George Lawrence Company

George Lawrence Company Exhibit

This exhibit features the leatherworking machinery and tools of an industry integrally tied to the history of the west. From Irish immigrant roots dating to 1857, the George Lawrence Company of Portland grew to become a famed icon in saddle making. The artistry and skill of 140 years in operation is conveyed in this unique collection, funded by The James F. & Marion L. Miller Foundation, the Oregon Cultural Trust, and the Lawrence family.

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