CRESWELL – The historic structure that Creswellians recognize from just a glimpse recently underwent fundamental construction to preserve the building’s integrity.
The Creswell Historical Museum sits on the corner of N. 5th St. and W. Oregon Ave., a memorable view for all who are familiar with the city. The building is so instrumental to the city that it is embedded in its logo.
The nonprofit museum underwent significant roof repairs that took about two weeks to complete. The building, originally built as a church in the late 1800s, had seen better days.
“It’s showing its wear and tear. And the roof was really, really suffering,” said museum volunteer Amy Sierzega. “We had holes in the roof. We could see in a couple of places to the sky,” she said.
A new roof comes with a large price tag. Sierzega said the bid for renovation was around $42,000. Fundraising efforts were initiated, with museum volunteers reaching out to the city council, local businesses, and asking for grants.
A jar campaign collected pocket change from citizens and raised around $1,000, a murder-mystery dinner at the Creswell Grange brought in a generous amount of donations, and folks have donated after seeing flyers around town.
Construction crew working on the spire of the museum. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY AMY SIERZEGA
According to Sierzega, someone saw one of the flyers at the post office and anonymously donated $1,000. Despite support from the city, grants, and other donations, the museum has only covered about $27,000 of its total bill.
Entry to the museum is only $1, and donations are always accepted.
“We want people to come in, and we want the museum to continue to grow again,” Sierzega said.
The building at 55 N. 5th St. has been Creswell’s museum since 1977. Its preservation, maintenance, and operations is volunteer-driven.
Donations can be made to the museum, or to Banner Bank in Creswell into the museum’s account.
