FRIENDS OF THE BAKER HERITAGE MUSEUM

––– OUR MISSION –––

The mission of the Friends is to enhance the quality of educational and charitable programs for the public as well as provide goods, services and contributions beyond those provided for by admittance fees and donations to the Baker Heritage Museum.

Who Are The Friends of the Museum?

After the Historical Society was successful in obtaining the natatorium and saving it from the wrecking ball, a lot of dedicated workers worked hard to convert the building into a museum. These people all felt that Baker needed a safe place to display and protect its history and the artifacts that told that history. One of these people was Carolyn Sherrieb. The museum became a vital part of her life and she dedicated herself to see that it was a thing to be proud of. It became her first thought and lived for its success.

As the years went by and the museum took shape, it justified her endeavor. She was the spark plug that kept everyone working. Eventually her poor health took its toll and she knew she could not continue to ramrod the work. She decided to form an organization that would in some way take her place (An impossible dream). She chose from past volunteers, people that she knew were interested in making a fine thing of the museum. They formed the nucleus of the Friends of the Museum. The job of this group is to give support to the museum, to help financially, and to find volunteers who are willing to give of their time to help.

Shortly after the organization became a legal entity and was established as a non-profit organization, Carolyn’s health failed and she was found dead at her desk on January 7, 2000.

Carolyn left a wonderful legacy and while none can take her place, the purpose of the Friends is to carry on her work to the best of their ability.

BOARD MEMBERS

Elizabeth Miller, President
I began my Baker City life when I was 6 years old.  I spent the summers on my aunt and uncles farm from the age of 6 to 17. I moved to Arizona in 1993 and then came back as often as I could while raising my two daughters, as I always knew Baker City was home. I made the permanent move to Baker City in October, 2017. The reason I volunteer, which I have done since I moved here, is that I found myself instantly intrigued by the rich history of my community that I now call home. The museum is an excellent example of portraying the city's culture and history and I love being a part of that.

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Rebecca Kolbet, Vice President
Cindy Carpenter, Secretary
Jan Plumbtree, Treasurer
Kathy Oster, Board
Linda Robbins, Board
Steve Bogart, Board
​Morgan Bogart, Board
Fred Warner, Jr., Board

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ABOUT THE MUSEUM

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Housed in the historic 1920 Natatorium, the BAKER HERITAGE MUSEUM (formerly the Oregon Trail Regional Museum) displays and interprets the rich history of the region. Permanent and changing exhibits of mining, timber, ranching, agriculture, early Baker County life, Chinese culture exhibit, extensive rock exhibit and wildlife exhibit fill the 33,000 square foot building. Whether you spend an hour or spend the day touring the museum you will come away with an appreciation of our region and the people who settled here.

The Baker Heritage Museum
2480 Grove Street, Baker City, OR
Opens Monday, March 27, 2023
​541-523-9308
Hours:  Mon thru Sat 10-4 and Sun 12-4