The Coos History Museum was recently featured on Jefferson Public Radio’s program The Jefferson Exchange, highlighting the museum’s work preserving and sharing the rich history of Oregon’s South Coast.
During the January 28 episode, CHM Executive Director and Curator Heather Christenbury joined host Mike Green to discuss how the museum connects past and present through storytelling, exhibits, and community partnerships. The conversation explored how local museums help communities understand their shared history—and why that work matters now more than ever.
In the interview, Christenbury emphasized CHM’s commitment to telling the full story of the region, including both inspiring and difficult chapters. Exhibits at the museum explore topics such as Oregon’s Black exclusion laws, the forced removal of Native tribes, and more, ensuring that these histories are acknowledged alongside stories of innovation, industry, and community life.
The discussion also highlighted several exhibits visitors can experience at the museum, including:
Waves of Tradition – a new exhibit connected to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, exploring maritime traditions, coastal forests, and the dunes that shaped the region.
Birds in Flight – an upcoming natural history exhibit featuring regional wildlife.
Permanent Treasures – gallery highlights including historic boats, timber industry equipment, and a Fresnel lighthouse lens.
At CHM, these objects and stories help connect the deep roots of Coos County, Oregon to the lives of people today.
You can listen to the full conversation on Jefferson Public Radio here:
Listen to the Jefferson Exchange episode