As 2025 draws to a close, we bid a fond—but not final—farewell to Healing Hands, our second-floor mezzanine exhibit that has highlighted over a century of medical history on Oregon’s South Coast. Opened in February 2022, Healing Hands presents a thoughtful and wide-ranging look at the evolution of health care in Coos County, from early pioneer doctors to Indigenous medicinal practices.
For more than three years, this exhibit has been a community favorite, attracting history buffs and modern medics from all over.
But all good things must come to a close, and Healing Hands will be closing in December 2025.
What’s Next — Looking Ahead to 2026
Though we say goodbye to Healing Hands, we don’t have to wait long for fresh stories, objects, and history to explore. The museum has two exciting new exhibits slated to open in early 2026, the first being:
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Waves of Tradition — an exhibit that will highlight the rich and enduring maritime and coastal culture of Coos County, bringing together shipbuilding, fishing, and maritime superstitions in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Waves of Tradition will open in February 2026.
What Healing Hands Has Given Us
As we prepare to pack away the display cases and return artifacts to storage, it’s worth reflecting on what Healing Hands has given our community:
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A deeper understanding of how health care evolved on the South Coast, including the incredible endurance and dedication of Coos County’s earliest physicians.
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Recognition of Indigenous and tribal medicine as living traditions. The online portion of the exhibit allows visitors could listen to pronunciations of indigenous plant names and learn their significance.
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A space for intergenerational memories, stories from families about doctors who treated multiple generations, and a sense of how far medicine has come.
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A reminder of how care, healing, and community are intertwined; how healthcare history isn’t only about science, but also about compassion, trust, and human connection.
But don’t worry, the online portion of Healing Hands will still be available, and some objects from the exhibit will still be on view.
Inviting Visitors — And Looking Forward
If you haven’t yet visited Healing Hands, there’s still time. The exhibit remains on display through December 2025.
And when February 2026 arrives, we hope you’ll be among the first to explore Waves of Tradition. If you’re not already, become a member so you can get early access to exhibits at our members-only preview!
Stay tuned for announcements from the museum about opening dates, special events, guided tours, and educational programs to accompany the exhibits.
Thank you, Healing Hands, for the healing, the history, and the hands that made it all possible. And thanks to our community and visitors for sharing in that journey.