About the Phoenix Historical Museum

The Phoenix Historical Society Museum is a fully volunteer, non-profit organization. Support the museum today with your donation by mail to POB 1466, Phoenix, Oregon 97535 or when you stop in at the museum.

The Phoenix Historical Society meets at 7pm on second Tuesdays at the Museum and hosts members’ potlucks in September and in December to celebrate the holiday season. 

Purpose: The Society and its Museum were created by members of the community to ensure preservation of the community’s heritage. Specifically, their purpose is to 1) Acquire and preserve human historical objects or artifacts; 2) Investigate, research, and publish local historical information; 3) Educate the community through the interpretation and exhibition of items, stories, and events of a historical nature; 4) Cooperate with other community organizations and business groups; 5) Provide a forum for the discussion, debate, and understanding of the history and rich multicultural traditions of the City of Phoenix and the surrounding community.

The Gasburg Gazette: Edited by Margaret Bolz Croly, the Gazette is now in its 16th year. The occasional publication showcases local history, events, prominent community members and artifacts from the museum’s collection.

Membership: Individual $10/year; Family $20/year; Student $1/year; Sponsor $50/year
The Phoenix Historical Society is a non-profit organization and does not profit from any donations or activities we may sponsor. Instead, all income goes toward preserving our community’s heritage. Operating funds come from memberships and donations and the museum is staffed entirely by volunteers. The Phoenix Historical Society is a member of the Jackson County Heritage Association and the Oregon Cultural Trust. You can join the Phoenix Historical Society, renew your membership, and make a donation when you stop by the museum or through the mail to Phoenix Historical Society Museum POB 1466, Phoenix, Oregon 97535

A model of a house
A pioneer wagon in front of a sign for the Phoenix Museum

History: The Phoenix Historical Society was formed August 1998 by several long- time Phoenix residents who wanted to preserve the history of Phoenix. The museum was opened the next year. The building that houses the museum was built in the 1920’s as a bachelor’s cottage on 1st Street. In 1939 the city purchased the little 400 sq. ft. building; it was remodeled and used as the city hall and library. In 1978 the city hall moved to the community hall on 1st street but the library continued to use the building. Several years later, a new library was to be built on that spot. Kathryn Stancliffe a long time Phoenix resident, teacher, ex-mayor, and one of the founders of the Historical Society, persuaded the city to save the little building rather than tear it down. The building was just moved back a little on the same property and the library was built in front of it.

The building sat empty for the next 20 years until the Historical Society was formed. The museum was opened there in April 1999. In 2002 the museum building was moved to the corner of the Phoenix Pioneer Cemetery on North Church Street so it could be seen better. In 2004 an addition was added on to the back of the building to provide more space for the museums displays and meetings.