The Union County Museum opens for the season on Mother’s Day, May 8. After that, regular hours are Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

UNION — The Union County Museum opens for the 2022 season on Sunday, May 8, 1-4 p.m. Admission during the opening day event, traditionally held on Mother’s Day, is free and refreshments will be available.

“This event gives us an opportunity to welcome patrons, visit with members and highlight projects and plans for the coming season,” said Nod Palmer, president of the Union County Museum Society. “We are grateful to all and proud of what we have accomplished despite the many challenges of the past two years.”

The museum, 331 S. Main St., has plans for further major improvements, including a project to replace windows in the bank building with historically appropriate versions. A fundraising campaign is underway to raise the funds needed, and grants are also being sought to help with the expenses.

This season, the museum is celebrating the 25th anniversary of acquiring the Cowboys Then & Now Collection from the Oregon Beef Council and moving it to Union from its original home near the Lloyd Center in Portland.

While admission to the museum is free on Mother’s Day, the museum board of directors encourages people to join the Union County Museum Society to support the mission of collecting, preserving and presenting our area’s history. Membership starts at $10 a year for individuals and includes free admission throughout the year. A quarterly newsletter is sent to members as well. Another option is to become a “supporting member” for $50 a year.

The museum is seeking volunteers, with activities ranging from being a host to working on new projects and necessary tasks. To learn more about volunteering, or to book a tour for a group, contact Palmer at history@ucmuseumoregon.com or call 541-562-6003.

Days and hours of operation after Mother’s Day are Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Volunteer hosts work in shifts, often in pairs.

The Union County Museum is an all-volunteer effort. The museum is owned and operated by the Union County Museum Society, a nonprofit corporation. Visit the museum website, www.ucmuseumoregon.com, for more information, or call 541-562-6003 during museum hours.