PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — After more than 15 years of planning and renovations, the Oregon Military Museum at Camp Withycombe has officially reopened its doors, offering visitors an immersive journey through Oregon’s rich military and community history.
A New Chapter in Oregon’s History
The museum’s $13 million remodel has transformed it into a 32,000-square-foot facility that blends historical preservation with modern storytelling. Director Kathleen Sligar expressed her excitement about welcoming visitors back, emphasizing that while it’s called a military museum, its purpose goes far beyond battlefields and uniforms.
“I can’t wait to have more people through the doors,” Sligar said. “Yes, we’re a military museum, but we’re really a history museum about Oregonians.”
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Showcasing Oregon’s Heroes
The remodeled museum features several newly designed exhibits, including an art gallery, an arms room displaying over 200 historic weapons, and a Wall of Valor dedicated to Oregon’s most decorated service members, including Medal of Honor recipients.
The collection spans centuries of Oregon’s history, from early statehood to present-day conflicts, highlighting not only soldiers’ experiences but also the families and communities that supported them.
“People who think it’s just tanks and helicopters — that’s not the case,” Sligar explained. “This is about people. Every generation is represented here.”
Volunteer-Driven Legacy
Nearly 30 volunteers contribute their time to keep the museum running, guiding visitors through exhibits and preserving artifacts that tell deeply personal stories. Many are veterans or family members of those who served, adding an authentic, heartfelt connection to the museum experience.
Sligar said the goal is to help visitors recognize that the people behind the uniforms are ordinary Oregonians who stepped forward when their communities needed them.
“It’s important to come and remember they’re just like you and I,” she said. “They’re our neighbors, the person checking you out at the grocery store. Everyone has a background, and we showcase that — that sense of service and community together.”
A Bridge Between Past and Future
The Oregon Military Museum’s reopening marks not only the restoration of a beloved institution but also a renewal of the state’s commitment to preserving its collective memory. The remodeled facility uses interactive exhibits, multimedia storytelling, and personal narratives to engage visitors of all ages.
From World War I relics to modern deployments, the museum connects past and present, ensuring that the sacrifices and contributions of Oregon’s service members are never forgotten.
Sligar hopes the new design will inspire reflection and understanding among visitors, offering a space where history feels both personal and alive.
“This isn’t just a military story,” she said. “It’s Oregon’s story — told through the lives of the people who lived it.”
With its doors now open and a new generation of exhibits in place, the Oregon Military Museum invites residents and visitors alike to rediscover the stories that shaped the state — and the nation.
