Local Spotlight: Coos History Museum & Maritime Collections

Coos History Museum to Mark Milestone Year with 2nd Annual Oktoberfest Fundraiser, September 27, 2025

If you look closely at Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston , collectively known as Oregon’s Adventure Coast, you’ll discover a region rich with history shaped by centuries of Indigenous traditions, a deep maritime heritage, and the resilience of a community surrounded by natural beauty.

Preserving and sharing this legacy takes a remarkable organization, and we are fortunate to have the Coos History Museum & Maritime Collections (CHM) as the region’s premier resource for cultural preservation.

With the museum celebrating its 10th anniversary at its beautiful bayfront location and hosting its 2nd Annual Oktoberfest Fundraiser later this month (September 27, 2025), there is no better time to spotlight this local treasure and all that it contributes to our community.

It’s hard to believe it has already been 10 years since the museum opened its thoughtfully designed waterfront facility on Coos Bay’s historic Front Street . This move ushered in a new era for culture and tourism in our area, providing the much-needed space to preserve the museum’s vast collection of historical documents, photographs, and artifacts.

A visit to CHM offers more than just a local history lesson; guests are invited to experience the stories that impacted our region and learn about its people through interactive permanent and rotating exhibits designed to inspire curiosity. As part of the 133-year-old Coos County Historical Society , the museum is dedicated to preserving the complex history of Oregon’s South Coast, allowing visitors and locals to connect with its past through ongoing exhibits, its First Tuesday Talks Lecture Series , special events , family-friendly programs, and more.

Its exhibits span centuries, covering everything from prehistory through the 1970s, and shares the stories of the Coos and Coquille Indian tribes , early coal miners, loggers, shipbuilders, and even the shipwrecks that left their mark on our region. Visitors are sure to discover something new and leave with a deeper understanding of what life was like on Oregon’s South Coast decades and even centuries ago, and how it continues to define who we are today.

Last year, the Coos History Museum was featured on All Across Oregon , a food and travel series on PBS hosted by Chef Vinny DiCostanzo. The show follows DiCostanzo as he explores the fascinating people and one-of-a-kind experiences that make Oregon a unique place. In the episode, DiCostanzo visits the museum for a guided tour with Executive Director Heather Christenbury and Board Member and historian Steven Greif. Together, they share insights into Coos County’s cultural influences and our region’s lasting impact on the Pacific Northwest. You can watch the full episode below:

2nd Annual Oktoberfest Fundraiser - September 27, 2025

Later this month, the public (18 and over) is invited to celebrate a decade at the Coos History Museum’s bayfront location during its 2nd Annual Oktoberfest Fundraising Event . The evening event will feature live music from the Roseburg German Band , a Biergarten with craft brews from 7 Devils Brewing Co., traditional German food, a silent auction, a cake walk, and plenty of Oktoberfest-themed games and activities. The celebration will take place on Saturday, September 27, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm at the museum overlooking the bay. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased by clicking here .

The Coos History Museum & Maritime Collections is located at 1210 N. Front Street in Coos Bay, Oregon, just off Highway 101. The museum is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm, though visitors are encouraged to call ahead to confirm hours at 541-756-6320. Ample parking is available, making it easy to accommodate field trips and large group tours. Visit the museum’s Events Page to see what’s coming up, or learn more by exploring cooshistory.org .

More Ways to Explore the Mysterious & Fascinating Past of Oregon’s South Coast

While you’re in the area, take some time to explore other fascinating historical & cultural points of interest. Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston, is home to several museums and heritage experiences that offer even more insight into the region’s past. Here are a few ideas to add to your itinerary.

• Stop by the Coos Bay Visitors Center and explore our collection of historical books, souvenirs, regional information, and more at 50 Central Avenue. You may also contact us at (541) 269-0215.

   

• Take a self-guided walking tour of Coos Bay and explore its unique history. We also encourage visitors to explore North Bend’s rich and interesting past !

   

• Be inspired at Coos Art Museum, the cornerstone of the visual arts on Oregon’s Southern Coast.

   

• Visit the 6,000-square-foot Charleston Marine Life Center - a beloved educational facility and local gem in Charleston, Oregon.

   

• Visit the Historic Egyptian Theatre , built in 1925. This downtown Coos Bay landmark is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts one of the only remaining operable Wurlitzer Organs in the state.

   

• Restored and celebrated for its 75th anniversary in 2024, the Oregon Merci Train BoxCar in North Bend is a unique piece of American history, symbolizing France’s gratitude to the United States after World War II.

   

• Explore the Old Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery (750 S 7th St), where many of the city’s early settlers are buried. This peaceful resting place provides a poignant reminder of the generations that have shaped Coos Bay. Stop at the Coos Bay Visitor Center for the gate code.

   

• Take a trip back in time at the Oregon Coast Historical Railway Museum (766 South 1st St).

   

• Explore the fascinating history of The Sun newspaper (1891-1944) at the Marshfield Sun Printing Museum , a historic newspaper and job printing shop that features exhibits on printing and local history. Open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day or by appointment for large groups.

For more information, please contact the Coos Bay-North Bend-Charleston Visitor & Convention Bureau .

Additional Reading & Resources

• Celebrating 10 Years at Our Bayfront Museum
• How Indigenous Communities Enrich and Uplift Oregon’s Adventure Coast
• 10 Interesting Facts About Coos Bay’s 150 Year History
• Coos Bay Earns Oregon Heritage “All-Star” Status
• Our Area
• Tribal Heritage: The Coquilles
• Tribal Heritage: The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians
• The Steve Prefontaine Story
• Celebrating Black History Month on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston
• Six Major Milestones We’re Celebrating This Year on Oregon’s Adventure Coast (2024)