Camas-Washougal Historical Society names president

The Camas-Washougal Historical Society (CWHS) board of directors has elected Dick Lindstrom as its new president.

Lindstrom, a longtime CWHS volunteer and board member, replaces Tish Bayer, who inherited the president role from Jim Cobb in 2023. The board also selected Lois Cobb as vice president and Nancy Carroll as secretary. Betty Egger will continue on in her role as treasurer.

Lindstrom said he is excited for his tenure as president, especially as it relates to the Two Rivers Heritage Museum in Washougal, which is operated by CWHS’ core group of volunteers.

“I look at history a little bit differently than most folks,” Lindstrom said. “We can all find information recorded in books, publications and the internet. But our museum is like a footprint of history. (It’s) something to look at and experience.”

Lindstrom, who began volunteering at the Washougal museum in 2008, said “many, many volunteers that have worked hard over the years to make our museum into an excellent presentation of history” but that there are still people in Camas and Washougal who don’t realize the museum even exists.

“It is our responsibility to try to make sure everyone knows we are here,” Lindstrom said. “If you are curious at all about the history of our area you need to stop by and see what we have here. It is impressive.”

The new CWHS board president is known as the museum’s tool curator and “woodworking guy.” And Lindstrom said he hopes he can bolster the organization’s group of about 100 volunteers in 2024.

“Once you get a foot in the door, you’ll see that we have a lot going on here,” he said, encouraging Camas-Washougal folks to visit the local history museum. “And there is always something for volunteers to do that can fit their interests. It’s like when you are trying to get your kids to eat something. Try it — you might like it.”

For the past two summers, the museum has served as one of the key stopping points for the passengers of the American Queen cruise ships during its stops at the Port of Camas-Washougal and has, according to a CWHS news release, attracted more than 100 visitors a day during the ship’s docking in Washougal.

The museum is located at 1 Durgan St., in Washougal and is currently closed for winter maintenance.

Private group tours for more than eight people can be arranged at any time by contacting the museum. Prices are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and just $2 for students. CWHS members visit for free.

The Two Rivers Heritage Museum will reopen March 2, to the general public.

To learn more about volunteer and membership opportunities, visit 2rhm.com or.facebook.com/2rhmuseum.