Briefs: Museum launches membership drive

The Two Rivers Heritage Museum has launched its first membership drive in decades, aiming to rebuild and grow community support for preserving local history. The Camas-Washougal Historical Society is the nonprofit organization behind the museum.

“The work at (Two Rivers Heritage Museum) is incredibly important to our communities, but over time, our membership has dwindled as longtime supporters have moved away or passed on,” museum Director Julianne Lawrence said in a news release. “Now is the time to renew and expand that support.”

The mission of Two Rivers Heritage Museum is to collect, preserve and share the stories of the Camas-Washougal area. Much of that work is carried out by volunteers who curate artifacts, maintain archives, and develop educational and cultural programs for the public.

Lawrence said increased visibility in recent years through community events, speaking engagements and public history programs has helped build momentum, making it an ideal time to launch the membership drive.

“We often hear that our museum is the best-kept secret in town,” she said. “But the work happening here, quiet as it may be, is deeply significant to understanding who we are as a community.”

As Camas and Washougal continue to grow, the museum is seeing increased interest from newcomers looking to connect with the area’s roots.

“This membership drive is a direct plea to all of those who understand how important it is to preserve and share our rich history, asking them for their support and to get involved,” Lawrence said.

The campaign comes as 2026 marks the nationwide America250 celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The museum has set a goal of reaching 250 members.

Two Rivers Heritage Museum will also participate in local Independence Day events, including opening July 4 during the city of Washougal’s annual celebration and parade. Volunteers will host a “History’s Mysteries” scavenger hunt for visitors.

Memberships are available at several levels, including Individual ($25), Family ($50), Sustaining ($100) and Contributing ($500 and above). The Sustaining level includes membership in the North American Reciprocal Museum Association network, which provides benefits at participating museums, historical sites, botanical gardens and zoos across the United States and beyond.

Continuing the America250 theme, Lawrence said the museum is encouraging support at the $250 level.

“At this level, members will receive all Sustaining Member benefits plus a free copy of ‘Camas Pioneers,’ an amazing book researched and written by Sally Alves that focuses on early Camas residents who helped shape the community,” she said. “It is a $19 value.”

Community members can become members or learn more at 2rhm.com.

Camas to celebrate Crown Park reopening

The city of Camas will celebrate the grand reopening of Crown Park on July 2 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, family activities and the kickoff of the city’s Summer Concert Series.

The event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Crown Park and marks the completion of improvements to one of the city’s most popular community gathering spaces.

As part of the nationwide America250 celebration, the event will include a dedication ceremony, remarks from local elected officials, and a blessing and land acknowledgment from the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.

“We are very excited to welcome the community to all the new features at Crown Park,” Camas Parks and Recreation Director Chris Witkowski said in a news release. “Plus, being able to share this milestone for Camas on the eve of our nation’s 250th birthday weekend makes it even more special.”

Activities will include a bike rodeo hosted by Camas Bikes, games and open play opportunities organized by the Parks and Recreation Department, and food vendors. Attendees will also be able to explore the park’s updated amenities.

The celebration will continue with the opening concert of the city’s Summer Concert Series at 5:30 p.m.

— Doug Flanagan