The museum, which boosts more than 6,000 square feet of displays, is open Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. through October

WASHOUGAL – The Two Rivers Heritage Museum (TRHM) in Washougal reopens to visitors on March 7 following its annual winter closure for maintenance, preservation work, and exhibit enhancements. The museum, which boosts more than 6,000 square feet of displays, is open Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. through October.

“While our doors are closed November through February, it’s one of our busiest times of year inside,” said museum director Julianne Lawrence. “Our volunteers are cleaning, repairing, and creating new and improved exhibits that help tell the stories of Camas and Washougal.”

A highlight of the reopening is a new exhibit featuring selections from the museum’s extensive Barbie doll collection, originally donated as part of the Barbara Heriford Estate in 1991. The entire collection includes nearly 60 boxed dolls and 20 accessory sets.

The current display showcases 14 dolls, six outfit sets, paper dolls, a Barbie suitcase closet, handmade clothing, and a vintage rag doll. Items were carefully chosen to illustrate Barbie’s evolution over the decades.

“The paper doll Barbie is my favorite,” Lawrence said. “Barbie’s creator, Ruth Handler, was inspired by her daughter’s love of paper dolls rather than baby dolls, so seeing Barbie adapted into paper doll form is a fun nod to those early roots.”

Lawrence also hopes the exhibit sparks personal memories. “I grew up playing with Barbies,” she said. “They were such a blank slate. My sister and I could imagine them as doctors, teachers, heroes, or villains, anything we dreamed up. I hope visitors feel that same nostalgia and appreciation for the creativity toys inspired.”

The display also highlights the role of handmade accessories. Before mass-produced toys were widely affordable, many families sewed clothing at home, making play more accessible while encouraging practical skills.

All displayed dolls remain in their original packaging, which helps preserve them and adds historical context.

“The boxes protect dolls from dust, light, and skin oils,” said Display Committee Chair Karen Johnson. “They’re often visually appealing and tell part of the story. For collectors, original packaging also adds value.”

Visitors can observe how packaging, branding, and even price stickers reflect changing eras. Some international editions include cultural facts and vocabulary from their country of origin, adding an educational element to the display.

The museum has also refreshed several additional exhibits, including:

• A striking aerial photo of the Camas paper mill
• A children’s corner featuring antique toys
• Updated labeling in the hallway photo gallery
• A display on the 1947 3rd Street Bridge fire featured in Life Magazine
• A new standing case for recently donated Native American artifacts from the Ough family

Located at 1 Durgan Street in downtown Washougal, across from the Pendleton Woolen Mill, the museum is operated by volunteers from the Camas-Washougal Historical Society. The museum features photographs, artifacts, and stories that preserve the rich history of the region’s people, businesses, and industries.

Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for students, and free for children under 5 and all society members. Group tours are available by appointment. Call (360) 835-8742 to schedule.

The society is always seeking volunteers and new members to help support local history preservation. More information is available at www.2rhm.com.

About Two Rivers Heritage Museum

The Two Rivers Heritage Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Camas-Washougal area. Through exhibits, artifacts, community outreach and educational programs, the museum provides a glimpse into the past, celebrating the people and events that shaped the area.