This milestone follows a strategic planning process initiated by the CWHS Board of Directors in 2023

WASHOUGAL – The Camas-Washougal Historical Society (CWHS) recently announced the appointment of Julianne Lawrence as the first paid director of the Two Rivers Heritage Museum, located at 1 Durgan Street, Washougal.

This milestone follows a strategic planning process initiated by the CWHS Board of Directors in 2023. One key objective identified was to explore the feasibility of hiring a museum director. A volunteer committee, composed of Richard and Karen Johnson, Joshua Stahly, Dick Lindstrom, Marilyn Brown, and Rene Carroll, led the effort. With some initial guidance from Brad Richardson of the Clark County Historical Museum, the team assessed funding, outlined the position’s responsibilities, and developed an employment contract.

“We were thrilled when Julianne expressed interest,” said CWHS President Dick Lindstrom. “We hoped to find someone with strong ties to our area, and Julianne is exactly who we envisioned.  She is an experienced educator, a capable leader, and someone deeply connected to local history.”

Lawrence brings both academic credentials and professional experience to the role. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Portland State University and a master’s degree in teaching from City University in Tacoma. After teaching in Ridgefield for a year, she spent 11 years at Woodburn Elementary School in Camas. While there she took on several leadership roles.

“My goal was always to return to the Camas-Washougal area and give back to the community that shaped me,” Lawrence said.

The museum holds a special place in Lawrence’s heart. Her grandmother, retired Washougal educator Carol Phillips, volunteered at the museum for many years, and her mother, retired Camas educator Lee Elaine Gilronan, is a current volunteer.

“It felt like perfect timing,” Lawrence reflected. “This museum has always been part of my family, and the opportunity to turn my passion for history into a profession came just as I was looking for a new challenge.”

Lawrence officially began her new role on May 1. Her duties will support other goals of the strategic plan including increasing membership, expanding volunteer involvement to potentially expand museum hours, securing new funding sources, and raising the museum’s visibility within the community and beyond.

“One of my favorite first experiences was exploring the museum’s basement,” she shared. “It’s an incredible labyrinth of carefully cataloged artifacts, like an anthill, where what you see aboveground is just a fraction of the activity happening below.”

She also praised the museum’s research department, which houses a rich library and archives. “Seeing how visitors light up when they discover something about an ancestor or a local landmark is a powerful reminder of the museum’s impact,” she said.

Lawrence has several favorite museum artifacts including a player piano, butter churn that rode the Oregon Trail and items donated by her family. “We are a heritage museum, so each artifact that is accessioned into our collection must have a connection to people in our community,” she explained. “And when the item comes with a personal story it is even more treasured and leaves a stronger impact with visitors.”

“The Two Rivers Heritage Museum is a community gem, multi-faceted and beautifully polished through the dedication of its volunteers,” she said. “I’m honored to join this team and help steward the museum into its next chapter.”

The Two Rivers Heritage Museum is open to the public Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. through October. Group tours for eight or more can be arranged by calling the museum. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for students, and free for children under 5 and CWHS members.  For more information visit www.2rhm.com.