Two Rivers Heritage Museum is launching its first membership drive in decades, aiming for 250 members during America250. Photo courtesy Camas-Washougal Historical Society
🎧 Two Rivers Heritage Museum’s First Membership Drive in Decades
Community members are encouraged to join, support, and help sustain the preservation of local history for future generations by becoming a museum member at any level they have interest in
WASHOUGAL – The Two Rivers Heritage Museum (TRHM) has announced its first membership campaign in decades, an effort to rebuild and grow community support for preserving local history. Camas-Washougal Historical Society (CWHS) is the nonprofit organization behind the museum’s mission.
“The work at TRHM is incredibly important to our communities, but over time our membership has dwindled as longtime supporters have moved away or passed on,” said Museum Director Julianne Lawrence. “Now is the time to renew and expand that support.”
The mission of TRHM is to collect, preserve, and share the stories of the Camas-Washougal area. This work is carried out largely by dedicated volunteers who curate artifacts, maintain archives, and develop educational and cultural programming for the public.
Photo courtesy Camas-Washougal Historical Society (in email sent to Andi)
Increased visibility in recent years, through community events, speaking engagements, and public history programs, has helped build momentum, making this an ideal time to launch the membership drive. “We often hear that our museum is the best-kept secret in town,” Lawrence 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 sees rising interest from newcomers eager 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 by asking them for their support and to get involved,” said Julianne.
Photo courtesy Camas-Washougal Historical Society (in email sent to Andi)
The campaign comes at a particularly meaningful moment, as 2026 marks the nationwide America250 celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. “Our campaign goal is to grow to 250 members as we celebrate America250,” Lawrence explained.
TRHM is joining communities across the country in commemorating this milestone by increasing public access to local history. As part of the festivities, the museum will be open on July 4 in conjunction with the City of Washougal’s annual celebration and parade. Volunteers will hold a History’s Mysteries Scavenger Hunt to help bring history to life for visitors.
Photo courtesy Camas-Washougal Historical Society (in email sent to Andi)
TRHM offers a range of membership levels designed to fit different interests and budgets. One of the most popular options is the $100 Sustaining Membership, which includes the American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association network. Participating organizations include art museums, historical sites, botanical gardens, zoos, and more across the United States and beyond.
“Continuing with our America250 theme we are hoping members will consider our $250 Supporting Level,” said Lawrence. “To make this level even more special, they will receive all Sustaining Member benefits plus a free copy of “Camas Pioneers,” an amazing book researched and written by Sally Alves which focuses on early Camas residents who helped shape the town. It is a $19.00 value.”
Additional levels include Individual at $25, Family at $50 and Contributing at $500+.
Community members are encouraged to join, support, and help sustain the preservation of local history for future generations by becoming a museum member at any level they have interest in. For more information or to become a member, visit 2rhm.com.
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