National Historic Preservation Month
While every month is historic preservation month for us here at the Deschutes County Historical Society, May is National Historic Preservation Month, a chance to bring awareness to the importance of saving our historic places. Check out our schedule of events for programs happening around Deschutes County.
THE POWER OF PLACE
HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH 2025
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Historic Tour of Downtown Redmond
May 2
5:30 p.m.
Meet at Redmond City Hall
411 SW 9th St., Redmond
Genealogy Open Lab
May 3
10 a.m. to noon
Bend Genealogy Society Library
Williamson Hall, 2200 NE Hwy 20, Bend
On the 1st Saturday of the month, BGS hosts a FREE, in-person genealogy research time without the distractions at home. Research on your own, or if you have questions about a research problem, the Open Lab volunteers or other participants are nearby to offer assistance.
Bring your laptop or other device to use for research; WiFi is available. Come once, or come every 1st Saturday. The BGS Library is open, too, from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The public is invited to the Open Lab. If you are interested in starting your family tree, come to the Lab.
Click here for a map to see the Hall’s location. Thank you for clicking Register to RSVP, so we know to expect you.
Heritage Walking Tour: The Early Days of Bend
May 3, 17, and 31
10:30 a.m.
Deschutes Historical Museum
129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend
deschuteshistory.org
Learn about early Bend through the stories of six “Bendites” and how these residents helped transform a young hamlet into a booming town.
Reservations required: 541-389-1813 or deschuteshistory.org
Bend City Council Proclamation in support of National Historic Preservation Month
May 7
7 p.m.
City Council Chambers
Bend City Hall
710 NW Wall Street, Bend
Historic Neighborhood Tour Redmond
May 9
5:30 p.m.
Meet at Redmond City Hall
411 SW 9th St., Redmond
Heritage Walking Tour: Reflections of History: An Architectural Tour
May 10 and 24
10:30 a.m.
Deschutes Historical Museum
129 NW Idaho Ave
deschuteshistory.org
Stroll through the Drake Park Neighborhood Historic District and take a step back in time when walking was the thing to do and neighborhoods were all about proximity. Participants will be introduced to the architectural styles represented in the neighborhood, hearing stories of a changing community. Tour begins and ends at the Deschutes Historical Museum. Approximately 90 minutes and one mile through historic neighborhood. The sidewalks can be uneven.
Reservations required: 541-389-1813 or deschuteshistory.org
Firsts of Crook County
May 14
6:00 p.m.
Bowman Museum
246 N Main St., Prineville
Join historian Steve Lent for a fascinating look at the “firsts” that shaped Crook County. From the first settlers and businesses to the county’s earliest schools and events, Steve will explore the milestones that built our community. Don’t miss this chance to learn about the pioneers, innovations, and defining moments that made history in Crook County! Sponsored by the Crook County Historical Society and Friends of the Crook County Library, this engaging series is free and open to the public.
Roots of Strength: A Journey Through Black History in Central Oregon
May 15
4:00 p.m.
Redmond Public Library
827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond
A family friendly celebration of the 100 year anniversary of the Bend Colored Men’s Business Club. The Father’s Group, COCC Afrocentric Program, WeBlack Radio, and Central Oregon Earthseeds invite the community to a free family friendly, interactive, and educational celebration of the 100 year anniversary of the Bend Colored Men’s Business Club. Participants will immerse themselves in the stories of the founding members of the Club as well as the Black leaders at the helm of early social justice movement organizing –Reverend J.W. Anderson and Beatrice Morrow Cannady– who came from Portland to connect with and support local Central Oregon leadership and educate white folks in the community. We will trace the roots of our local Black community a century ago to the branches of activism and the progress of racial equity that we see in Central Oregon today.
This event is a collaboration between Black leaders from The Father’s Group, COCC Afrocentric Program, WeBlack Radio, and Central Oregon Earthseeds and in partnership with Allyship in Action and the Deschutes County Historical Society, with support from the St. Charles Belonging Grant and the Bend Genealogical Society. Questions? Contact lizg@deschuteslibrary.org
The “Magic” of Archaeology
May 16
1:00 p.m.
Deschutes Public Library
601 NW Wall St., Bend
Today’s archaeologists can see underground without digging, map objects that are hidden beneath vegetation, and tell what animal was wounded by a spear point! Is this magic or the science of archaeology? The Archaeological Society of Central Oregon invites you to explore the topic of archaeology — the study of people from the past. Archaeologists learn about past cultures by studying the artifacts left behind. By uncovering and studying the evidence of past lives, archaeologists discover many things about their culture — from what they ate and how they lived, to the environment in which they made their homes.
The Power of Place: Redmond Preservation Day
May 17
9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Multiple Redmond Locations
The Redmond Historic Landmark Commission is a commission appointed by the mayor and city council whose purpose is to preserve and promote Redmond’s history and culture, focusing especially on historic sites and their relevance to the community. Join them on Saturday, May 17 for multiple events designed to save Redmond’s local history:
- 9:30 a.m. – Tour of Redmond City Hall
Take a tour of historic Redmond Union High School
- 10 a.m. – Tour of Historic Downtown
Begin at City Hall for a tour of Historic Downtown Redmond
- 11 a.m. – Workshop on windows, paint, siding, plumbing, electrical
Meet in the parking lot behind City Hall parking lot behind building
- 1 p.m. – Workshop on windows, paint, siding, plumbing, electrical
Meet in the parking lot behind City Hall parking lot behind building
- 3 p.m. – Tour of Historic Neighborhoods
Meet at City Hall
- 10 a.m.-4 p.m. – Oral History Gathering: Share your Stories
In conjunction with the TV Production department at Ridgeview High School, we will have students available from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the new Redmond Public Library to record the histories of those who would like to share. We hope to see you there!
Bend Landmarks Commission Meeting
May 20
6:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
Bend City Hall
710 NW Wall Street, Bend
And online via Zoom
All meetings are open and accessible to the public.
Redmond Historic Landmarks Commission Meeting
May 22
4:30 p.m.
Redmond City Hall
411 SW 9th, Redmond
The public is welcome to attend a landmarks commission meeting to learn more about the commission and their work.
History Pub: Big Red and Other Preservation Tales
May 27
7:00 p.m.
McMenamins Old St. Francis
700 NW Bond St., Bend
Join Deschutes Historical Museum’s Executive Director Kelly Cannon-Miller to learn about the dramatic tale of the Crane Shed, nicknamed Big Red, and other historic buildings saved and lost to Bend’s past. What do historic buildings mean to a community? How can they find new roles to remain a vital part of a community? What factors do successful preservation stories share? Part of National Historic Preservation Month, learn how to make a difference in the life of a historic building. Tickets available at: www.mcmenamins.com/old-st-francis-school/father-lukes-room
People from our Past
May 28
6:00 p.m.
Bowman Museum
246 N Main St., Prineville
Experience Crook County’s history as it comes to life with a special People from Our Past presentation. Hear their stories, struggles, and triumphs of four influential figures in a captivating live performance that brings the past to the present. Sponsored by the Crook County Historical Society and Friends of the Crook County Library, this engaging series is free and open to the public.