Madras - Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce

Madras Chamber

Museums in Jefferson County

Visitor Information

The Museum at Warm Springs:
Nationally acclaimed for both its striking architecture and outstanding exhibitions, The Museum at Warm Springs was conceived of and created by The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs to serve as a living legacy of our culture.

The Museum's permanent collection of treasured artifacts, historic photographs, murals, graphics, and rare documents is a dynamic, comprehensive chronicle of Tribal history. Interactive, multimedia exhibits that include a Wasco wedding, song chamber, and traditional Hoop Dance, offer guests a living experience of life on the Reservation. The changing exhibition gallery is a flexible venue for the ongoing exploration of every aspect of the Native American experience.

Opened and dedicated in 1993, the Museum at Warm Springs represents years of planning. The impressive 25,000 square foot, $7.6 million facility houses the single largest collection of Indian artifacts under one roof. The Museum represents a major achievement for the Tribes and adds to local visitor appeal thereby increasing tourist revenue in the region.

The Museum also offers walking trails along Shitike Creek, picnic area, and an outdoor amphitheater for performances and demonstrations.

The museum is open 362 days a year (closed New Years Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas) during the hours of 9 to 5.

Jefferson County Museum:
Located at the corner of Sixth and D streets in Madras in the upper floor of the old county courthouse, the Jefferson county Museum began its exhibits in 1976 with articles donated by the Jefferson County Historical Society, dating back to the early 1900s and homestead era.

Director Aloha Kendall organizes exhibits and is developing a walking tour of historical homes. The museum is open June through September, from 1 to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. She can be reached at 475-6075.

Old Courthouse and Jail:
The Old Jefferson County Courthouse at Sixth and D streets was built in 1917 and was the center of county business until the present courthouse was built in 1961. The Old courthouse now houses the Jefferson county Museum and OSU Extension Services.

The former Jefferson county Jail is a picturesque cement block building with iron-barred windows. Located just north of the Old Courthouse, it was used as a jail from 1913 until the 1940s. Many visitors have enjoyed using the stark jail as a background for photos.

Click to visit the Museum at WarmSprings
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Old Courthouse
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