read: 834 / emailed: 0 / share: email October 06, 2011

Albany's rich in Oregon history

Albany Regional Museum, at 136 Lyon St. S. in downtown Albany, offers a great collection of old Albany memorabilia, photos and artifacts. View a shoeshine stand popular in Albany for decades or the Camp Adair exhibit, and be sure to stop in the Tripp Research Room. The museum, located in an 1887 Italianate Victorian building, is open Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and during other times by appointment.

For more information call (541) 967-7122.

Monteith House

The Monteith House is the first frame structure built in Albany, in 1849 by Walter and Thomas Monteith, the city's founders. Located at 518 2nd, SW it is one of the most authentically restored homes in Oregon. Visitors to the museum can see the pioneer kitchen Christine Monteith used to prepare meals or the original piano brought by covered wagon over the Oregon Trail to help make the wilderness a bit more civilized. The house is open to the public for touring.

Summer hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, and other times by appointment.

For more information, call (541) 928-0911 or (800) 526-2256.

Dentzel American Carousel Museum

Located in the heart of downtown Albany at 503 SW 1st Ave., Albany’s Brass Ring carousel studio and museum is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to building a traditional carousel in Albany’s downtown historical district. The carving studio is located at, 503 First Avenue West, in downtown Albany. The Brass Ring carving studio is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (and Wednesdays until 9 p.m.). The Dentzel American Carousel Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. and by appointment. Volunteers and visitors are always welcome. For information call (541) 928-0911 or (541) 791-3340.

Albany Fire Museum, at 20 34th Street SE, is open to small groups by appointment only. For more information call (541) 967-4389.