Among the newest displays is a tribute to the U.S. Navy's first female killed in a combat-related incident in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Petty Officer First Class Regina Clark of Centralia. Clark, 43, was the first Lewis County resident to lose a life during the current war in Iraq, when her convoy was attacked by a suicide car bomber outside Fallujah on June 23, 2005.
Along with displays of uniforms, field equipment, weapons, and other military and personal items, the museum offers a library and a viewing room with messages from veterans of conflicts dating back to World War I.
Also among its holdings is a bass drum used by WWI veterans who marched in Centralia's Nov. 11, 1919, Armistice Day parade — a parade that is remembered by historians as the setting for a fire fight, which led to a lynching and what came to be known as the Centralia massacre.
Admission costs are $5 for adults and $3 for students; hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and open limited hours on Sunday's during the summer.
The museum is at 100 S.W. Veterans Way, Chehalis. Museum director is Lee Grimes.
For information, call 740-8875. Check www.veteransmuseum.org.
The Lewis County Historical Museum is dedicated to preservation of the history and heritage of Lewis County, one of the first areas in the region settled by non-Indians. It is housed in a 1912 Northern Pacific Railroad depot in downtown Chehalis.
An exhibit through Nov. 1 features the history of the Oregon Trail. The museum houses a research library and a children's activity area.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The museum is located at 599 N.W. Front Way, Chehalis.
For information, call assistant director Karen Johnson at 748-0831 or check www.lewiscountymuseum.org.
The Vintage Antique Motorcycle Museum holds a private collection in downtown Chehalis. It features original and fully restored pre-1916 Indians, Harley Davidsons, Excelsiors and a host of other vehicles, as well as an assortment of antique bicycles. Showcases are filled with memorabilia and photographs, and most bikes have a copy of the original literature displayed.
Enter through the Mason Construction office on Market Street, upstairs in the historic Hotel Washington Building. The museum, and building, are owned by Frank and Barbara Mason.
It's open for visiting from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on weekdays, and other times by appointment.
For information, call 748-3472 or check out www.antiquemotorcycles.net.
The Historic Borst Family Homestead, on the west side of Interstate 5 in Centralia, is open for public visitation about one weekend each month. The house was home to one of Centralia's early families. It is adjacent to a one-room schoolhouse.
The three-story, wood frame home was built in the early 1860s on the bank of the Chehalis River, and reportedly at one time was considered to be the finest house between Fort Vancouver and Fort Steilacoom.
The estate, which sits in what is now called Fort Borst Park, was purchased by the city of Centralia, and is operated by its Parks and Recreation Department
The home will be open from 1:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. on May 13 and 14, June 10 and 11, July 8 and 9, Aug. 12 and 13, Sept. 9 and 10, and Oct. 14 and 15. On July 4, admission will be free and it will be open from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children aged 5 to 12 years, and $10 for families. To arrange a group tour, telephone 330-7688 at least two weeks in advance. Also, check for Historic Borst Family Homestead at www.centraliaguide.com.
The Old Settlers Museum in Morton's Gust Backstrom Park shows off the history of East Lewis County through items such as photographs, maps, family histories, Cowlitz Indian artifacts, logging memorabilia, a telephone switchboard, mining cart and a display about Mary Kiona, a well-known Cowlitz woman, in a small settler's cabin.
Operated by the Cowlitz River Valley Historical Society, the museum is open by appointment until Memorial Day, and after that, until Labor Day, open other regular times.
Admission is free, but donations are accepted. For information, telephone Ellie Worsham at 496-6681.
The Winlock Historical Museum, in downtown Winlock, is open by appointment only until Egg Days in June, when it usually is open more regularly.
Town and school history dating back to the 1800s and memorabilia from celebrations of Egg Days past are on display. A recently restored jail cell is inside the museum as well.
Admission is free, but donations are accepted. For information, telephone Carolyne Nixon at 785-3980 or Shirley Heitzmann at 785-3638.
The Tenino Depot Museum opens for the summer from mid-April through mid-October, offering visitors a trip into South Thurston County's past. Located in the city park near the swimming pool, it features exhibits of American Indian artifacts from the Nisqually and Chehalis tribes, industry displays such as sandstone mining and logging, rock collections, and general local history. An old Skookumchuck Valley school has been moved alongside.
Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Group tours may be arranged with Jean Montgomery. For information, telephone 264-4321.
The Northwest Carriage Museum is west of Lewis County, along state Route 6 . It is at 314 Alder St., in Raymond. The museum has 24 carriages and interactive exhibits. For information, call 942-4150.
