Siuslaw Pioneer Museum Association, Inc

The Siuslaw Pioneer Museum is launching a campaign to save its west wall. Time has taken its toll on our beloved museum and we are now facing a critical challenge: the west wall has suffered significant dry rot damage, threatening the structural integrity of the building and the priceless artifacts it houses.

As custodians of the Siuslaw Valley’s rich history, we’ve launched a reconstruction project to address this urgent issue.

It is a formidable undertaking, but essential. The museum is more than just a collection of

artifacts; it’s a vibrant hub where history comes to life. Our exhibits, such as Indigenous

artifacts, and displays like Jean’s Sewing Shoppe, help connect visitors to the past in tangible ways. Programs like the Heritage Players’ historical reenactments and free entry days for low-income families make history accessible to everyone.

Without a secure and stable building, these invaluable programs and resources are at risk. And left unaddressed, the dry rot issue will eventually lead to structural failure, jeopardizing the preservation of the priceless historical artifacts that embody the Siuslaw Valley’s rich heritage.

By initiating this construction project, we are not just repairing a wall — we’re preserving the stories, artifacts, and experiences that define our community. This project will ensure that the museum remains a cornerstone of cultural education and pride for years to come.

From the start, a major challenge for this project has been determining the full extent of dry rot damage in the west wall. Repair estimates can only be determined after opening the wall and conducting an assessment. Without this information, the final project cost has been a moving target. Complicating matters, lead was discovered in the wall’s paint in January 2025, raising concerns of a substantial cost increase beyond initial estimates.

However, thanks to our due diligence in seeking out highly-qualified contractors, we have

secured an expert in remediation services to handle the removal of the siding for a significantly lower cost than we had anticipated. Their expertise in this field allows them to remediate concerning materials safely and efficiently. As a result, the projected budget has dramatically reduced from an intimidating initial estimate of around $250,000 to the much more achievable cost of under $150,000.

While we are optimistic that this new estimate is closer to the final cost, our expectations

remain tempered by the fact that we will not have final figures until the siding is removed and a proper assessment of the dry rot can be completed. As a result, our figures remain tentative until then. Construction is slated to begin in May or June 2025.

But we can’t do this without you. Your generosity can make all the difference in reaching our goals and ensuring the museum remains a vibrant part of Florence’s future. To learn more about the museum, visit www.siuslawpioneermuseum.com. Together, we can safeguard our past for generations to come.