Our Mission The Purpose for which the Polk County Historical Society is organized shall be: to encourage the study, knowledge, and understanding of the history of Polk County, Oregon; to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret objects and publish information relating to the history of Polk County; to acquire, exhibit, and interpret the material culture of Polk County; to build, operate and maintain a historical museum or museums in Polk County. The Polk County Historical Society invites you to visit the Polk County Museum. Our 14,000-square-foot facility is located about eight miles west of Salem in the middle of the Willamette Valley, near the junction of Highway 99 W and Highway 22 W. This site along Highway 99W is not far from the old Southern Route, a well-used immigration trail that stretched from Fort Vancouver all the way to California. Polk County, named for President James K. Polk, was established in 1845 and has a rich early pioneer heritage. The Museum is a non-profit organization that is totally staffed by volunteers, both amateur and professional. It is also a research facility with a fine archival collection. Many artifacts–physical, pictorial, and written–from the eras of 1842 to 1960 are on display in the Museum and at the Historic Brunk House, just a couple miles east. A large number of the original pioneer families still have descendants in the area who have graciously shared their family treasures and enriched our inventory. The Museum regularly hosts educational programs on local history. Its annual Family Day in the spring showcases special activities and events for the entire family, such as Civil War reenactments, demonstrations of pioneer skills, and children’s activities, all geared to give you a taste of life “back when.” Historic Brunk House & Farm, also owned and operated by the Polk County Historical Society, is an 1861 two-story farm home featuring furnishings of that era. In addition there are outbuildings, gardens, and orchards where you can explore what it was like to live on a working farm of the time. Special events at Brunk House include the annual apple cider-making day in the fall and the Cherry Blossom Drive & Pie Social in the spring.