Umatilla County Historical Society receives $25,000 grant from Union Pacific
Contact: Tom Winn, Board President
Email: tomwinn0@gmail.com
Umatilla County Historical Society receives $25,000 grant from Union Pacific
Pendleton, Oregon The Umatilla County Historical Society was recently awarded a grant
for $25,000 from the Union Pacific Foundation for capital improvements to the Heritage
Station Museum Complex. Eastern Oregon Business Source Community Development
Coordinator Karen Willis wrote this grant. The capital improvements include replacing the
heating and air conditioning units, repairs to the breezeway between the museum buildings,
and an upgrade to fencing to ensure the safety and security of museum staff, patrons, and
museum property.
“The Historical Society has had from the beginning a special relationship with Union Pacific,
and that relationship has strengthened over time. Together, we share a love of Umatilla
County history, and the wonderful museum that stores and exhibits our stories” said
Umatilla County Historical Society Board President Tom Winn.
The Heritage Station Museum is housed in a converted 1909 Union Pacific railway depot.
Extensively remodeled and expanded in 2003, it currently serves approximately 3,200
patrons every year. With the upcoming installation of the Umatilla Gold exhibit, which
highlights the history of the wheat industry in Umatilla County, the museum anticipates as
much as a 15% increase in the number of annual patrons.
“The capital improvements to the building are so important in order for us to keep
welcoming new visitors and groups to the museum for years to come. I’m so grateful for
the partnership with Union Pacific; their support for these capital improvements shows a
commitment and value to telling the story of Umatilla County,” said Umatilla County
Historical Society Executive Director Kari Brooks.