Working today to preserve the past for future generations.
The Scappoose Historical Society, established in 1974, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to preserve and restore the Watts House Pioneer Museum in Scappoose, Oregon.
In pursuit of our mission, we have discovered the greatest joy in uniting the community at events, engaging with the many who generously support our cause, and proudly serving as hosts to what has evolved into our town's central gathering place.
Upcoming Events & Recent News
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History Connections: Navigating the Columbia River, 9/29/2026, 7:00pm
Join the Scappoose Historical Society for the next presentation in its History Connections Series on Tuesday, September 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the Historic Red Barn, 53760 West Lane Road in Scappoose. The public is welcome to attend.
For thousands of years, the Columbia River has served as an important route for travel and commerce. As vessels grew larger, navigating the river and the challenging Columbia River Bar required specialized skill and local knowledge. Early guidance came from local Chinook tribal members and Hudson’s Bay Company fur traders, with formal organized pilotage beginning in 1846–47.
John L. Glen, CDR USCG Ret., will share the history of Columbia River pilotage and how the Columbia River Bar Pilots and Columbia River Pilots have evolved to support maritime commerce and industry throughout the region.
September 29 | 7:00 p.m.
Historic Red Barn
53760 West Lane Road, Scappoose -
PAST EVENT: 4TH OF JULY PARADE, 7/4
🎉🇺🇸 Join us for a 4th of July Popsicle Parade! 🇺🇸🎉
Hosted by the Historical Society
📅 Saturday, July 4th
🕛 12–1 PM
📍 Starts at the Watts House sidewalk → around the library → ends at the GazeboBring your decorated bikes, trikes, pets, wagons, strollers—or just come dressed in your patriotic best!
🎈 Free popsicles + participation ribbons for all kids!Let’s celebrate with some small-town fun! ❤️💙🤍
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PAST EVENT: History Connections Talk: Sue Glen and the Lore of the “Daddy Trains": 05/28/26, 7:00pm
The Scappoose Historical Society invites the community to another engaging History Connections presentation on Wednesday, May 28 at 7:00 p.m. at the historic Red Barn, located at 53760 West Lane Road in Scappoose.
WHEN: Wednesday, May 28 @ 7:00pmWHERE: Historic Red Barn, 53760 West Lane Road in Scappoose
This month’s featured speaker is historian and author Sue Glen, who will share the fascinating history of the railway and the lore of the “Daddy Trains.” These rail excursions from Portland to the Oregon Coast helped fuel the growth of Seaside and Gearhart as popular summer destinations, bringing generations of visitors to the beach communities each year.
A Warrenton local, Glen is widely respected in history-of-place circles and has authored five pictorial history books, four of which focus on Clatsop County. Her first book also played a role in the preservation of Governors Island near Manhattan as a National Park.
History Connections talks are free and open to the public. Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend and enjoy an evening of local and regional history.
Ways to Get Involved:
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Plan Your Visit
We are open to the public. Check hours or contact us.
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News/Events
Stay in the loop and check upcoming events.
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Membership
Join us! $15/individual or $20/family ANNUALLY!
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Donate
Donations are tax deductible & benefit all!
Visit our Facebook Page to find out more about Watt’s House events, community engagements, and recent news.
We rely on your support to make our community better! Thank you to our supporters!
We rely on your support to make our community better! Thank you to our supporters!
Join Us! Become a Member.
Support the Historical Society and the Watts House Museum by joining our sustaining circle of members. Just $15/individual or $20/family annually. We also appreciate donations and rely on the support of the community.