Explore the historic hub of the Willamette Valley!
Starting with Albany’s founding in the early 1850s, the Museum’s exhibits follow the dynamic development of a city that by the early 1900s would grow to be one of the most prosperous in the state. Explore exhibits filled with a vibrant history of colorful characters, booming industry, and explosive events.
Robert Potts, The Unseen collection
2/06/2026 - 5/30/2026
During his lifetime, Robert “Bob” Potts was an avid local historian and collector of photographs. Today the Potts Photo Collection has over 20,000 images and includes everything from glass-plate negatives to polaroid’s, slides to tintypes. The photos themselves capture Albany throughout history, from its earliest beginnings to modern times, making the collection one of the best-known showcases of Albany’s historic development in existence. Curated by ARM’s Digital Archivist, this exhibition features rarely seen photographs from Robert’s spectacular collection.
Permanent Gallery
See highlights below from our permanent gallery.
Chinatown
Stand on the site of Albany’s forgotten Chinatown and discover the importance of Chinese labor in Albany’s development.
School Days
Did you know in 1911 you only needed to pass the 8th grade to graduate from public school and enter the work force? Come take the test students needed to pass (without smart phones or calculators) and see if you are ‘Smarter than an Eighth Grader’.
Timber Carnival
Get locked up in the Timber Carnival Can! Or at least explore our life-size replica. Learn about the international Timber Carnival hosted here in Albany and its exciting place on the world stage.
Farm Life
How heavy is a ten-gallon milk can? Can you lift one? Find out while discovering the importance of Albany’s agricultural and dairy industries. Read about the daily routine of farm wives and the pivotal role they played in life on the farm.