Formation of the Tillamook County Pioneer Association, May 25, 1934.

Tillamook County enjoys a rich history. For thousands of years Native Americans lived and thrived on the rich lands surrounding Tillamook Bay. But most of the written history that we have today begins August 14, 1788 when Captain Robert Gray sailed his ship Lady Washington into Tillamook Bay, and then on April 1, 1851 when Joe Champion became the first white settler in Tillamook County.

But it wasn't until many of the pioneer families gathered at "Aunt" Rhoda Quick Johnson's 90th birthday party  on May 25, 1934, that the idea to create an association dedicated to preserving the history of Tillamook County was formed.  Donations were solicited that would begin a small museum located in a single room in the retired county courthouse. The first donation listed in the archives was a rifle from Rollie Watson, publisher of the county's first newspaper.

​Since the Museum opened in 1935, the Tillamook County Pioneer Association has collected and maintained thousands of genealogical and historical records concerning past Tillamook County residents. The records are housed in the Museum's Library and are available for public use. Please contact the museum to make arrangements to use these records.

For information contact Ruby at 503-842-4553 or ruby@tcpm.org.

Or write:
Tillamook County Pioneer Association
P.O. Box 992
Tillamook, OR 97141
Annual dues are $10, except for Lifetime members (those 80 years young!)
Lifetime members are exempt from dues.
Dues are from July 1 to June 30.
Membership includes unlimited admission to the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum and a subscription to the Pioneer Bylines Newsletter.
Potluck meetings are held in October, February and June.

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