Museum muses on ‘defunct devices’

Do your kids roll their eyes whenever you regale them with tales of what life was like before the smartphone? You can I-told-you-so ‘till the cows come home when the North Lincoln County Historical Museum reopens on Wednesday, Oct. 7, presenting “Defunct Devices,” one of three new or improved exhibits that staff worked on during the closure. The exhibit includes an adding machine, typewriter, tape recorder, phonograph and a camera collection that just might make you miss the old days.

Your kids can get their revenge at the other new exhibit, “Pioneer Portraits,” which brings local pioneers to life through photographs and stories of the trials and tribulations that came with homesteading on the Oregon Coast, long before even any of the “defunct devices” existed.

The revamped mini-theater now has a complete exhibit with information on North Lincoln County theaters, and prints from actual local theater posters.

The museum survived the long closure thanks to the North Lincoln County community, county support, memberships, donations and a COVID-19 relief grant from Oregon Humanities. You can help give continued support by becoming a member, donating or choosing them on Amazon Smile.

The reopening will closely follow Oregon’s COVID-19 guidelines for Phase 2, including limited capacity and the temporary closure of the children's room.

The museum is located at 4907 SW Hwy. 101, open from 11 am to 4 pm Wednesday through Saturday. For more information, go to www.northlincolncountyhistoricalmuseum.org or call 541-996-6614.