a big idea
In the late 1970s, Donald Kerr’s fascination with the High Desert sparks an idea to create a museum that immerses visitors in place, inspiring wonder as the portal to learning.
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Opening doors
Don Kerr’s museum idea isn’t immediately embraced. Bulletin Editor and Publisher Robert Chandler told him to “get a real job.” But skeptics became advocates: Brooks Resources donated 135 acres to Kerr’s dream, and in 1982 the Oregon High Desert Museum opened its doors. (Chandler became one of the Museum’s biggest supporters.) 1982
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a period of growth
The Museum is embraced by the community and begins to grow. The Autzen Otter Exhibit opened in 1983 and the Earle A. Chiles Center on the Spirit of the West followed in 1988. Museum founder Don Kerr believed that you can’t fully tell the story of the High Desert without including its people and cultures.
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sharing stories
In the effort to tell stories of the Indigenous past, present and future throughout the Museum, an exhibit dedicated to the Native peoples of the Plateau, "By Hand Through Memory," opens in 1999. A member of the Yakama Nation co-curated the celebrated exhibit.
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species ambassadors
In 2001, the Donald M. Kerr Bird of Prey Center opens. Raptors were always a main attraction but with the new center came daily Birds of Prey Encounters and the summer Raptors of the Desert Sky outdoor flight program. The addition of the Wiegand Pavilion in 2012 bolstered daily programs.
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exhibit excellence
Museum curators highlight different stories of the High Desert, such as "Gum San: Land of the Golden Mountain." "Art for a Nation: Inspiration from the Great Depression" was a 2016 finalist for the Charles Redd Exhibition Excellence Award and the Museum brought home the award in 2019 for "Desert Reflections: Water Shapes the West."
1982
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millionth visitor
The first 10 years offered awe and discovery in a growing community. In 1992, the Museum welcomed its ONE MILLIONTH VISITOR! The Museum continues to greet almost 200,000 visitors each year.
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connecting to community
With numerous programs providing access to the Museum and educational opportunities, visitors from all walks of life experience artful exhibits, alluring wildlife, engaging programs and meaningful history. For instance, the Museum was one of four institutions across the nation to receive a STEMex grant for $1.2 million to bring educational opportunities to rural communities.
1982
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a great honor
In May, the High Desert Museum received the Institute of Museum and Library Services 2021 National Medal for its significant and exceptional contributions to community. The Museum is privileged to share the honor with its community. The High Desert Museum is here because of YOU! 1982
2022
a big year
It was 40 years ago that Donald Kerr's dream built the High Desert Museum, a place that "wildly excites and responsibly teaches." Explore stories from the Museum's history, and celebrate with us. 2022 is going to be a BIG year!
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