Welcome to Bowman Museum

We exist to inspire, entertain, educate and involve our local community, as well as visitors from all over the world, in the stewardship of our unique history. We serve Crook County residents and Central Oregon visitors by offering new exhibits every year. We also feature exciting speakers, area tours, historical and genealogical research assistance, annual celebrations, regular visitation hours, newspaper articles and quarterly publications.

Launched in 1971 through the generosity of the Bowman family and newly expanded through the contributions of hundreds of community members and supporters in 2012, A.R. Bowman Museum serves more than 20,000 students, scholars and visitors each year.

Read Local Stories & Museum News

Helen Claypool’s Remarkable Journey Through Central Oregon’s History

Yancey Brothers Freight Business

Exploring the Roots of Central Oregon Wine

District Army Commander of Oregon

The History of the Pioneer Queens – Oct. 26th 2 p.m.

Barlow Trail Wagon Crossing Became a Fruit and Wheat Center

Join us for Beaver Recovery in Crooked River Watershed, Nov. 6th 6 p.m.

Pioneer Rancher in the John Day Valley

May Benson Johnson

Steve Lent on Central Oregon Mining History – Oct. 10th 6 p.m.

Through generous public and private support the Bowman Museum has created a vivid collection of pioneer history and organized programs serving thousands of people annually. In 1991 its building was entered on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1996 it hosted the first Smithsonian exhibit in Central Oregon. In 1997 it won national recognition from the Institute of Museum Services.

Today, in addition to hosting students and visitors, the Bowman Museum publishes books and field guides, presents a lecture series, conducts historical field trips, and through the Internet links its collection with museums and libraries throughout the world.

Telling our community’s story since 1971

Bowman Museum Staff

Welcome to the Bowman Museum, a cornerstone of Central Oregon's historical preservation since 1971. Over the decades, generations of Central Oregonians have generously contributed time, money, and cherished family heirlooms to enrich our exhibits and tell the compelling story of Crook County. As our region experiences rapid change, the need to preserve and expand our historical narrative became crucial in 2012, leading to the establishment of the Crook County History Center.

Today, more visitors than ever are discovering Prineville, with the Bowman Museum as a key attraction on their itinerary. Our expanded historical features, including the new Belknap Center and Caboose Park, offer a wealth of experiences for both locals and tourists. The newer exhibits complement the long-standing historical displays in the Bowman Museum and continue to enrich visitors experience as they explore the dynamic, thought-provoking exhibits and presentations happening in the Crook County History Center.

We bring Central Oregon’s history to life for thousands of students, community members, and tourists each year. School children benefit from hands-on, eye-opening learning experiences, while scholars and researchers delve into our extensive historical and genealogical library. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious student, or a dedicated researcher, the Bowman Museum invites you to explore and engage with the rich heritage of Central Oregon.