Bowman Museum
Offering inspiration, entertainment & education since 1971
Preserving the Past. Inspiring the Future.
Discover the Stories That Shaped Central Oregon
Welcome to the Bowman Museum—where the past comes alive in the heart of Prineville. Since 1971, the museum has been preserving and sharing the remarkable history of Crook County and Central Oregon. Thanks to the generous support of our community, we’ve built a vivid collection of artifacts, photographs, and personal stories that reflect the grit, spirit, and innovation of this region’s population through time.
We’re proud to serve as both a museum and a living archive—connecting past to present, and Prineville to the wider world, through digital partnerships with museums and libraries across the globe. Whether you’re exploring your family roots, introducing your kids to local history, or simply curious about the people and events that helped shape this place we call home, the Bowman Museum invites you to dig in, look closer, and rediscover the Central Oregon story.
Visitor Information
Explore Prineville History
Housed in a beautifully restored 1911 bank building
listed on the National Register of Historic Places
The Bowman Museum has grown into a dynamic hub for history lovers of all ages. In 1996, we hosted the first Smithsonian exhibit in Central Oregon. Just a year later, we received national recognition from the Institute of Museum Services—honors that reflect our commitment to thoughtful preservation and public education. But the story doesn’t end there.
Today, we welcome thousands of visitors each year—students, families, travelers, and scholars—through engaging exhibits, hands-on learning programs, and a growing calendar of lectures, field trips, and publications. With the addition of the Crook County History Center in 2012, our reach has expanded to include the Belknap Center and Caboose Park, offering new ways to experience local history outdoors and in action.
Recent Articles
READ THE LATEST ENTRIES
Klamath Indian Community and Mill Town
Chiloquin, Oregon By Steve Lent, Historian A campsite for a group of Klamath Indians became known as Camp Chiloquin, the white settler version of Chay-lo-quin, the name of a respected war chief [...]
Ranching Community to a Booming Mill Town
By Steve Lent, Historian Bly, Oregon is located in Klamath County, Oregon along Highway 140 between Klamath Falls and Lakeview. The name Bly comes from the Klamath Indian word p'lai, meaning 'up' [...]
Nellie Shutt Watts
Madras Pioneer and Long Time Jefferson County Clerk By Steve Lent, Historian Nellie Irvina Shutt was born in Chandler, Oklahoma on Nov. 11, 1901. Her family came to Oregon in 1902 when [...]
