The Origins of the Crook County Historical Society
The Crook County Historical Society was chartered in 1969, with Gale Ontko serving as the first president. Just two years later, in 1971, Alta Bowman and her daughters, Jean Clark and Elaine Broten, donated the historic Bowman Building to Crook County to be used as a museum. The donation came with the condition that if the building ever ceased to be used as a museum, it would revert to the Bowman family.
Establishing the Bowman Museum
The Historical Society took on the responsibility of operating the A. R. Bowman Memorial Museum through a formal agreement with Crook County. In the museum’s early years—from 1971 to 1976—operations were largely volunteer-driven, supported occasionally by federal work programs that provided part-time receptionists. Crook County paid the utilities, while all funds for furnishings and equipment came from generous community donations, fundraisers, and memorials.
One of the first major projects was building an indoor staircase to the second floor, which had previously only been accessible via an exterior staircase on the east end. The upper floor had formerly served as dentists’ and business offices.
Early Displays and Community Support
In the beginning, display cases were purchased by individuals and families, each showcasing historical items tied to the donors. Several supporters even purchased multiple cases. Over time, the Society was able to install additional cases as the collection grew.
Long before the museum opened, residents had been donating historical artifacts in hopes they would one day be displayed. These items were stored on the third floor of the courthouse and eventually provided the foundation for a compelling representation of Crook County’s pioneer history.
The Pioneer Historical Museum
Even before the Bowman Museum opened, the Society had taken part in celebrating local history. In 1959, to commemorate Oregon’s centennial, the Jasper Wright family’s historic log cabin was moved from Upper Ochoco Creek to Pioneer Park. This became the Pioneer Historical Museum. While the building is owned by the City of Prineville, it has long been maintained by the Historical Society in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department.
Public Support Through Tax Levies
By 1976, rising operating costs created financial challenges. The Historical Society held a countywide election, asking voters to approve a Historical Fund under ORS 358.160–358.230. Voters approved a continuing tax levy of $10,500.
As the museum grew, so did expenses. In 1988 and again in 1998, voters were asked to increase funding to meet new needs. Each time, the community showed its support. A four-year levy at six cents per $1,000 of assessed property value passed in 1998 and has continued to be renewed every four years at the same rate.
The tax levy supports the museum’s operating costs, including staff salaries, insurance, utilities, repairs, and capital improvements. Thanks to this support, the Bowman Museum has been able to grow in both size and scope.
Expansion Projects
As the museum’s collection and community interest expanded, so did the need for additional space.
1980s – Ranchers’ Memorial Building: In the early 1980s, the Society received donations of large ranching equipment and a 1907 Studebaker Phaeton. Without space to display them, the Society launched the Ranchers’ Memorial Building Fund. In 1987, a new building was constructed at the Crook County Fairgrounds. It underwent a major renovation in 2014.
1992 – Museum Addition: A major addition was built at the rear of the original Crook County Bank building. This expansion created a much-needed research library and storage space.
2008–2012 – Crook County History Center: Another capital campaign led to the acquisition and renovation of an adjacent 5,000-square-foot building. This state-of-the-art facility opened in 2012 as the Crook County History Center, featuring expanded exhibits, a larger library, and improved storage.
2018 – 2024 – Caboose Park was created complete with a park area followed by the Belknap Exhibit Center which opened in 2024.
Honoring Our Unique Local History
When the Historical Society was formed, much of Crook County’s history was undocumented. Today, thanks to decades of work, that story is being preserved and shared.
- Crook County and Prineville have unique claims to fame:
- Prineville was the first settlement in Central Oregon.
- Post, Oregon, is the geographic center of the state.
- The City of Prineville Railway remains the only municipally-owned and operated railroad in the U.S.
- National Recognition and Museum Excellence
Over the years, the Historical Society has gained a reputation far beyond Central Oregon. In 1997, the museum hosted Barn Again, a traveling Smithsonian exhibit—marking the first time a Smithsonian exhibit came to Central Oregon.
In both 1997 and 2010, the museum received national recognition through grant awards from the Institute of Museum Services. This highly competitive award is considered one of the highest honors in the museum field.
Preserving the Past for the Future
The Society continues to digitize thousands of artifacts and historical records to make them accessible online and connect with museums and libraries nationwide. Museum staff and volunteers have worked to improve storage conditions to meet professional archival standards.
The Historical Society has also published books on local history, organized field trips to historic sites, and welcomed thousands of school children and visitors each year. These efforts have made a lasting impact on how the community understands and appreciates its heritage.
Join the Legacy
Membership in the Crook County Historical Society is open to anyone with an interest in preserving and celebrating the history of this remarkable region. As we look to the future, we remain committed to sharing Crook County’s past—and your support helps make it all possible.
