Coos Bay Earns Oregon Heritage “All-Star” Status

“This designation is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our community in preserving Coos Bay’s rich heritage, we are honored to receive this recognition and are committed to continuing our efforts in celebrating and safeguarding our history for future generations.” - Coos Bay Mayor, Joe Benetti

Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston is proud to announce that the city of Coos Bay has earned the prestigious title of Oregon Heritage All-Star Community , a distinction awarded by the Oregon Heritage/State Historic Preservation Office . This honor coincides with Coos Bay’s 150th anniversary, celebrating its rich indigenous and maritime roots. “Coos Bay has a long and broad history,” said Katie Henry, coordinator for the Oregon Heritage Commission in a press release . “The efforts of the city, tribes, museums, businesses, and community members in preserving and sharing local history contributes to the economy and livability of Coos Bay.”

The Oregon Heritage All-Star program celebrates communities that demonstrate excellence in preserving their historic treasures, enriching both their quality of life and economic vitality while showcasing their unique character. Coos Bay now joins an exclusive group of just eight communities across Oregon—including Albany, Astoria, Bend, Cottage Grove, Oregon City, Roseburg, and Salem—that have also earned the title. “This designation is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our community in preserving Coos Bay’s rich heritage,” says Coos Bay Mayor, Joe Benetti. “We are honored to receive this recognition and are committed to continuing our efforts in celebrating and safeguarding our history for future generations.”

Heather Christenbury, Executive Director, Curator & Collections Manager of the Coos History Museum , recently spoke to Travel Oregon about the significance of the designation. She highlighted its potential to boost heritage tourism—a vital part of Coos Bay’s economy—and to foster further community collaboration and new initiatives, such as a walking history tour of the Waterfront Heritage District. Click here to read the full Travel Oregon article.

Coos Bay Heritage Travel Ideas

There are several historical museums and experiences to explore on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston. Here are just a ideas few to add to your itinerary:

• Stop by the Coos Bay Visitors Center and explore our collection of historical books, souvenirs, regional information and more at 50 Central Avenue. You may also contact us at (541) 269-0215.

   

• Take a deep dive into the rich and fascinating history of Oregon’s Adventure Coast at the Coos History Museum, Oregon’s oldest continuously operated historical society.

   

• Take a self-guided walking tour of Coos Bay and explore its unique history. We also encourage visitors to explore North Bend’s rich and interesting past !

   

• Be inspired at Coos Art Museum, the cornerstone of visual arts on Oregon’s Southern Coast.

   

• Visit the Egyptian Theatre, built in 1925, in downtown Coos Bay. The theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts one of the only remaining operable Wurlitzer Organs in the state. Visit The Egyptian Theatre website for more information.

   

• Explore the Old Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery (750 S 7th St), where many of the city’s early settlers are buried. This peaceful resting place provides a poignant reminder of the generations that have shaped Coos Bay. Stop at the Coos Bay Visitor Center for the gate code.

   

• Discover the fascinating history of The Sun newspaper (1891-1944) at the Marshfield Sun Printing Museum , an historic newspaper and job printing shop featuring exhibits on printing and local history.

   

• Take a trip back in time at the Oregon Coast Historical Railway Museum in Coos Bay. Rail enthusiasts may want to consider embarking on a unique rail biking adventure in a four-seater quadricycle in nearby Coquille, Oregon. Visit joyrails.com/ocrailriders for booking information.

For more information, please contact the Coos Bay-North Bend-Charleston Visitor & Convention Bureau .

Additional Resources:

• Where to Celebrate Coos Bay’s 150-Year History this Summer & Fall!
• Six Major Milestones We’re Celebrating This Year on Oregon’s Adventure Coast
• Celebrating Black History Month on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston
• Coos Bay receives Oregon Heritage All-Star Community designation
• Looking Backward for Tomorrow
• Coos Bay: An Oregon Heritage All-Star Community
• Coos Bay Designated Oregon Heritage All Star
• S. Oregon Coast’s Coos Bay Gets Heritage All-Star Status