Philomath Museum is offering guided docent tours this fall to its ongoing exhibit marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
“Centuries of Celebration,” which opened April 25 and remains on display through Jan. 2, features artifacts, memorabilia and cultural symbols from the 1876 Centennial and 1976 Bicentennial commemorations.
The tours, scheduled for Aug. 19 at 2 p.m., Sept. 23 at 11 a.m. and Oct. 21 at 2 p.m., will give visitors a closer, guided look at how each era reflected the values, aspirations and spirit of its time.
Tours take place indoors at the museum and last about 30 minutes. Admission is free, but registration is required online at bentoncountymuseums.org. Groups or classrooms interested in scheduling a private tour can contact education@bentoncountymuseums.org.
Among the items featured in the exhibit is a Revolutionary War-era drum, along with antique hand-stitched American flags and souvenir calendars produced for the bicentennial celebration.
One of the centerpieces is a signature quilt created in 1976 by Carolyn Ostergren, a Benton County resident. The quilt bears more than 60 signatures from celebrities of the era, including Gloria Steinem, Elvis Presley and Julia Child.