Lecture: ‘Museums A Place and A Practice’ at Philomath Museum

Lecture: Museums A Place And A Practice
SPEAKER: Natascha Adams

Thursday, May 7, 10:30 a.m.

Museums are more than places that preserve objects—they are spaces where communities explore stories, context, and shared understanding. In this talk, Benton County Historical Society’s Curator of Exhibitions, Natascha Adams, reflects on how museums and history organizations help communities document diverse experiences, navigate complex issues, and foster meaningful public dialogue. Through examples from her work in Oregon museums, she highlights how storytelling and interpretation strengthen civic connection and community identity.

Natascha Adams is the Curator of Exhibitions at the Benton County Historical Society, where she leads dynamic, story-driven galleries at the Philomath and Corvallis Museums. Her work is shaped by an international upbringing and a family history of migration, fostering a deep commitment to belonging, curiosity, and connecting past and present. With an M.A. in Museum Studies and a diverse background spanning archaeology, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to revitalizing museums as vibrant public spaces. Above all, Natascha is driven by a lifelong curiosity and a deep belief that history, when told well, has the power to strengthen communities.