Albany Honors Its Heritage:
Step Into History This May

Albany, Oregon offers a full lineup of events to celebrate National Historic Preservation Month this May. Whether you're interested in heritage architecture, family history, vintage bicycles or cultural traditions, there’s something on the calendar for everyone.

Discover Albany’s stories, sights, and events all in one place with the Albany Explorer app, presented by the Albany Visitors Association and HospitalityVision. The app highlights things to see and do around town, from historic sites and shopping to dining and community events. Download the free app from the Apple Store or Google Play. 

A featured section, Pioneering Women, showcases the inspiring stories of local women who helped shape Albany. Eleven remarkable trailblazers are currently featured, each with a written biography, video profile, and walking directions to locations tied to their legacy. Three more women will be added soon—so be sure to check back and discover even more Albany history in the making.

The Albany Downtown Wine Walk returns Friday, May 2, from 4-8 pm in Historic Downtown Albany. Checkin will be in the parking lot at 1st Avenue and Ferry Street. Tickets are $20 and include entry, a wine glass, and five tasting tickets. Additional tasting tickets are available—five for $5. Tickets will be sold the day of the event, with an express line for advance purchases (available at the Albany Visitors Association until 12 pm on May 2). Enjoy tastings from local Oregon wineries while supporting the Rotary Club of Albany. 

This hands-on workshop, will take place from 5-7 pm Friday, May 2 at the Albany Regional Museum. In recognition of National Historic Preservation Month, the museum’s Collections Manager will guide visitors through techniques for caring for personal heirlooms and keepsakes.

This year’s theme, Carriage Me Back to 1909, covers early 20th-century progress in Brownsville. Learn about the push for a new steel bridge across the Calapooia and challenges in platting south Brownsville. Enjoy a narrated carriage ride with historical skits and a stop at the Moyer House for more entertainment. The tour takes place 10 am-5 pm Saturday, May 3 and 12-5 pm Sunday, May 4 at the Linn County Historical Museum, 101 Park Ave in Brownsville. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children under 12, or $225 for a full carriage (up to 20 people). Reservations are strongly recommended. Call 541-466-3390 to get your seat. 

The bicycle show takes place 1-5 pm Saturday, May 10 at Deluxe Brewing. Free to attend, the event features more than 75 vintage bicycles with judging in categories including Best Original Condition, Best Restored Condition, Best Custom Build, Best BMX, and The People’s Choice Award. All bicycles from 1989 or earlier will be considered vintage. Outside food is welcome, and a food cart will be open.

This month, History Bites at the Albany Regional Museum features Matilda Novak as she shares her family’s story of escaping communism and founding Novak’s Restaurant in Albany. Learn about their journey and what they are doing today. It takes place 12-1 pm Wednesday, May 14. Admission to the talk is free; regular admission applies to view museum exhibits. Light refreshments will be served.

The Tour takes place Saturday, May 17 with two narrated tours departing at 10 am and 11:30 am. Passengers will learn about the region’s history while enjoying a ride through town. Tickets are $5 per person, and seating is limited. Contact the Albany Regional Museum, 541-967-7122, to reserve a spot.

Preserving the Past: Structural Health Assessment of Albany’s Historic 1929 Hangar takes place 1-2:30 pm Saturday, May 17 at the Albany Municipal Airport, 375 Airport Way SE. Mariapaola Riggio, PhD, Associate Professor in Wood Design and Architecture at Oregon State University, along with her graduate students, will demonstrate techniques for evaluating the structural health of historic timber buildings. The event is part of a class focused on how aging, environment, and maintenance affect wood structures, with an emphasis on preservation and reliability. Contact Debbie Origer at 541-990-0398. 

The 46th Annual łatwa ina Pow-Wow takes place Saturday, May 17, at Gill Coliseum, 660 SW 26th St, Corvallis. Doors open at noon, with Grand Entries at 1 pm and 6 pm. This free community event features Indigenous dancers, singers, a marketplace, and affordable fry bread. Presented by the Native American Student Association and university partners. Drugs and alcohol are not tolerated. For disability accommodations, contact Christy Jones at 541-737-3628 or christy.jones@oregonstate.edu.

The first Willamette Valley Powwow takes place Saturday, May 31, from 10 am-10 pm at the Boulder Falls Center, 505 Mullins Drive, Lebanon. Hosted by the Lebanon Native American Education Program, this free event is open to all and will feature craft and food vendors on-site. Enjoy traditional and contest dancing, special performances including Aztec Dancers, and presentations led by MC Bob Tom and Arena Director Deitz Peters. The event is drug, alcohol, and weapon-free. For more information, contact Laurie Regalado at 503-508-3782 or laurie.regalado@lebanon.k12.or.us.