Mission
Our mission is to teach local history by preserving and showcasing the unique 1903 Brown House, local stories, artifacts, and other resources for citizens of and visitors to Stayton. We work to use our resources to connect people to this community.
Vision
Our vision is to complete the restoration of the Brown House, and make it available for people to learn its history and to develop new memories of their own in the House through private rentals or events held there . We will archive our artifacts and make them available to the public . We will provide education to children and adults about local history.
Values
We offer an opportunity to all to be involved in the restoration, preservation, and activities of Brown House. We strive to make interactions with everyone respectful, kind, and welcoming. We seek to model the importance of preserving history and the value of dedication to a project and our community. We respect those who have contributed to the history of the house from 1902 through today.
Programs
Monthly Guided Tours are available on the second Sunday of the month from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. $5 for adults. Under 18 FREE.
We provide other educational programs throughout the year. Watch our website, Facebook page, and Instagram feed for details. If you wish to be on our mailing list, simple request addition on the “Contact Us” page of this site.
History
In 1903, Charles and Martha Brown moved into the grand Victorian Queen Anne style home Charles built. All three of their children were born there.
Charles died in 1925 and Martha continued to live in the house until 1929, when Alice Kendricks opened Stayton Hospital (the first in town) in the house, with 130+ "Brown House Babies" born there during its years of operation, between 1929 and 1938.
In 1949, the Weddle family bought the house, and various family members lived there until 1987.
After about 10 years of sitting vacant, the house was scheduled for demolition, but the Santiam Heritage Foundation was formed in 2000 to save it.
Their mission was, and continues to be, to have the beautiful old house remain as a place for new memories to be made.
Board of Trustees and Officers
President – Wendy Stone, Member since 2008
Vice President – Steve Poisson, Member since 2016
Secretary – Rebecca Kimsey, Member since 2023
Treasurer – Amy Wooden, Member since 2019
Trustee - Anne Hernandez, Member since 2008
Cultural Partners
The Santiam Heritage Foundation has established partnerships with a variety of like-minded organizations. Please explore other historic locations, sponsored by our Cultural Partners.
Resources
For additional reading about the history of the Stayton area, read on….
Stayton ~ Focused on Regional Service
Documents
For copies of all our Federal 990 forms, please click here.