Those Who Stayed: The Development of Government, Education and Business in Oregon.

Local kids learning Oregon history at the Mission Mill Photo By: Tim King

(SALEM) - The members of the Methodist Mission to Oregon led by Jason Lee set a firm foundation for Western migration and United States claims on the area that became Oregon.

An exhibit at the Mission Mill Museum, explores the contributions made by the Methodist missionaries who stayed and includes items on loan from Marion County Historical Society, Willamette University, the Oregon-Idaho Methodist Archives and Linn County Historical Museum and others.

The Exhibit is presented in conjunction with the Second Descendant Reunion of the Methodist Mission in Oregon being held June 16th, 17th and 18th at Mission Mill Museum.

The event is open to all interested parties, culminating in the Centennial Celebration of Jason Lee`s Final Return to Oregon Sunday June 18th at 2:00 PM at Lee Mission Cemetery.

Mission Mill Museum interprets the history of the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill which produced wool products from 1889 to 1962 and represents one of Oregon`s earliest and strongest industries. The museum also interprets the history of Jason Lee's Methodist Mission to Oregon which settled the Willamette Valley in 1834 before the major Oregon Trail migrations. The missionaries brought formal education, industry, and large scale agriculture and advocated for U.S. government in the Oregon country.