Explore Albany, Discover your story
May is National Preservation Month, a time to celebrate our love for history with exciting events that are happening in and around town. We have curated a list of some of our favorite events to help you get started. However, you can find many more on our calendar and in our National Preservation Month brochure.
Have fun exploring Albany hunting architectural treasure during the Hidden History Scavenger Hunt taking place through May 30. Forms are available at The Natty Dresser, Albany Visitors Association and Albany Downtown Association. You can also print your own Scavenger Hunt form. Completed forms must be returned to The Natty Dresser by 5 p.m. Thursday, May 30. All correctly completed entries will be put into a drawing for a prize. A winner will be announced on May 31.
For 1st Friday, 4:30 to 7 p.m. May 3, the Albany Regional Museum will host Preserving your Family Photos. Attendees are invited to bring 10 family photos to learn how to digitally preserve them during a clinic by Collections & Exhibits Manager, Amy Bozorth.
The Guided Birding Tour at Thompson’s Mills will be 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on May 4, 11 and 18. Join experienced birders Bill Freeland and Madelyn Antinucci at Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site, located 2 miles east of Shedd, to learn what is happening in the avian world this spring and how to observe and record your findings. Binoculars are recommended; a few will be available to loan. Wear comfortable waterproof boots and dress to be outside for at least an hour, walking one mile on flat ground. To register, go to stateparks.oregon.gov and click on Events Calendar under the heading Things To Do. Free tours of the mill will be available as well. Meet in the parking lot next to the restrooms. For more information, call 541-227-8873.
The 1st Avenue History Walking Tour is at 6 p.m. on May 7 and 2nd Avenue History Walking Tour at 6 p.m. on May 8. Both tours will begin at Burkhart Square (next to the Civic Theater) 101 1st Ave. SW. The tour is free but there is a suggested $5 donation per person to benefit the Monteith House. Sponsored by the The Natty Dresser.
Albany Tweed Ride starts at The Natty Dresser, 124 Broadalbin St. SW, at 10 a.m. May 11. Don your finest tweed attire and take a bicycle tour of Albany’s National Historic Districts. Arrive by 9:30 to enter the costume and best bike contests. The ride starts at 10. The tour feature stops to talk about historic buildings and sights, as well as a word or two about menswear. The ride ends at the Vintage Bicycle Show & Swap Meet, hosted by Deluxe Brewery. Food and drink will be available for purchase at the brewery and riders are welcome to bring a picnic lunch, as the brewery allows outside food. Bring a cup if it looks like it is going to be a warm day for a water break along the way.
Vintage Bicycle Show & Swap Meet is 1-5 p.m. May 11. It takes place at, and sponsored by, Deluxe Brewing, 635 Water Ave. NE. Admission for spectators is free and $5 per bicycle if you wish to enter any in the show. For information call 541-928-7699.
The Cumberland Church Celebration Open House will be 12 to 2 p.m. on May 11, marking 132 years of the historic church, which was dedicated May 5, 1892. Enjoy tours, cake and history of this wonderful building, which is being renovated and will be home to the Cumberland Community Events Center.
Meet at The Natty Dresser‘s Broadalbin Street entrance, 124 Broadalbin St. SW for a tour of the 1912 SE Young & Son Building Tour, 3 p.m. May 14. See artifacts from previous tenants and get a glimpse behind the scenes at the Natty Dresser. You will learn about the building’s original owner and the architect who made it happen. After the tour you can stick around and explore the Natty Dresser and get a sample of cheesecake from Beloved Cheesecakes which is located inside the building.
History Through Headstones Tour will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on May 22. Sponsored by Albany Regional Museum in partnership with Riverside Cemetery, the 14th annual History Through Headstones self-guided tour features docents presenting the historical contributions of local medical practitioners. This event is free to attend. Can’t make it on May 22? No worries! Signage will remain up at Riverside Cemetery following this event with QR codes. Once you scan the QR code with your smart phone, you will have access to a narration of the lives of this year’s subjects.
Enjoy the talent of Albany artists during the Downtown Art Walk 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 11. Stroll through historic Downtown Albany to see artists who will be on hand demonstrating their crafts or selling their works at various locations.
