Museum's Newest Exhibit Brings Sound to Life
By Kay M. Roth
The Philomath Bulletin
Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009

'Can you hear me? Now?' is the newest exhibit at the Benton County Historical Museum. Having opened following last week's tree lighting ceremony, the exhibit explores the wonders of sound communication technology.

From televisions, musical instruments, equipment to capture sound waves, bells, whistles, telephones, and many other sound emitting items, the new exhibit is a great way to learn more about what types of sound making equipment has been popular through times.

'Off the hook,' the section of the exhibit about the telephone features phones from many different eras. From a phone patented in 1882 and a wooden phone booth like the one Clarke Kent used to change into Superman in the 1950s to a switchboard used in nearby Monroe and an early cordless phone used by Philomath mayor and pharmacist E.C. Golden, this exhibit is a great way to show kids how much the telephone has changed over the years.

Another part of the exhibit features the history of the DeMoss family band. The family settled in Oregon in 1862 before taking to the road to perform around the world. The family combined to play over 41 instruments, many of which are on display at the museum.

The Benton county Historical Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am until 4:30pm. There is no admission charge although donations are accepted. Don't miss 'Can you hear me? Now?' and the other wonderful exhibits that makes our museum one of the best in the state!