WAYNE MORSE HISTORICAL PARK CORPORATION

EUGENE, OR

The Wayne Morse Historical Park Corporation in Eugene, Oregon is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and highlighting the life and legacy of Wayne Morse. Morse was a United States Senator from Oregon from 1945 to 1969, and a law professor at the University of Oregon. The organization was founded in 2003 and is located in the Wayne Morse Free Speech Plaza in the heart of downtown Eugene.

The Wayne Morse Historical Park Corporation works to educate the public on Morse’s substantial legacy, which includes his courage to stand up to McCarthyism, his commitment to civil rights, his early opposition to the Vietnam War, and his belief in judicial independence. Through its educational programs, lectures, and special events, the Park Corporation seeks to inspire current generations to champion Morse’s values in their own lives.

The Park Corporation also hosts the Wayne Morse Legacy Awards annually. This award recognizes those who have demonstrated a commitment to civil rights, the environment, and social justice. The Park Corporation also works with local schools and community organizations to bring Morse’s story and his values to the public.

The Park Corporation is committed to preserving Morse’s legacy and keeping his ideals alive. In addition to its educational and public events, the Park Corporation also maintains the Wayne Morse Free Speech Plaza, an open area that serves as a reminder of Morse’s commitment to free speech and democratic dialogue.

WAYNE MORSE HISTORICAL PARK CORPORATION is a Arboretums, Botanical Gardens, & Nature Center in EUGENE OR. US MID #8404100275

The museum is classed as BOT (Arboretums, Botanical Gardens, & Nature Centers). It comes under American Alliance of Museums (AAM) region: Western (Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington).

Currin Covered Bridge <b>BRIDGE NAME:</b> Currin Covered Bridge
<b>OTHER NAME:</b> Row River Covered Bridge
<b>COUNTY:</b> Lane
<b>STREAM:</b> Row River
<b>NEAREST TOWN:</b> Cottage Grove
<b>STATUS:</b> Open to pedestrians only
<b>BRIDGE LENGTH:</b> 105 Feet
<b>YEAR BUILT:</b> 1883 (Original)
<b>REPLACED:</b> 1925
<b>CLOSED TO TRAFFIC:</b> 1979
<b>ADDED TO NRHP:</b> November 29, 1979
<b>REPAIRED:</b> 1987, 1995
<b>REOPENED FOR PEDESTRIANS:</b> 1995

<b>Other Notes:</b> It’s the only bridge in Oregon that’s painted two different colors: red and white.

VMS hit by falling tree During one of Lane County's most severe ice storms in years, our very own Region 2, District 5 Transportation Maintenance coordinator, Jake Jensen, took a routine road safety check and turned it into an extraordinary rescue mission.

On January 13, around 2:30 p.m., Jensen, returning to Veneta from the coast after assisting a coworker, encountered blocked westbound lanes at the Knowles Creek Tunnel on OR 126W. Recognizing the need for assistance, Jensen, armed with three power saws, extra chains, fuel and an unwavering determination, forged ahead aware he was in it for the long haul.

Alongside passengers from stranded vehicles, Jensen and the makeshift team cleared dozens of fallen trees from Knowles Creek Tunnel towards Veneta, braving extreme fatigue, 18 degree temperatures, freezing rain and darkness. The goal was to create a path just wide enough for vehicles to pass through.

One tree at a time
“The frozen trees dulled the chains,&quot; Jensen recalled. &quot;I had to rotate my saws, placing them inside the cab of my truck to keep them from freezing up. I went through six sets of bar chains. At one point, I made the decision to turn off my high beams because I could see how many more trees were in our path. I needed to focus on one tree at a time.”

Despite facing challenges, including a tree striking Jensen’s work truck, only damaging the Variable Message Sign and rack, he persisted, leading the convoy of cars behind him.

“As quickly as we were clearing trees in front of us, we could hear trees falling behind and all around us,” Jensen added. At one point, he met three vehicles trying to head west towards Florence. He swiftly turned them around before continuing east.

Over the next six and a half hours, Jensen faced ice-covered trees falling faster than they could be cleared, providing continuous updates to dispatch on the radio. ODOT colleagues dropped what they were doing to help, with Veneta and Glenwood crews working together to clear the path.

A successful rescue mission
Against all odds, what began as a road safety check evolved into a rescue mission, saving over a dozen vehicles and numerous passengers. They made it back to Veneta around 9 p.m., ensuring the safety of all stranded individuals.

Jensen, a dedicated 17-year employee, embodied determination, quick action and a get-it-done attitude, turning a hazardous situation into a remarkable display of community. We commend Jensen and all involved crews for their unwavering commitment to public safety.

January 2024 winter storm cleanup As the January 2024 snow and ice begin to thaw, crews move into clean-up mode. This team accesses trees on I-5, north of Cottage Grove and south of Cresswell.

January 2024 winter storm cleanup As the January 2024 snow and ice begins to thaw in the Willamette Valley, crews move into clean-up mode. Utility workers address downed powerlines on Saginaw Road between OR-99 and I–5.

Unity Covered Bridge <b>BRIDGE NAME:</b> Unity Covered Bridge
<b>OTHER NAMES:</b> Jasper-Lowell Road Bridge, Fall Creek Bridge
<b>COUNTY:</b> Lane
<b>STREAM:</b> Fall Creek
<b>NEAREST TOWN:</b> Lowell
<b>STATUS:</b> Open to traffic
<b>BRIDGE LENGTH:</b> 90 Feet
<b>YEAR BUILT:</b> 1890 (Original)
<b>REPLACED:</b> 1936
<b>ADDED TO NRHP:</b> November 29, 1979
<b>RENOVATED:</b> 1986
<b>REFURBISHED:</b> 2014

<b>Other Notes:</b> One of the more popular bridges for bicycle tours, a full-length window was added to its east side to give motorists and cyclists a better view of oncoming traffic.

Chambers Covered Bridge <b>BRIDGE NAME:</b> Chambers Railroad Covered Bridge
<b>OTHER NAMES:</b> OP&amp;E – Chambers Covered Bridge and OP&amp;E – Coast Fork Willamette River Covered Bridge
<b>RAILROAD:</b> Oregon, Pacific &amp; Eastern Railroad (OP&amp;E)
<b>COUNTY:</b> Lane
<b>STREAM:</b> Coast Fork Willamette River
<b>NEAREST TOWN:</b> Cottage Grove
<b>STATUS:</b> Open to pedestrians and bicycles
<b>BRIDGE LENGTH:</b> 78 Feet
<b>YEAR BUILT:</b> 1925
<b>ABANDONED:</b> 1951
<b>ADDED TO NRHP:</b> November 29, 1979
<b>DISMANTLED:</b> 2010
<b>RECONSTRUCTED:</b> 2011

<b>Other Notes:</b> After careful disassembling of the bridge, it was reassembled slowly on site using original materials from the dismantlement. Now, it’s known as the only remaining covered railroad bridge west of the Mississippi River.

Their Fathers' Magic Carpet <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/155762566?ref=studio-promote" rel="noreferrer nofollow">www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/155762566?ref=studio-promote</a>

Centennial Covered Bridge <b>BRIDGE NAME:</b> Centennial Covered Bridge
<b>COUNTY:</b> Lane
<b>STREAM:</b> Coast Fork Willamette River
<b>NEAREST TOWN:</b> Cottage Grove
<b>STATUS:</b> Open to pedestrians and bicycles
<b>BRIDGE LENGTH:</b> 84 Feet
<b>YEAR BUILT:</b> 1987

<b>Other Notes:</b> The bridge was created to honor Cottage Grove’s 100th birthday. Pieces from two Lane County dismantled covered bridges (Meadows Bridge and Brumbaugh Bridge) were used for construction.

Contact WAYNE MORSE HISTORICAL PARK CORPORATION

website: waynemorse.org

WAYNE MORSE HISTORICAL PARK CORPORATION
595 CREST DRIVE
EUGENE
OR
97405

Disclaimer: please note this database is maintained by volunteers and whilst we endeavour to do our best, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listing.

If you notice any errors or omissions in the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

< DESCHUTES COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY EAST LINN MUSEUM SOCIETY >

Find more EUGENE OR Museums

What 3 Words

///nodded.bonds.trio. Near Eugene, Oregon

Nearby Museums

WAYNE MORSE HISTORICAL PARK CORPORATION FURTHUR DOWN THE ROAD HUERTO DE LA FAMILIA - FAMILY GARDEN NEW ZONE GALLERY INC

Map of WAYNE MORSE HISTORICAL PARK CORPORATION

WAYNE MORSE HISTORICAL PARK CORPORATION Information

MID #	8404100275
Name	WAYNE MORSE HISTORICAL PARK CORPORATION
Alternate Name
Classification	Arboretums, Botanical Gardens, & Nature Centers, , Western
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)	510186450
NTEECC
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM)	201212
INCOME	0
REVENUE	0
LAT/LONG	44.021421, -123.100387
CODES	FIPS State Code: 41 FIPS County Code: 039 US Census Tract: 005200 US Census Block: 1003