The Benton County Historical Museum is housed in what was originally the Philomath College Building. In 1865, local subscribers pledged $17,500 to the United Brethren in exchange for their development of an institution o learning, Philomath College. Leaders composed the name from two Greek words to mean “a lover of learning, a scholar.” Built in 1867, the original two-story brick school building included classrooms on the first floor and a chapel on the second. The west and east wings of brick veneer over wood frames were completed in 1905 and 1907 respectively, with student labor. The town of Philomath grew up around the school and took its name.
After Philomath college closed in 1929, church services continued until 1968. In 1978 Benton County voters approved a levy that provided initial funds for the operation of a county museum in the Philomath College building.
The Benton County Historical Museum collection includes approximately 65,000 items that illustrate the diverse themes of our heritage. The museum offers exhibits, contemporary art exhibits, and a research library.