Willamette Heritage Center Changing Exhibits

Caralyn B. Shelton The Nation’s First

Female Governor

Caralyn B. Shelton. WHC Collections 2019.013.0007

Open July 11, 2025 – December 6, 2025

Recognized as the first female acting governor in the United States, Caralyn B. Shelton served as Oregon’s Governor during the transition between the terms of George E. Chamberlain and Frank W. Benson in 1909 – 3 years before Oregon women were granted the right to vote!

In her three-day tenure as acting Oregon Governor, Caralyn B. Shelton demonstrated that a woman could execute the duties of the highest state office. Her story was told by newspapers all over the world at the time, but few today know her name and her remarkable story.

In addition to telling this remarkable story, this exhibit will be the first-time artifacts from the Caralyn B. Shelton Collection at the Willamette Heritage Center will be on display.

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Pop Up Gallery

November 28 – February 13, 2025

Wine making in this region predates statehood. Learn how the valley’s rich abundant fruit harvests have led to the over a century of fermenting. Despite setbacks from local and national prohibition legislation, the tradition continues. Exhibit was produced through a partnership with the Oregon Wine History Archive at Linfield University and Salem’s own Honeywood Winery.