A new exhibit is now on view on the second floor of the museum. Learn about the role of this often overlooked clothing item. From Indigenous traditions to modern kitchens, the apron tells a story of labor, ingenuity, and identity. At once practical and symbolic, aprons protected scarce garments, marked social roles, and reflected changing ideas about work, gender, and domestic life.
This exhibit was inspired by aprons recently donated by Evelyn Phelps. She fondly remembers how her mother always had an apron on, and how she seemed to have a different apron for different kinds of work. On exhibit you will see several of Mary Hespack’s aprons, including a unique one designed specifically for holding clothespins while hanging laundry. Other pieces in the exhibit include aprons from Pixie Kitchen, the artist Ruth Grover, and place-mats made from recycled flour sacks.’
The North Lincoln County Historical Museum (NLCHM) will host Jim Affolter for a special talk on Saturday, December 13th, 2025 at 1:00 PM. Affolter will share the fascinating collaborative process behind creating Neskowin: A Book of Found Photos, a richly assembled visual history drawn from decades of community-sourced images.
Jim Affolter, a life long Oregonian, has always had an interest in the history of this state. His family were some of the earliest homesteaders in the Neskowin area, and he has a deep passion about the history of the local area. A former school teacher who started his teaching career in Taft in the early 80’s, Jim and his wife Marilyn moved to Neskowin five years ago.
During this presentation, Affolter will discuss how the project began, what it revealed about the region’s past, and why preserving everyday photographs can reshape our understanding of local history. A Q&A will follow, and books will be available for purchase directly from the Neskowin Historical Foundation. The event is free and open to the public.
Letter writing carries a unique personal touch that digital communication can never replicate. The feel of the paper, the forming of individual letters in the author’s handwriting, a water stain from a teardrop, or a smudge of ink – even the smell can evoke the time and place the letter was written.
Join us at North Lincoln County Historical Museum for our second Letter Night! We will read aloud some historic letters from NLCHM’s collection including correspondence from Stan Allyn, Earl Nelson, Alice Sim, and so many more. We invite you to bring a letter from your own keepsake box to share, one that reminds you of the deep connection and care found in handwritten words.
