Ever wondered how long the Willamette Valley has been playing baseball? Or the origins of the beloved sports games we share on campus? At the Willamette Heritage Center’s (WHC) latest changing exhibit, “Let’s Play,” students can view sports memorabilia and read stories from the Mid-Willamette Valley’s past. From gazing upon an old scoreboard from a local basketball championship game to learning about Willamette University's rich history, sports lovers and students alike can appreciate the exhibit.
Michelle Cordova, the executive director of the Willamette Heritage center, explained in an email interview, “As a heritage invitational exhibition, this is a unique opportunity to see artifacts in one place from around the Mid-Willamette Valley. … The idea is to broaden the voices being included in the WHC’s exhibits but also offer some publicity and a public forum for these amazing museums in our region, and, by doing so, supporting our overall mission.”
This season’s exhibit is popular among the younger demographic in Salem and highlights some of the historic sports moments from surrounding the area, including a picture of the 1903 Willamette women’s basketball team.
The Pop-Up Gallery is open from Jan. 24 to May 24, 2025, costs $6 for students with an ID, and is located in the big, red Mill building right across the street from campus. During a quick visit, visitors can learn why recreational sports were an important part of the Oregon State Hospital or see proof of the unbelievable sport that is men’s basketball on roller skates, featured in a 1906 issue of the New York Times.
Cordova hopes the exhibit shows students that “Willamette Heritage Center is committed to expanding the scope of historical narratives to better reflect the diverse experiences of those who shaped our region and reflect the full richness of our community’s history.”