Oregon Public Broadcasting

After three museums closed in Oregon City earlier this month, history buffs are hoping a bold new plan will attract more visitors. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

The Museum of the Oregon Territory, the Stevens-Crawford Heritage House and The Museum at the End of the Oregon Trail all shut their doors this month.

Fourteen people lost their jobs and it was a sad blow for a city that prides itself on history.

David Porter of the Clackamas Heritage Partners says they now face two choices. Either scrimp and save like they’ve always done -- and try to open for the summer; or think big and maybe build a tram to link the museums and the historic Willamette Falls.

David Porter: “The economic development study we commissioned says we would get 154,000 visitors annually to Oregon City, just to visit that site. We would additionally generate $700,000 in net income after expenses and it would create 22 new full-time jobs.”

A tram is just one of many ideas to be discussed Tuesday evening at the Museum of the Oregon Territory.

Some people don’t like the idea for environmental reasons, others are more concerned about the cost.