The CCMM began as an arm of the Sumpter Valley Museum Association in Sumpter, Oregon. The SVMA was incorporated in 2000. However, after two years with the SVMA, it was determined a separation would be in the best interest of the Cracker Creek Museum and its mission. In 2002 the CCMM filed as a seperate non-profit corporation. It was determined this would best serve the original concept of our mining musuem. However, a partnership still exists between the two organizations which helps to maintain a healthy balance with seperate but equal missions and best serves the restoration and preservation of Sumpter's rich history. As with the Sumpter Museum, most of our mining equipment and tools come from generous donors who wish to see this rich heritage preserved. PURPOSE AND MISSION OF THE CCMM The restoration, preservation, interpretation and display of historical artifacts representing the mining heritage and culture of Sumpter, Oregon and surrounding areas. PROPERTY OF THE MUSEUM AND ITS DEVELOPEMNT The Cracker Creek Museum of Mining is located on Oregon Highway 220 (Sumpter Highway), just North of the Hwy 220 and Sawmill Gulch Road junction. This location is comprised of 2.1 acres. This Museum is also the final home of the Historical Monighan Dragline. The museum property was given to the Cracker Creek Museum of Mining by Ladd and Jeanette Henderson of Hood River, Oregon. The museum property was leveled and landscaped in 2001 under a grant from the Meyer Memorial Trust. Additional excavation and rockwork was done the same year by Sumpter resident Joe Stocker. In 2004, water and electricity and a City of Sumpter sewer line were brought to the property. DEVELOPMENT STRATIGIES FOR THE MUSEUM We continue to add to our list of mining artifacts and display them for public viewing until a restoration plan can be implemented. Our next construction project will likely be a restoration shop with an office area and storage for the blacksmith collection. This year our major project was moving the Historic Monighan from it's last home to it's final resting place at the Mining Museum. This was a priority project for the CCMM in 2008 which already had great public interest and anticipation. It was hoped to fix the Monighan and bring it down under it's own power but that dream was not realized............. However, we are proud to say the mighty Monighan is now where everyone can see it at the Museum Site. Come See The Monighan in Sumpter, Oregon! The Cracker Creek Museum of Mining site is slowly developing with the generous help of members and donors, and the grateful help of some locals........ Although at this time the museum is not staffed, we have developed the site so visitors to Sumpter can take self-guided tours through exhibits of mining equipment gathered from Sumpter mining sites and from the surrounding area. info@sumpteroregongold.org top of page back to main page