Laura Matzer named new Exec. Dir. at Columbia Gorge Discovery Center

Laura Matzer is the new Executive Director at Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. She is taking the reins from Carol Purcell who spent 21 years at the center, 13 as Director.

From Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum with additions by Tom Peterson:

THE DALLES — Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum welcomes the arrival of the organization’s new Executive Director, Laura Matzer. The announcement follows outgoing Executive Director Carolyn Purcell’s retirement after twenty-one years of remarkable service at the museum, including thirteen as Director.

“I am thrilled to be here,” said Matzer this afternoon, March 2. “The team is fantastic here. There is a real comradery that you don’t see at a lot of places. This is really special.” 

Oman Botanic Garden

Matzer has education and leadership experience in cultural and art museums in the United States and internationally. Spending the ten years leading up to the 2020 pandemic in the Middle East, she developed the strategic plan for visitor engagement and interpretation ahead of the Oman Botanic Garden’s opening. Matzer also led in the development and opening of high-profile museums for Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi.

Museum in the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi.

“I’m so excited to join and work alongside Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum’s wonderful and talented team. Venues like ours create community through our programs and amenities, providing a rich, informal learning environment to inspire ongoing stewardship of the region’s remarkable natural and cultural resources,” Matzer said.

In her time working on the Saadiyat Cultural District project, Matzer worked with the Musée du Louvre and Agence France Muséums, The British Museum, and the Guggenheim Foundation, successfully carrying out exhibitions through visitor engagement, via self-supporting programming, relevant interpretative content, and communication initiatives.

“The Board and staff are delighted to have Laura join us and we are looking forward to the community and museum members getting to know her and her passionate work,” said Board of Directors Co-Chair Dan Harkenrider. “We are also very grateful to Carolyn Purcell for her devotion to the organization. Carolyn will be missed, as she has been a cornerstone for the organization for over twenty years.”

Matzer said a smooth transition to her becoming Executive Director started during January, and she thanked the Board and Purcell for making it so. 

“It’s a testament to the board here,” she said. “They really wanted care and attention to that handover, and I am grateful for it.” 

This year, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center is celebrating its 25th anniversary with special events every month and a free community anniversary celebration on May 21, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the official interpretive center for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The museum is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hands-on, multi-media exhibits illuminate the cultural and natural history of the Gorge, including Ice Age geology, Native American culture, Lewis and Clark, the Oregon Trail, trade, transportation, renewable energy, ecology, live raptor presentations and more. The museum is wheelchair accessible, and family-friendly, with a Kids Explorer room. Riverfront Trail offers hiking and biking, and a native plant nature trail circles the pond next to the museum. Located off I-84 exit 82, at 5000 Discovery Drive, The Dalles, Oregon, 97058, museum adult admission is $10, seniors $8, kids 6 to 16 are $5, and free for children 5 and under. Live raptor presentations are held Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and daily throughout the summer starting March 19, 2022. The raptor schedule may vary to accommodate tour groups, so call ahead to verify times if you are planning your day around the raptor presentation. The Columbia River Trading Company museum store is open daily and free to enter. For more information, phone (541) 296-8600 ext. 201, or visit www.gorgediscovery.org.

Leta, Tim and Bandit!

This story sponsored by:

Pioneer Electric

Leta and Tim Barclift are owners and operators of Pioneer Electric, 423 E. Second St., The Dalles. They are here to serve you in all your refrigeration, stove and appliance needs. They can also help with parts. And don’t forget to pet Bandit while you’re there.