The Cowsills to perform benefit concert for Jefferson County Historical Museum project
(Update: adding comments from Paul Cowsill and board member of historical society)
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A classic American pop-rock group is heading to Central Oregon, but their upcoming concert is about more than just music — it’s part of a community push to bring a long-awaited historical museum to life.
In Jefferson County, history is all around, but there’s currently no single place dedicated to preserving and sharing it. That’s something the Jefferson County Historical Society hopes to change.
“Jefferson County is the only county in the state that does not have a historical museum,” said Margee O’Brien, a board member with the society. “We bought the building. We just have to get it restored and move our antiquities in.”
The plan is to transform a historic 1908 church in Madras into a community museum. Organizers hope the space will celebrate local history while bringing residents together. They even intend to have rotating displays, so there's always something new for visitors to enjoy.
“It’s not so much the money as it is the whole idea of getting people in the community behind it,” O’Brien said. “This is a great opportunity for anyone in the community to have a goal and to help us make this museum award-winning.”
While money isn't the focus, it's still a necessity. To help fund the project, a well-known name from the 1960s is stepping in.
The Cowsills — the family band behind several major pop-rock hits and an inspiration for “The Partridge Family” — will perform a benefit concert at the Madras Performing Arts Center on April 11th. All proceeds will go to toward making the museum a reality.
For band member Paul Cowsill, the cause is personal.
“The history that Madras has is insane,” he said. “This is quite a place to live. We want to have everything out of that room back there so people can see it, because they'll be amazed at the history of this town and this area.”
Cowsill, who has lived near the community for about two decades, feels supporting local history is a way to give back.
Beyond fundraising, Cowsill hopes the concert offers a sense of connection and nostalgia.
“It’s just a time that people can forget about whatever is outside that door and come on in here and kind of get on a time machine, so to speak,” he said. “Bring your kids. They’re going to like it… you’ll love it!”
Organizers say the event is a chance to support a lasting community project while enjoying a night of classic music — a night of nostalgia, with a purpose.
You can purchase tickets in-person at the Madras Pioneer, online at the Madras Performing Arts Center site, or at the door if any tickets remain on opening night.
