The Baker Heritage Museum will kick off the 2009 season with a grand opening event Saturday, March 14.

The evening festivities will include hearty hors d’oeuvres, silent

and live auctions and a performance by the Elks Drum and Bugle Corps.

The event starts at 5:30 p.m. at the museum, 2480 Grove St. Tickets

are $35 and available by calling the museum at 541-523-9308 or by

mailing payment to the museum at 2480 Grove St., Baker City, OR 97814.

Auction items include beef, original artwork, one week at an East Eagle cabin, a handmade potting bench crafted from barn wood, two loads of gravel, gift certificates to local businesses, coffee and chocolates.

Also, two new museum exhibits will be showcased in the Central Exhibit Gallery:

andbull; Lost Towns of Baker County will feature photos, documents and artifacts from some of the towns that flourished during the county’s mining heyday.

“It’s a golden opportunity to dig into our past,” said Peggi Timm, museum commission chair.

andbull; Buildings and Businesses: Then and Now features items from the museum’s collections and items loaned from local residents.

“Have you ever wondered about the history of some of Baker City’s historic buildings? Come to the museum to learn some of the fascinating facts,” said Joan Jacobs, museum director.