Pictured Above from L to R: Colin Deverell, National Parks Conservation Association, Nicole Possert, Restore Oregon, Governor Tina Kotek, Sue Densmore, Friends of the Oregon Caves & Chateau, Pam Bowman, National Trust for Historic Preservation. Photo Courtesy of the Office of Governor Kotek.
Oregon Caves Chateau - One of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places
Pictured Above: Rachel Browning, Restore Oregon Board President and Nicole Possert, Executive Director. Photo Courtesy of Friends of Oregon Caves & Chateau
Pictured Above: In the Oregon Caves Chateau on May 6, 2025 with National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP). L to R: Pam Bowman, NTHP; Sue Densmore, Friends of Oregon Caves & Chateau; Natalie Woodward, NTHP. Photo Courtesy of Friends of Oregon Caves & Chateau
Pictured Above: Governor Kotek making remarks of support for the Oregon Caves Chateau at May 7th event in Salem. Additional speakers Nicole Possert, Restore Oregon to the left and Pam Bowman, National Trust for Historic Preservation to the right. Photo Rachel Browning/Restore Oregon
The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced its prestigious list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places on May 7, 2025, including the Oregon Caves Chateau. The Friends of the Oregon Caves & Chateau (Friends) hosted a media and celebration event in Salem with Governor Tina Kotek and speakers from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Restore Oregon and the National Parks Conservation Association. This new designation elevates the Chateau’s needed restoration to a matter of national importance and is creating unprecedented and necessary momentum for its rescue and revitalization. It is also the first time any property in Oregon has been included on the list since the program’s inception in 1988.
Restore Oregon placed the Oregon Caves Historic District, where the Chateau is located, on our statewide Most Endangered Places program in 2016. We successfully advocated for funding to begin work in 2018. After this work began, additional structural deficiencies were discovered. The secured funding was no longer sufficient, so work stopped mid-construction. The Friends created a new Blue Ribbon Committee in 2024 to raise awareness and develop a bigger coalition. As a key member of this committee, Restore Oregon worked closely with the Friends to bring our preservation partners at the National Trust to the table. This new “11 Most” designation brings the Chateau’s plight to our nation’s attention.
At the event, Restore Oregon was asked to speak about the significance of the Chateau in Oregon. Below are the remarks made by Executive Director Nicole Possert. We collaborated with the Friends to develop a local press release that complemented the National Trust’s overall announcement. There has already been some positive coverage, including:
Saving Places (National Trust’s website)
OPB with national NPR reporter Neda Ulaby
KOIN -TV
KOBI -TV, Channel 5 Medford
Pictured Above: Kick off media event in Salem on May 7, 2025 to celebrate the Oregon Caves Chateau’s inclusion on the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Group pictured includes Friends of the Oregon Caves & Chateau board and Blue Ribbon Committee members with the Governor’s staff from Regional Solutions. L to R: Sue Densmore, Kasey Holwerda, Bernie Thurber, Deelia Warner, Joan Plank, Colin Deverell, Nicole Possert, Bob Repine, Marta Tarantsey, Amelia Porter. Photo Courtesy of National Parks Conservation Association.
Restore Oregon’s remarks for May 7th announcement:
Thank you Sue and the Friends for your dedication to the Oregon Caves Chateau for all these many years. I’d like to acknowledge the leadership of Governor Kotek and of course BIG THANKS to the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing the significance and need for this coalition to grow with this designation one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.
The Oregon Caves Chateau is one of just 17 places in Oregon designated as a National Historic Landmark, which means it possesses exceptional value in illustrating the heritage of America.
In Oregon we have 3 great historic lodges, each connected to Oregon’s rich natural beauty. Imagine with me for a second.
Zoom down to rural Southern Oregon to the Oregon Caves Chateau anchoring the entrance to the world-renowned Marble Cave in Oregon’s first National Monument.
Now move north to our only National Park, Crater Lake. My mind sees the pristine blue lake and the historic lodge. Restore Oregon played a key role in saving and restoring that lodge many years ago.
Traveling North again until one comes upon Mt. Hood National Forest. Mt Hood is synonymous with the now iconic and historic Timberline Lodge.
Oregonians - we have worked together to protect and save historic and natural resources. Collectively we’ve created these protected landscapes, built and loved our great lodges, and advocated for their restoration. It is so important.
But of the three, the Oregon Caves Chateau is the one that needs our collective attention right now. It is most vulnerable right now. Its needs are urgent - NOW.
Restore Oregon has been active in preserving the historic treasures of Oregon for close to five decades. It’s only fitting that we, and now the National Trust for Historic Preservation, are collaborating with everyone here to be the voice for THIS GREAT Lodge, the Oregon Caves Chateau.
We’re ready to get to work and save it. Please join us.