Cushing’s Point Museum

Stopped here after taking a look at the lighthouse nearby. There is free parking and free admission. When you go inside, there’s the museum part to the left and a gift shop to the right.
I went to the woman at the gift shop counter and asked if she had a lighthouse stamp (I collect them in my NPS Passport Book). She told me they ask for a $ 1 donation for a stamp. However, they keep the stamp behind the register so it’s more like a required price, not an asked for donation. I have never ever encountered this, but I went back to the car to get $ 1, figuring it’s a small price to pay in support of a free museum. Back inside, she did not ring my «donation» into the register, but instead put it in a small jar on ye counter, so who knows if the money is a donation to her wallet or the museum.
Anyway, they she was pretty rude about the stamps and even told me that she could probably stamp better than me.
I then peeked into the museum side, but there was a woman (employee? volunteer?) standing in the doorway, facing me blocking me from going in. I had enough at that point and left.
What could have been a nice experience wasn’t. At all.

If you’re planning a visit to Bug Light Park, you MUST pay a visit to the Cushing’s Point Museum. Free parking and free entry convenient to getting you in the door, which you won’t be disappointed about. It was the building itself that led me to look closer, located in a beautiful two story, restored brick house, only the bottom floor of which is open to the public. The small museum is self guided although they do have volunteer tour guides that will show you around if they’re on duty. There’s no way to plan a trip around the volunteers, but if you happen to see one, ASK QUESTIONS! It makes the experience 100% better and personally, I learned a great deal more with the guide.
Through the museum you will learn that Bug Light Park and Cushing’s Point were build up from the sea during World War II to mass produce war ships [the majority of which were worked on by women – FEMALE power!]. They have some fascinating before and after photos of the park [before just the ocean!] as well as unique tid-​bits about historical sites around Portland. They’ve added articles based on questions and patron feedback. Make sure you ask about the Fort that can be seen across when looking to the right of the lighthouse! They also have a small gift shop in the museum, although it’s mostly souvenir type items. Stepping into Cushing’s Point Museum made my trip to Bug Light Park not only scenically beautiful, but gave it a well-​rounded historic view as well. Take 15 – 20 minutes and check out this museum when you’re in the area!