Explore the international collections of Louis C. Raymond (1906 – 1994), highlighting items from different countries around the globe.

Raymond grew up in Astoria, Oregon. He spent much of his childhood inspired by stories of the Gold Rush from his visiting relatives and developing an interest in geology. Spurred on by this, Raymond pursued training from the School of Mines at the Oregon Agricultural College—now known as Oregon State University—and graduated in 1930 with a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering.

During his career in the mining industry, he traveled to many different countries. As a curious scientist, economist, and self-taught artist, he collected many cherished items in his travels. Towards the end of his life, in 1989, Raymond donated much of his collections to the Horner Museum at Oregon State University. Each item was donated with descriptions of its origins and history. The 60,000+ items of the Horner Museum now reside with the Benton County Historical Society, including Raymond’s collections.