They have joined together to begin a capital campaign this year to raise money for a new 30,000-square-foot, $4 million building they will share. Directors for both groups said the timing is right since each is seeking a new home.

“We’re thrilled about the new partnership and look to provide the community with one place to house the visitor’s center, the chamber, and museum,” said Craig Schmidt, the chamber’s executive director.

The chamber has been looking for a new place since the Port of Hood River announced plans for commercial redevelopment of the Expo Center. Schmidt said the chamber will have to move into temporary quarters in 2008 until the new facility is built.

“The synergy between the two is perfect,” said Schmidt.

He said both have a high volume of visitors that tour the museum and come to the visitor’s center each year. Museum Director Connie Nice said they have been looking for a new place because they have run out of room.

“We are losing the opportunity to collect artifacts because we are outgrowing our space,” she said.

The museum has been in its current location since 1978 but the collection of its artifacts began in 1907. That was under its two grandfather organizations: the Hood River County Historical Society and The Pioneer Society.

Nice and Schmidt said the two boards for the chamber and museum have been talking since November. They have hired an architect and will be spending the next few months brainstorming ideas on the new facility.

The capital campaign will begin this fall with a fund-raiser at The History Museum.

“We’ll be looking for community support,” Nice said. I’m not shy about raising money.”