News & Events
Christmas in Bethel 2026
We hope you'll plan to join us on Sunday, December 6th, 2026, for the annual Christmas in Bethel celebration. Free admission. . During the communal years, colonists observed many "fete" days such as Easter, Christmas, New Years, harvest feasts, Independence Day and...
Heritage Days 2026
Elementary and home school student groups are invited to join us on Friday, September 25, 2026 for Bethel’s annual Heritage Days event to “step back in time” and experience life as it was in a previous century. • • • SCHEDULE: Sept. 25, 2026 | 9:00am to 1:30pm (with a...
Wildlife & Outdoor Expo – August 2026
The 2026 Wildlife & Outdoor Expo (sponsored by Historic Bethel German Colony) will highlight a variety of educational seminars, exhibitors and vendors showcasing such items as hunting products and accessories, equipment, and outdoor related crafts for purchase....
Our History
Membership was about 650 in 1855 when Keil, fearing Bethel too subject to outside influence, led a group west and established Aurora Colony in Oregon. Their expedition over the Oregon Trail is unique for it was conducted as a funeral cortege. Keil’s son, Willie, died before he realized his father’s promise to lead the group and was carried instead in the head wagon in a metal box, alcohol-filled. After six months and over 2000 miles, he was buried at Willapa, Washington.
Keil never returned to Bethel, directing affairs there by letter. When the colonies disbanded, 1879-1881, they held property in common valued at $109,806. Bethel supplied $64,328 of this and owned 4267 acres.
