The Ilwaco Heritage Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that maintains and operates the Ilwaco Heritage Museum, featuring local history exhibits and a small research library. The museum is supported by a membership program, private and public contributions, admission fees and a variety of community activities. The Foundation is a community-based organization, whose mission is to preserve and interpret the heritage of the Columbia Pacific region, including the lower Columbia River and adjacent coastal areas of southwestern Washington and northwestern Oregon.