Oregon Historical Society Museum

Oregon Historical Society Museum is a renowned institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of Oregon, United States. Founded in 1917 by Harvey W. Scott, the museum has been a hub for historical research and education, with a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that highlight the state's diverse cultural and historical heritage, including the experiences of Native American tribes, Pioneer settlers, and Chinese immigrants. The museum's mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Oregon and the surrounding region, including the Columbia River Valley and the Willamette Valley. With a strong focus on Oregon Trail history, the museum also explores the lives of notable figures such as Marcus Whitman, Jason Lee, and John Jacob Astor.

● History

The Oregon Historical Society Museum was established in 1917, with Harvey W. Scott as its first president, and has since become a leading institution in the field of Oregon history, with a strong focus on the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Oregon Trail, and the California Gold Rush. The museum's early years were marked by significant contributions from notable historians and collectors, including Frederick H. Holly, Charles H. Carey, and Thomas W. Vaughan. In the 1920s, the museum began to acquire a significant collection of artifacts and documents related to the history of Oregon, including the Oregon Constitution, the Treaty of Fort Laramie, and the Donation Land Claim Act. The museum has also been involved in various historical preservation efforts, including the restoration of the Pioneer Courthouse, the Old Church, and the Pittock Mansion, which are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

● Collections

The Oregon Historical Society Museum's collections are diverse and extensive, featuring over 85,000 artifacts, 25,000 books, and 3 million photographs and films, including the Oregon Journal and The Oregonian archives. The museum's collections include significant holdings related to the history of Portland, Oregon, the Columbia River Gorge, and the Willamette Valley, as well as the experiences of African American pioneers, Chinese immigrants, and Japanese American internment during World War II. The museum also has an extensive collection of artifacts related to the Oregon Trail, including Conestoga wagons, Pioneer clothing, and Native American artifacts, such as those from the Chinook tribe and the Nez Perce tribe. Additionally, the museum's collections include significant holdings related to the history of Oregon's timber industry, the Oregon wine industry, and the Oregon arts scene, including works by notable artists such as Charles Heaney, C.S. Price, and Henrietta Mantel.

● Exhibitions

The Oregon Historical Society Museum features a range of exhibitions that showcase the state's rich history, including the Oregon Trail, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the California Gold Rush. The museum's exhibitions have explored topics such as the history of Portland's Chinatown, the experiences of Japanese American internment during World War II, and the life and legacy of Abigail Scott Duniway, a prominent Oregon suffragist. The museum has also hosted exhibitions on the history of Oregon's Native American tribes, including the Chinook tribe and the Nez Perce tribe, as well as the experiences of African American pioneers and Chinese immigrants in Oregon. Recent exhibitions have included "Oregon My Oregon," "Portland: A City of Change," and "The Oregon Story," which have featured artifacts and stories from the museum's collections, including those related to the Oregon Constitution, the Treaty of Fort Laramie, and the Donation Land Claim Act.

● Building and Grounds

The Oregon Historical Society Museum is located in downtown Portland, Oregon, in a historic building that was constructed in 1917, with a design inspired by the Palladian style and the Colonial Revival style. The building features a grand entrance, a large atrium, and a series of galleries and exhibition spaces, including the Grand Lobby and the Pioneer Courthouse Square. The museum's grounds include a small park and a memorial to Oregon's pioneers, as well as a Portland Loo and a Food Cart Pod. The building has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including a major renovation in the 1910s, which added a new wing and a research library, and a more recent renovation in the 2010s, which updated the museum's exhibitions and facilities, including the Oregon Historical Society Museum Store and the Portland Art Museum.

● Programs and Events

The Oregon Historical Society Museum offers a range of programs and events for visitors of all ages, including lectures, workshops, and guided tours, such as the Oregon Historical Society Museum Tour and the Portland Walking Tour. The museum also hosts a range of events and exhibitions throughout the year, including the annual Oregon History Day celebration, the Portland Rose Festival, and the Oregon Book Awards. The museum's education programs include workshops and classes for students and adults, as well as online resources and educational materials, such as the Oregon Historical Society Museum Education Guide and the Portland Public Schools Curriculum Guide. The museum also partners with other organizations and institutions, such as the Portland Art Museum, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and the University of Oregon, to offer joint programs and exhibitions, including the Oregon Arts Commission and the Oregon Humanities Council.

● Governance and Funding

The Oregon Historical Society Museum is a private, non-profit organization that is governed by a board of trustees, which includes notable figures such as Kerry Tymchuk, David L. Lewis, and Susan Castillo. The museum is funded through a combination of private donations, grants, and public funding, including support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Oregon Arts Commission, and the City of Portland. The museum also relies on the support of its members and volunteers, who contribute to the museum's operations and programs, including the Oregon Historical Society Museum Volunteer Program and the Portland Volunteer Corps. The museum's annual budget is around $10 million, which is used to support its exhibitions, programs, and operations, including the Oregon Historical Society Museum Staff and the Portland Museum of Art Staff.