Protecting Our State's Cultural Legacy

History shapes people’s understanding of who they are as individuals and as members of a civilization. The Oregon Historical Society is a scholarly asset and a public resource dedicated to putting the power of history into everyone’s hands and to advancing knowledge in all corners of the world.

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Rivers, Roses, and Rip City: The Remarkable History of Portland

The relationship between the people, the land, and the water of Portland is the focus of our newest permanent exhibition, “Rivers, Roses, and Rip City.” Learn about the city’s distinctive landscape, the communities that contribute to the...

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Models in Motion: The Ivan L. Collins Collection of Historic Vehicles in Miniature

Ivan Collins’s models of historical horse-drawn vehicles authentically capture every detail to preserve history for future generations. This exhibition showcases 60 wagons that Collins made during his lifetime.

January 26 – September 8, 2024

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A Fountain of Creativity: Oregon’s 20th Century Artists and the Legacy of Arlene Schnitzer

This series of two original exhibitions highlights influential works by Pacific Northwest artists from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and his Family Foundation. Featuring notable artists such as Louis Bunce, Carl and Hilda Morris,...

June 28, 2024 – May 4, 2025

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Oregon’s Sleepy Hollow: The Leach Legacy

The lives and careers of John and Lilla Leach span nearly a century, and encompass botanical explorations and discoveries, civic leadership and development in Portland, and the transformation of their beloved home and garden, Sleepy Hollow,...

April 18 – August 4, 2024

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I Lived to Tell the World

The Immigrant Story presents “I Lived to Tell the World,” a new multimedia exhibition that celebrates the stories of people who have survived perilous journeys and unthinkable cruelty in their home countries, only to build new and...

June 20 – November 17, 2024

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Summertime Member Celebration

OHS members are invited to our annual summer celebration for drinks, appetizers, and a chance to gather...


Oregon Historical Society

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Teaching with Primary Sources Summer Institute

Join us for a three-day institute on teaching the new Oregon Social Science Standards Integrated with...


Oregon Historical Society

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Free Admission for Oregon and Washington Educators to Local Cultural Attractions

From July 28–August 10, Oregon and Washington educators can visit cultural attractions for free as well...


Various Locations

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Portraits of Portland: Photos from 1970s–1980s

Join photographer Patrick F. Smith as he shares photographs and stories he has collected wandering the...


McMenamins Kennedy School

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Educator Night

Teachers and administrators are invited to learn more about the Oregon Historical Society‘s exhibitions...


Oregon Historical Society

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Oregon Historical Quarterly covers

Oregon Historical Quarterly

The Journal of Record for Oregon History

The Oregon Historical Quarterly publishes well-researched, well-written history about Oregon and the Pacific Northwest and is enjoyed by scholars and general readers.

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Library

Research and Library

The Oregon Historical Society’s research library is an invaluable resource for learning about the past and providing context on the present. Visitors can enjoy broad access to the world’s largest collection of Oregon-related materials, both in the library’s newly renovated...

Digital History

Digital History Projects

The Oregon Historical Society’s Digital History Projects provide authoritative and comprehensive resources on Oregon’s history and culture. Visit OHS’s four digital history websites to browse encyclopedia entries, interactive maps and timelines, and materials from OHS’s...

From the OHS Blog

Chronicles from the Research Library: The First West Coast Public Library?

An 1843 letter that providedcontaining evidence that the Multnomah Circulating Library might be the first...

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Tickets on sale now!

Heather Cox Richardson

Heather Cox Richardson is a professor of history at Boston College who writes widely about...


Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

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