About Us
The Oregon Historical Society is dedicated to making Oregon’s long, rich history visible and accessible to all. For more than a century, we have served as the state’s collective memory, gathering and preserving a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, films, manuscripts, books, and oral histories. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.
Researchers from around the world travel to our library, unearthing information that challenges conventional thinking. Curious individuals come to us to explore their family trees or discover the history of their homes or neighborhoods. Archaeologists, environmentalists, filmmakers, architects, novelists, artists, and others all find their way to us, asking questions, making discoveries, creating knowledge.
We share our vast collection through thought-provoking museum exhibits and robust digital platforms. We bring history directly to Oregon's students in ways that bridge gaps of time and perspective, and we support lifelong learning through our many public lectures and events. We advance critical inquiry through the Oregon Historical Quarterly , a journal that has sparked conversations throughout our community for over a century.
About the Oregon Historical Society
The Oregon Historical Society practices and promotes inclusiveness. We honor the diverse strengths, needs, voices, and backgrounds of all members of our community and are committed to the equitable treatment of all people and the elimination of discrimination in all its forms.
Strategic Plan
The Oregon Historical Society Strategic Plan guides our work through 2023. While our organization has celebrated many proud accomplishments in our mission to preserve our state’s history and make it accessible to all, we have also encountered challenges and identified areas for growth. In it, we commit to redoubling our efforts to partner with communities across the state as we also deepen our internal capabilities...
Learn MoreBoard
The Oregon Historical Society has an active volunteer Board of Trustees which oversees the general operations of the Society. In addition, OHS...
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Employees and volunteers of the Oregon Historical Society are engaged in promoting the understanding of how history enriches and helps guide our...
Learn MoreHistory of the Oregon Historical Society
The Oregon Historical Society (OHS) is a private museum, archival library, and educational institution headquartered in downtown Portland. It was founded on December 17, 1898, with the purpose of forwarding the “collection, preservation, exhibition, and publication of material of a historical character, especially that relating to the history of Oregon and of the United States.”
Learn MoreAffiliates and Partners
The Oregon Historical Society is thankful for the support of our Affiliate Members and Partner Organizations around the state.
History Near YouNewsletter
The Oregon Historical Society’s member newsletter, The Historian, is the best way to stay up to date on the happenings at OHS. From...
Learn MoreKerry Tymchuk Named Oregon Business and Industry 2018 Statesman of the Year
Oregon Historical Society Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk was named 2018 Statesman of the Year by Oregon Business and Industry. He was honored at a banquet celebration on Thursday, September 13, which included this touching video tribute to his many years of service to Oregon and the nation. We are proud to call Kerry our leader at OHS. Many thanks to Oregon Business & Industry for making this video available to
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