Experience Oregon

“Experience Oregon” exhibition. Photo by Andie Petkus Photography.

Type: Permanent Exhibit Audience(s): Family-friendly, Free for Members, Teachers, ResearchersLocation: Portland

  • Family-friendly
  • Free for Members
  • Teachers
  • Researchers
  • Hearing-impaired Friendly
  • Handicap Accessible Friendly

Location:
Oregon Historical Society
1200 SW Park Ave
Portland, Oregon 97205
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Permanent Exhibition

Whether you were born here, have chosen to make this place home, or are just passing through, it is undeniable that there is something special about Oregon. From its varied geography to innovative legislation, Oregon is complex and distinctive, filled with people whose stories are the foundation of the state we see today.

Covering the entire third floor of our museum, Experience Oregon is a dynamic educational space that highlights the people, places, and events that have shaped our history. Featuring more than 300 objects and archival materials from OHS’s collections, this vivid, interactive exhibition emphasizes the state’s vast geography and complicated history. Travel from the coast to the High Desert in our panoramic theater, take sides in historical debates, walk through a covered wagon, and learn how to build a canoe in this immersive exhibition.

 

Canoe, OHS Museum 780

Canoe, OHS Museum 780

Columbia River culture area, made by the Scarborough family as an oceangoing canoe.

Mrs. Frank Galler collecting huckleberries, Oregon Historical Society Research Library, bb014523

Okanogan author Christine Quintasket collecting huckleberries

Oregon Historical Society Research Library, bb014523

Paddles, OHS Museum 779.1-.4

Paddles, OHS Museum 779.1-.4

Loggers in Clatsop County, Oregon Historical Society Research Library, OrHi 93132, bb016662

Loggers in Clatsop County

Oregon Historical Society Research Library, OrHi 93132, bb016662

Moccasins OHS Museum 68-230 Plateau culture area

Moccasins, OHS Museum 68-230

Plateau culture area

Ann and Moy Shogren, Oregon Historical Society Research Library, OrHi 97924, bb016665

Ann and Moy Shogren

Oregon Historical Society Research Library, OrHi 97924, bb016665

Ship model, OHS Museum 71-89.1

Ship model, OHS Museum 71-89.1

Bridge of Nations, Lewis and Clark Exposition, Oregon Historical Society Research Library, OrHi 4599, bb017270

Bridge of Nations, Lewis and Clark Exposition

Oregon Historical Society Research Library, OrHi 4599, bb017270

Housewife, OHS Museum 4014

Housewife, OHS Museum 4014

Also known as a sewing kit, 1804–1806, carried by George Shannon, a member of the Corps of Discovery 

George Fletcher, Pendleton Round-up, Oregon Historical Society Research Library, OrHi 67878, bb016825

George Fletcher, Pendleton Round-up

Oregon Historical Society Research Library, OrHi 67878, bb016825

Beaver die and coin, OHS Museum 72-100.1.2 and 72-186.1

Beaver die and coin, OHS Museum 72-100.1.2 and 72-186.1

1849, used to strike “Beaver” currency by the Oregon Exchange Company. “Beaver Coins” filled a need for currency, although illegal under federal law. 

Driving near Multnomah Falls, OrHi 71191, bb016838

Section of concrete road near Multnomah Falls.

Oregon Historical Society Research Library, OrHi 71191, bb016838

Quilt OHS Museum 1721 1900, pieced and sewn by Abigail Scott Duniway to enter into a national suffrage bazaar

Quilt, 1900, OHS Museum 1721.

Pieced and sewn by Abigail Scott Duniway to enter into a national suffrage bazaar

Group of harvest hands probably near Moro, Oregon, Oregon Historical Society Research Library, OrHi 6337, bb016677

Group of harvest hands probably near Moro, Oregon.

Oregon Historical Society Research Library, OrHi 6337, bb016677

Benson Automobile, OHS Museum 99-41.1

Benson Automobile, OHS Museum 99-41.1

Built in Oregon between 1904 and 1906, featuring a four-cylinder engine and wooden spoke wheels. E. Henry Wemme most likely ordered the first car in Oregon in 1899, but Nils Benson was one of the first to build a car in the state, which he displayed at the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in 1905. 

Portland Commercial Iron Works women's lunchroom, Oregon Historical Society Research Library, OrHi 49856, bb016804

Portland Commercial Iron Works women's lunchroom

Oregon Historical Society Research Library, OrHi 49856, bb016804

Typewriter, ca. 1915. OHS Museum 2012-49.1

Typewriter, ca. 1915. OHS Museum 2012-49.1 

Used by Lola Baldwin, the first credentialed female police officer in the United States

Celilo Family, OrHi 104340, bb017342

Presentation of keys to Celilo Falls Indian Relocation Project. (left to right) Charles Quittocken, Mrs. and Mrs. Jimmie George, Mrs. TT Mackenzie, Mr. George Cloud.

Oregon Historical Society Research Library, OrHi 104340, bb017342

Kaiser mask, OHS Museum 2004-17.1

Kaiser Mask, OHS Museum 2004-17.1

1939–1945, Kaiser Shipyards, worn by Mrs. Hermina Strmiska

The Vancouver Baptist Church congregation celebrating the 30th anniversary of O.B. Williams as pastor in 1975, Oregon Historical Society Research Library, Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church collection, 1940-2015; Coll 189; Box 1, Folder 3
The Vancouver Baptist Church congregation celebrating the 30th anniversary of O.B. Williams as pastor in 1975.

Oregon Historical Society Research Library, Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church collection, 1940-2015; Coll 189; Box 1, Folder 3

Thank You Donors!

Thank you to the many individuals, corporations, and foundations that contributed to the FORWARD! campaign. Visit the FORWARD! campaign page to learn who built this dynamic and interactive exhibition.