History Hub

A group of elementary students explore “History Hub.” Photo by Cheryl Juetten Photography.

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

  • Free for Members
  • Family-friendly
  • Teachers
  • Handicap Accessible Friendly

Location:
Oregon Historical Society
1200 SW Park Ave
Portland, Oregon 97205
Get Directions

Permanent Exhibition

Who is an Oregonian? Where in the world do Oregonians come from? How can you make Oregon a great place for everyone? In History Hub, youth are invited to explore these questions and the history of diversity and equity in Oregon through games, touch-screen interactives, puzzles, objects, and pictures.

History Hub was developed in partnership with an advisory committee of students and educators in collaboration with the Oregon Black Pioneers, Portland Public Schools Indian Education Program, and the Southern Oregon Historical Society to tell the stories of people who live in Oregon, today and in the past.

History Hub Partners

Oregon Black Pioneers

Oregon Black Pioneers (OBP) is Oregon’s only historical society dedicated to preserving and presenting the experiences of African Americans statewide. For more than 30 years, OBP has illuminated the seldom-told stories of people of African descent in Oregon through their engaging exhibitions, public programs, publications, and historical research. Additionally, they partner with local organizations to identify, interpret, and preserve sites with African American historical significance. Their mission is to “research, recognize, and commemorate the history and heritage of African Americans in Oregon.”

Portland Public Schools Indian Education Program

The Title VI Indian Education Program provides supplementary education support to students of documented American Indian ancestry representing over 100 U.S. tribes. The project provides cultural education to connect students with their Native history, cultures, and traditions, instilling pride and confidence to achieve challenging academic standards. An extensive collection of Indian Education resources is located in the Project’s Resource Library, which is used by Native families, students, and district staff to access enriching curricular and instructional materials and support resources.

Southern Oregon Historical Society

The Southern Oregon Historical Society was established in 1946, and its mission is to bring history alive by collecting, preserving, and sharing the stories and artifacts of our region’s past. Through its interpretive programs, collections, and publications, the Society strives to educate the public and generate an appreciation of regional history for present and future generations.

Meet Sunshine, the History Hub Western Meadowlark!

As you explore History Hub, you will be guided through Oregon history by Sunshine, a spunky western meadowlark. In 1927, the Oregon Audubon Society (now the Bird Alliance of Oregon) sponsored a contest among schoolchildren to choose the state bird. The western meadowlark was the winner, making it the only Oregon symbol not officially chosen by the state legislature!

History Hub Meadowlark

bb003727 Princesses of happy canyon

Princesses of Happy Canyon in 1964, Donna Minthorn (left) and Sophia Bearchum, pose in traditional regalia. Happy Canyon is an Indian pageant and Wild West show that takes place yearly in Pendleton, Oregon. 

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Cheryl Juetten photo
bb014540 Children of migrant workers

Children of migrant workers sit on a bench awaiting their turn to have their eyes examined by health workers in Washington County, 1964.

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Cheryl Juetten photo
bb014372 Becoming American Citizens

Valerie Hong (left) age 7, and her sister Natalie, age 4, from Hong Kong China, become American citizens. The American flag is held by Staff Sgt. Erwin Logan during their Americanization reception in 1964.

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Cheryl Juetten photo
bb014776 Chemawa Indian Boarding School

Indian youth at Chemawa Indian Boarding School wear western clothing, 1886.

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Cheryl Juetten photo
bb005636 Migrant families playing softball

Migrant farm workers at a labor camp enjoy a game of softball in 1961. The families play softball in the evening after they finish their work in the fields.

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Cheryl Juetten photo
bb014213 Working at a salmon cannery

A child and two men pack Bon Bon brand salmon cans in a cannery in Astoria, Oregon.

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Cheryl Juetten photo
bb014693 Vanport Lunch Line

An unidentified woman uses a cash register at the Vanport School cafeteria, ca. 1943.

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Cheryl Juetten photo
bb001715 Willis Andrew Teaches

Willis Andrew Williams teaches a class at Failing School in Southwest Portland ca. 1952. He was also the vice principal at that school.

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Cheryl Juetten photo
bb009688 Chinese students

Chinese graduate students from China arrive in Portland to attend colleges and universities in the U.S.

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Cheryl Juetten photo
bb003450 Students demonstrate clean rivers

Mayor Joseph Carson demonstrates with students for a clean river measure. They hold band instruments and placards, 1938.

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Cheryl Juetten photo
bb014537 Hal Webbers wrangler band

Hal Webber's Juvenile Wranglers Band. Four young boys hold a banjo, guitar, mandolin, and fiddle, date unknown.

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Cheryl Juetten photo