The Oregon Historical Society – features more than 50 separate displays tell the story of Oregon

The Oregon Historical Society Museum, in Downtown Portland, boasts over 85,000 some of which date back to the earliest settlements in Oregon. The museum chronicles the exploration of Oregon Country, the growth of business and industry, the development of local artwork, and maritime history.

The Oregon Historical Society was formed in 1898, shortly afterward it opened its first museum in Portland City Hall and began collecting literature and historical artifacts. The museum moved to the Keller Auditorium in 1917 before settling in its current location in 1966. The museum features several permanent exhibits in addition to traveling exhibits and those available online. Popular exhibits include Oregon My Oregon which occupies an entire floor of the building. It features more than 50 separate displays tell the story of Oregon through artifacts, interactive displays and several re-created environments. Additional exhibits include rare Western native basketry, the iconic landmark photographs of Carleton Watkins, and the first automobile built in Oregon by the Benson brothers. The society also houses one of the country’s most extensive collections of state history materials. Featuring over 30,000 books and 8.5 million feet of historic film the library covers everything from pre-statehood to present day.

The Oregon Historical Society Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and from 12pm to 5pm Sundays. Tickets are $11 for adults, $9 for students and seniors, $5 for those under 18 and free for children under 5 and Oregon Historical Society Members. Tours are included with the price of admission and last around an hour. The Oregon Historical Society Museum is located at 1200 SW Park Avenue in the heart of Downtown Portland. Check out their website at www.ohs.org for more information. Looking for something else that is uniquely Portland? Check out Powell’s Books at 1005 W. Burnside or Washington Park just minutes from downtown.

April 17, 2009 · Filed Under Art and Museum, Day Activities

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