Current Exhibits

Treasures of the Vault

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:24:00 +0000

Ongoing

Treasures of the Vault From the rare and priceless to the peculiar and mysterious, the artifacts in the Oregon Historical Society’s collection document everything from key moments in Oregon history to the minute details of daily life. We’ve searched the vault and selected the most historic, intriguing, and unique items, many of them never before displayed, for this remarkable exhibit.

The Photography of Marian Wood Kolisch

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Opens April 12, 2012

Marian Wood Kolisch began her career in photography at age fifty-two. After her children left home, she was “looking for something to do” when she chanced on the course she would pursue passionately for the rest of her life. She experimented with many photographic genres -- including landscape, street photography, and still life -- but is best known for what she referred to as “faces and figures,” capturing the visages of some of Oregon’s most prominent citizens.

Visions of Lewis and Clark

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:00:00 +0000

March 4 - May 24, 2012

This spring, the Oregon History Museum will be hosting ?Visions of Lewis and Clark,? an exhibit of 26 kites inspired by the intrepid explorers. In 2001, kite exhibit creator SkyWindWorld commissioned 26 art kites to be made by America?s most renowned kite builders. Each artist selected a quote from the Lewis and Clark journals, which they interpreted through a kite. Their magnificent efforts created the most outstanding collection of flying art ever created in America.

Portland Community College: 50 Years of Education Revolution

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:00:00 +0000

February 28 - June 17, 2012

The decade of the 1960s brought wave after wave of upheaval and transformation to American society. Among the most lasting changes was the idea that all people—not just the elite—deserve a chance to better their lot through higher education. “PCC: 50 Years of Education Revolution” examines those early years as that novel idea took form and set the path for the large, multi-faceted college we know today. As Portland Community College celebrates its 50th Anniversary, this exhibit looks back on the times, the struggles, and the people with stories, photographs, and artifacts from technical training programs, including firefighting, welding and health care equipment, student newspapers, and classroom technologies.

Oregon My Oregon

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 20:24:00 +0000

Winner of a 2005 MUSE Award, Oregon My Oregon features the most important pieces from the Society's collection of artifacts.

The Benson Automobile

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 23:31:00 +0000

History and photos of the first car completely built in Oregon by "garage inventors" Nils Benson and James Chance

Oregon: 150 Years of Statehood; 150 Million Years in the Making

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:46:19 +0000

The windows in this exhibit illustrate how geology crafted Oregon's landscape and natural resources and continues to shape the land and lives of its citizens.

Oregon's Landmark Legislation

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 22:00:00 +0000

Oregon has repeatedly led the nation in creating, revising, and implementing laws shaping the quality of life of its citizens. While Oregon’s innovations have evoked controversy, they have charted the course for other states and nations.

The 16 exhibit windows at the State Capitol will highlight groundbreaking legislation that Oregon has passed since Statehood either by Politician, Legislative Action, or Public Initiative.

Arranged chronologically, the window panels present legislation that focuses on environmental, social, and land use issues.

The Battleship Oregon

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 20:24:00 +0000

Learn about the Oregon's important role in the Spanish-American War.

Oregon Art

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:24:00 +0000

The Northwest Art Gallery is a permanent rotating exhibit drawn from the collections of OHS and private lenders.