Protecting Our State's Cultural Legacy

History shapes people’s understanding of who they are as individuals and as members of a civilization. The Oregon Historical Society is a scholarly asset and a public resource dedicated to putting the power of history into everyone’s hands and to advancing knowledge in all corners of the world.

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ExhibitsView All

Nevertheless, They Persisted: Women’s Voting Rights and the 19th Amendment

This original exhibit connects Oregon history to the national history of woman suffrage and commemorates the bravery of the women (and men) who demanded the vote and used their rights to shape our nation and our world.

March 14, 2020 – December 5, 2021

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ExhibitsView All

We are the Rose City! A History of Soccer in Portland

We are the Rose City! explores the history of professional soccer in Portland and the cultural context of the game. From the athletes to the fans, this original exhibit chronicles the many milestones that have shaped “Soccer City.”

July 24, 2020 – September 26, 2021

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ExhibitsView All

The Portland Clinic: A Century of Delivering Health Care to the Community

This exhibit celebrates the first century of The Portland Clinic, founded in 1921, as it continues to improve the health and wellbeing of the local community.

April 23 – October 10, 2021

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EventsView All

Historians and the News: Kathleen Belew

Dr. Kathleen Belew will discuss the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and its historical roots in...


Virtual program via Zoom. Register here.

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Oregon Loves New York: A Story of American Unity After 9/11

Sally Bourrie shares a recorded talk on her new book, "Oregon Loves New York," documenting the historic...


Pre-recorded program, to be released here

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I Am My Story Live

The Immigrant Story invite you to join us at an historic event to hear powerful voices of survival and...


Alex L. Parks Performing Arts Center, Jesuit High School

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Black Abolitionists and Mercantile Frontiers: A. H. Francis and His Circle, 1835–1864

Dr. Kenneth Hawkins will present on the life and achievements of Black abolitionist and merchant Abner...


Virtual program via Zoom

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Annual Meeting of the Membership

Join us for a chance to hear from Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk and the OHS Board of Trustees on the...


Register here

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Oregon Historical Quarterly covers

Oregon Historical Quarterly

The Journal of Record for Oregon History

The Oregon Historical Quarterly is a scholarly asset and a public resource that is dedicated to putting the power of history into everyone’s hands and to advancing knowledge in all corners of the...

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Library

Research and Library

The Oregon Historical Society’s research library and the “Oregon Historical Quarterly” preserve and provide access to collections and scholarship documenting the people, places, and events that have shaped Oregon’s history.

Digital History

Digital History Projects

The Oregon Historical Society’s Digital History Projects provide the most authoritative and comprehensive online resources on Oregon history. Using expert scholarship and OHS’s extensive collections of photographs, artifacts, and archival materials, the Oregon History...

FROM THE OHS BLOG

Transforming the Mezzanine Gallery — A Timelapse

Exhibition Preparation Specialist describes the high level of care and attention to detail that goes into

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From our Executive Director and Board President

Oregon Historical Society Statement on Racial Justice and Equality

In these turbulent and hopeful times, the Oregon Historical Society recommits itself to being a valuable...

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Venue Rental

Located in the heart of downtown Portland and overlooking the historic South Park Blocks, the Oregon Historical Society offers the blend of the old, the new and the beautiful, creating a memorable venue for all occasions. The Historical Society is an ideal venue for weddings, receptions, award dinners, lectures, seminars, business meetings, holiday parties and birthday celebrations.