The Oregon Historical Society (OHS) exists to protect our state’s cultural legacy. Founded in 1898, OHS has been preserving Oregon’s long, rich story for over a century. Located in downtown Portland’s North Park Blocks at 1200 SW Park Ave., the Oregon Historical Society’s museum is an opportunity to be immersed in the heritage of one of our nation’s key provinces.
The museum is open seven days a week, and features a permanent exhibit about Oregon history upstairs, as well as rotating featured exhibits on the ground floor. Museum admission also includes access to OHS’s Research Library, which is open Tuesday through Saturday, and contains artifacts, photographs, manuscripts and oral histories.
This year’s lineup of featured exhibits will be fascinating, moving and educational. “Chinese American: Exclusion/Inclusion” opened January 28th and will continue through June 1st, 2016. The exhibit discusses how America and China have a rich trade history, and yet Chinese American citizens have had to fight for access and rights since the beginning of this complicated relationship. “Beyond The Gate: A Tale of Portland’s Historic Chinatowns” (which will run February 29th through June 21st, 2016) will take the story to Portland specifically, using rarely seen Chinese opera costumes and theatrical sets, as well as bilingual text, audiovisual media, and interactive visitor stations. You can also enjoy “Perfectly Fit: The Multnomah Athletic Club, 1891-2016” from January 28th to July 5th, 2016 and “Painting Oregon’s Harvest: The Art of Kathy Deggendorfer” from March 10th through June 6th, 2016.
As you enter Oregon Historical Society’s museum, take a moment to observe the enormous “trompe l'oeil” (to fool the eye) mural of Lewis and Clark’s expedition on the side of the building. Can you tell what is true depth, and what is just a visual deception?
Hours:
Museum:
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm / Sundays: Noon – 5pm
Library:
Tuesdays: 1pm – 5pm / Wednesday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Admission:
Members FREE
Multnomah Co. Residents (with proof of residency*) FREE
Adults $11
Students (with ID) $9
Seniors (60+) $9
Youth (6 – 18) $5
Children (5 & under) FREE
Rick
9 years agoThe Oregon Historical Society society is such a wonderful museum and part of the South Park Blocks in Portland. Thanks for posting it and all of the great upcoming exhibits, Merlin!