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Oregon Historical Society
Explore Oregon's history in permanent and rotating exhibits.
Discover Oregon’s fascinating history at the Oregon Historical Society located on downtown’s South Park Blocks and across the street from the Portland Art Museum.
Tips for Visiting the Oregon Historical Society
When is the Oregon Historical Society open?
Sunday: Noon – 5 p.m.
How much does it cost?
$10 for Adults
$8 for Students/Teachers, and Seniors
$5 for Youth (ages 6-18)
Free for children under 5 years and residents of Multnomah County
Monthly programs featuring Oregon authors, historians and artists are often free and open to the public. Information on upcoming and ongoing events can be found on the museum’s event calendar.
Details are subject to change; please check Oregon Historical Society’s Website for current information.
The museum features many permanent and rotating exhibits covering local history both before and after Oregon became a state in 1859. Experience Oregon, a permanent exhibition opened in 2019, takes over the entire third floor of the museum and spans the state’s vast geography and complicated history, representing the many people, places and events that shaped the land now known as Oregon.
Among the museum’s robust collection of historic artifacts is the “Portland Penny” — the very coin tossed in the air by city founders Asa Lovejoy (from Boston, Mass.) and Francis Pettygrove (of Portland, Maine) to determine which of their hometowns would be the new city’s namesake (“Portland” beat “Boston” on two out of the three tosses).
The Oregon Historical Society’s research library also contains the largest collection of Oregon-related books, photographs, films and oral histories anywhere in the world, and is great for researching a historic home or finding a long-lost Oregonian relative.
Visit the museum store to pick up a unique souvenir, including custom cards, magnets and housewares designed especially for the Oregon Historical Society.
Museums and Historical Places
Discover Portland's rich history at these unique museums.
World Forestry Center Discovery Museum
Tree- and forest-lovers of all ages can learn about the importance of sustainability and experience a Portland icon at the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum, with exhibits on local and global forests.
Pittock Mansion
High in the West Hills, the Pittock Mansion offers picture-perfect views of the city and interesting insights into Portland's history.
Portland Art Museum
The largest art museum in Oregon and one of the oldest in the country, the Portland Art Museum is central to the city's cultural district, housing a large and wide-ranging collection of artworks.
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