Oregon and Portland have a rich culture about them: People always refer to the Chinese Gardens and the Art Museum as staples of the Portland area, but there is another part of Oregon that does not seem to get as much attention. That part is the Oregon Historical Society.
Society needs history
Oregon and Portland have a rich culture about them: People always refer to the Chinese Gardens and the Art Museum as staples of the Portland area, but there is another part of Oregon that does not seem to get as much attention. That part is the Oregon Historical Society.
The Oregon Historical Society has been facing a multitude of budget issues lately that are threatening to lock away Oregon’s past treasures and shut down the society. This is something that cannot be allowed to happen.
The Oregon Historical Society offers a lot of interesting and educational opportunities. Many Po
rtland State students use the research library for papers or projects. Unfortunately the research library faced severe budget cuts and had to eliminate numerous staff members and cut back on their hours last year.
The library is ideal to many PSU students due to its close proximity to campus. It is located just down the park blocks right across from the Art Museum at 1200 SW Park Ave.
The exhibits are appealing to the masses. “Oregon My Oregon” is a permanent exhibit that takes visitors through Oregon’s rich history into the present. Aside from “Oregon My Oregon,” exhibits are constantly changing, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The Oregon Historical Society also brings back local artists who have hit the big time. A few years ago there was an exhibit featuring the works of Michael Curry, the man behind the magnificent costumes in “The Lion King” on Broadway.
Curry is an Oregon native and was thrilled to have his work displayed. He made sure that museum visitors could interact and touch his puppets and costumes. Although some items were behind glass, overall it was an interactive exhibit that indulged Oregonians’ inner child.
Part of the Oregon Historical Society’s funding problem resides in not receiving enough visitors. It seems as though many Oregonians are not aware that the society rests in the heart of downtown.
While lack of funding is an issue that has many elements to it, lack of awareness is definitely part of the society’s problem. Oregonians, get excited about your history!
If the Oregon Historical Society has to forever close its doors then Oregon will lose vital parts of its history. Sure, stuff could be auctioned off or moved somewhere else, but then it would not be in one place for everyone to enjoy.
To let this place close would be a great injustice—not just to Oregon and Oregonians, but also to others who visit this wonderful state and want to learn more about it. Show some pride in this state and support the history that led as all here. Without it, you would not be here.
We are proud of our Chinese Gardens and our Art Museum, we are proud of our trees and our tolerance—it is about time that we show that we are proud of our history.
