Our valued client, Oregon Historical Society is facing deep budget cuts that threaten its future; read below for an appeal from OHS’s Executive Director, George Vogt outlining an opportunity to support the organization’s long term future
Who are we? How did we get here? How can we better shape our future? The lessons of Oregon’s history matter – but only if we and our children can learn them. Because of years of state funding cuts, we are about to lose that ability. With Measure 26-118 we can keep public access to Oregon’s unique history.
A local levy for Oregon Historical Society continues existing services and restores adequate hours for the museum and library:
- Our History Museum offers a place for students, writers, researchers of Oregon’s history and the public to study and learn about Oregon’s history.
- More and more schoolchildren are visiting– and more want to come on field trips to visit and learn at the Oregon History Museum.
- Residents and researchers come to OHS to search for and discover information about their neighborhoods and old homes, local businesses, family history, and historical treasures from the attic. Many collections document the stories of minorities and ethnic groups, such as Japanese Americans, African Americans, and Native Americans. The levy will restore full public access to the Research Library back up to 32+ hours per week (up from only 12 hours/week.)
What Happens to OHS Without Levy Funding?
- The state has cut its funding to OHS dramatically; cash reserves are nearly gone.
- Without Additional Funds, OHS will close facilities to the public beginning next year.
The Return for Local Residents . . . for a local levy:
- FREE admission to the Oregon Historical Museum and Research Library for all Multnomah County residents and all school groups. One visit to the museum equals the $10 local levy cost on the average-assessed home.
- Our history institutions help us to understand our history and shape our future.
Keep Oregon History alive. Please join us in voting “YES” on Measure 26-118.