From iconic buildings to cherished landmarks, Oregon’s rich history is getting a major preservation push with the launch of the 2024-2033 Oregon Historic Preservation Plan. The Oregon State Historic Preservation Office has laid out a roadmap to protect and celebrate the state’s cultural gems.
The Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon isn’t just about fine arts, music, and theatre…we also lobby for support of historic preservation and culture. In fact, most of this year’s CREF projects recommended for capital funding involve historic preservation:
- B17 Alliance Foundation, Salem-$350,000 (hangar purchase for iconic B-17G)
- Columbia River Maritime Museum, Astoria-$700,000 (Mariners Hall project)
- Coos Art Museum, Coos Bay-$325,000 (restore and revamp only art museum on the coast)
- High Desert Museum, Bend-$2 million (addition and renovation)
- Historic Jacksonville, Jacksonville-$150,000 (“Museum Without Walls” project)
- Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center, Joseph-$300,000 (development of site as educational resource)
- Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum, Government Camp-$450,000 (building expansion)
- Museum at Warm Springs, Warm Springs-$1.5M (renewal and exhibit updates)
- Salem Art Association, Salem-$175,000 (re-imagining Bush House Museum)
- The Historic Elsinore Theatre, Salem- $350,000 (renovation of theatre/new signage)
- World Forestry Center, Portland-$1 million (campus transformation/Experience Center project)
This new plan isn’t just about saving old buildings—it’s about uniting Oregonians in an effort to safeguard traditions, collections, and places that make the state unique. The plan outlines four key issues that will shape the future of Oregon’s heritage preservation:
- Building the Heritage Community – Empowering the folks who keep history alive by connecting them to the growing, diverse communities that make up the state.
- Preservation Planning – Saving historic places by ensuring they’re identified, protected, and well funded for years to come.
- Government Support – Calling for more efficient, transparent processes from federal, state, and local governments and better administration of laws that protect Oregon’s history.
- Tech to the Rescue – Developing statewide tech tools to digitize historical documents and manage preservation efforts online.
The plan is designed to make Oregon’s preservation efforts more inclusive, accessible, and far reaching. The “heritage community”—a team of governments, museums, advocacy groups, and professionals—will spearhead the movement, ensuring that everyone from Tribes to real estate professionals plays a part in preserving Oregon’s legacy.
If you’re interested in learning more, check out oregonheritage.org, where the plan is available in both English and Spanish. Printed copies can also be requested from Oregon.heritage@oprd.oregon.gov or calling 503-986-0690.
Oregon’s past isn’t just meant to be admired—it’s meant to be protected, shared, and celebrated. Here’s to preserving history, one landmark at a time!