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:

1. Building the Heritage Community – Empowering the folks who keep history alive by connecting them to the growing, diverse communities that make up the state.
2. Preservation Planning – Saving historic places by ensuring they’re identified, protected, and well funded for years to come.
3. Government Support – Calling for more efficient, transparent processes from federal, state, and local governments and better administration of laws that protect Oregon’s history.
4. Tech to the Rescue – Developing statewide tech tools to digitize historical documents and manage preservation efforts online.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!

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We are confident these projects are ready for state investment, meaning they have solid progress in their plans, have raised private funds, and are viable for many years:

• 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)
• Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre, Baker City-$600,000 (Baker Orpheum Theatre renovation)
• 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)
• Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland-$375,000 (Black Swan Theatre renovation)
• 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)

View photos and details.

“It was an honor to work with nine arts leaders around the state to recommend 14 shovel-ready cultural capital projects to the Oregon Legislature,” said Ginger Savage, Chair of CREF Committee and Executive Director, Crossroads Carnegie Art Center. “From preserving a historic airplane and revamping the only art museum on the Oregon Coast to restoring theatres, sites, and entertainment spaces, these projects will revitalize arts and culture across the state.”

“I’m always excited to support the geographically diverse capital projects recommended by CACO,” said Oregon Representative Rob Nosse. “They highlight the best of Oregon, highlighting our diverse history, vibrant arts scene, and thrilling cultural sector. I’m happy to champion this well-curated collection.”

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The awards include a total of $728,759 to the Cultural Trust’s five statewide partners (Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Humanities, Oregon Historical Society, and the State Historic Preservation Office) and $728,759 to 45 county and Tribal cultural coalitions that award an average of 450 additional awards annually in their communities.

The grants include 86 cultural development program awards. Congratulations to supporters of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon that received grants:

• Cultural Advocacy Coalition Foundation: $12,422
• APANO Communities United Fund, Portland: $20,144
• Artists Repertory Theatre, Portland: $32,584
• Bag & Baggage Productions, Hillsboro: $7,18
• Caldera Arts, Central Oregon and Portland: $12,384
• Oregon Ballet Theatre, Portland: $30,09
• Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, Portland: $12,400
• PHAME Academy, Portland: $21,781
• Portland Art Museum, Portland: $22,11
• Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble, Portland: $30,76
• Portland Opera Association, Portland: $31,669
• Portland Playhouse, Portland: $26,274
• Third Rail Repertory Theatre, Portland: $13,927
• Chehalem Center Association, Newberg: $35,171
• Lane Arts Council, Eugene: $27,085
• Lincoln City Cultural Center, Lincoln City: $19,849
• Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, Newport: $8,480
• Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau, Grants Pass: $21,403

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