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Everyone at OHS completely agrees with you on this -- the State of Oregon needs to renew its commitment to OHS. There is no argument there....

Measure 26-118 buys OHS some breathing room to work with the state so that it renews its commitment.  The reason the measure isn't tri-county or even statewide is that, in the face of continuing state cuts, there was no time to mount such a big campaign -- OHS is in danger of closing facilities in a few short months. 

That said, there are some good reasons why Multnomah County is being approached -- it's one of two counties that doesn't have its own historical society -- OHS serves in that capacity, with over 60% of the holdings related to Multnomah County. Second, the vast majority of the users come from Multnomah County.

You will get a great benefit as a resident and a mom if this passes -- you will get free admission, as will any of your children's school groups. It's a way of OHS saying thank you for the breathing room.

posted 2 years, 6 months ago
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The support OHS is getting from the state is down 78%, with an expected allocation of zero in the next biennium, so unfortunately, no, it's not going to be getting money from the state.

As for ending up at a state university -- it won't go to any of them, it will go under lock and key. State universities don't have the desire, money, facilities or expertise to house the literally millions of artifacts, books, photographs, newspapers, personal papers, etc., that OHS does. It takes an entirely distinct institution to do what OHS does. 

And Mr. Vogt made a tremendous number of cuts before coming to the voters -- including 1/2 of the staff. Figuring out other ways of getting public support is now the only responsible way for OHS to stay alive.

posted 2 years, 6 months ago
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Every state historical society in the nation receives public support -- there aren't any that rely solely on patronage alone. This is because historical societies performs services that are beyond an exhibit. These include archiving state treasures, documents and photographs, providing research assistance to every kind of researcher, and so on.

Public support, therefore, is a fundamental part of any historical society's business model.

posted 2 years, 6 months ago
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So true!!

posted 2 years, 6 months ago
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To be sure, local residents will get great benefit from passage of 26-118. The Oregon Historical Society is a local, state and national treasure that cannot be replaced.  In addition to keeping the history museum open to the public, the levy restores library hours to 32+ per week. It also provides free admission anytime to Multnomah County residents and for all school groups. Currently, over 8,000 schoolchildren visit the history museum yearly to learn and touch Oregon’s history, and more will come if admission is free. As a parent of two small children who face continual cuts in their education, I’m thrilled that they may have this benefit. For just $10 a year for the average property owner, we can all protect Oregon’s legacy for the future.

posted 2 years, 6 months ago
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