Oregon Historical Society Museum

The Oregon Historical Society Museum is a history museum in downtown Portland with multiple floors displaying permanent and rotating exhibitions. The collections document Oregon's development through artifacts, photographs, and other historical materials.

The museum preserves the Portland Penny, a copper coin from 1835 that determined the city's name through a coin toss between founders Asa Lovejoy and Francis Pettygrove. This object marks a pivotal moment that shaped the city's identity.

The third floor hosts the permanent exhibition 'Experience Oregon', which shows how the state's landscape and communities have changed from indigenous peoples through today. You can see how different groups of people have shaped the region over time.

Weekdays are the best time to visit when the museum is less crowded and you can explore the exhibitions at your own pace. Use the signage to navigate between floors and get an overview of the different collection areas.

The museum's research library holds the world's largest collection of materials related to Oregon, including books, manuscripts, photographs, and films. This extensive collection makes the museum a valuable destination for anyone seeking in-depth knowledge about the region's past.

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00-17:00; Sunday 12:00-17:00

Website: http://ohs.org

GPS coordinates: 45.51586,-122.68218

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:01