Members of the Yasui family were among the millions of immigrants who came to the United States seeking new opportunities during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Like many Issei (first-generation Japanese immigrants), they experienced racism and oppression; state and federal laws prevented Japanese immigrants from owning land, and anti-Japanese organizations sought to strip Nisei (second-generation Japanese Americans) of their birthright citizenship. Yet Nikkei (Japanese immigrants and their descendants) like the Yasui family persisted in establishing roots in Oregon, starting families and businesses, and shaping the social and economic fabric of the communities where they lived.
For most Americans, the log cabin represents the American frontier. The log cabin also tells the story of Swedish immigration and innovation in the United States. In the Pacific Northwest, the story of the Swedish log cabin lives on through the legacy of craftsman Henry Steiner. In the 1920s through the 1950s, Steiner and his […]
Crossroads Carnegie Art Center is excited to host a Poster & Literary Contest to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This contest is open to everyone in and around Baker County. The goal of the contest is for participants to analyze their own thoughts and feelings about America, what it […]
Join Oregon Humanities on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 7pm, for a conversation with author Colum McCann about the stories nations tell and the ways they shape our lives. Onstage with Adam Davis, McCann will explore where national myths originate and the power they carry, how a country’s self-narrative diverges from the stories told about it, and what it […]
The Oregon Blue Book is our state’s official almanac and fact book. Produced by the Oregon State Secretary of State’s Office, it has been in continuous publication since 1911. Come and see various Blue Books since its debut on display in the Capitol Galleria. The Oregon Blue Book contains listings and descriptions of government agencies […]
Join the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes baseball team for a two-day patriotic! The event will honor military personnel and veterans and is presented in coordination with Major General Julie Bentz, Keizer Mayor Cathy Clark, the National Guard, and countless other military personnel. Salem-Keizer Volcanoes have been hosting Patriotic Tributes for 20 years and won Minor League Baseball’s […]
OHS presents “Oregon Connections: A Conversation Series on the Right to be Free,” an all-virtual program series featuring conversations among experts and with audience members. Although many of the decisions that affect people’s access to rights such as freedom of speech, citizenship, and due process are made at the federal level, it is often on […]
In 2026, the United States marks its 250th birthday with the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence. What did the events of 1776 mean to the people living in the Mid-Willamette Valley? In this multi-part, multi-disciplinary exhibit, we will explore how echoes from the year 1776 continue to be heard in our community. […]
Come and join us in celebration of Oregon’s statehood. Oregon became a state on February 14, 1859, but we honor the history of the land since time immemorial with the inclusion of our sovereign tribes. This event is free and open to the public. Capitol doors will open at 10am. Please be aware there is […]
The Power of Place photography exhibition is on display at the Roseburg Public Library through February 19, 2026. The exhibition showcases stunning images of Oregon’s landscapes by photographer Peter Marbach that capture the state’s diverse and inspiring places. This free exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the landscapes that shape Oregon’s identity and heritage. Join […]
The Minidoka National Historic Site was officially established in 2001 as part of the National Park Service after years of Japanese American advocacy. This exhibition celebrates 25 years of preservation at this site where many Nikkei from Oregon and Washington were incarcerated during World War II. Artwork by survivors, descendants, and Japanese American youth explore […]
Cities are built upon layered histories. The Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other peoples lived on, traveled through, and cared for this land long before Portland existed. Their stewardship sustained communities for thousands of years, guided by deep ecological knowledge and cultural relationships with the environment. White settlement in […]
“Good Morning America” is visiting a new state each week following the order in which they joined the United States as part of “America the Beautiful: 50 States in 50 Weeks.” Along the way, “GMA” will spotlight the beauty of the people who make up America, inviting viewers to share the people in their neighborhood and state […]
Waves of Tradition celebrates the diverse maritime traditions and scenic beauty that shaped Oregon’s South Coast in conjunction with the United States’ 250th anniversary. Highlights include local cultural connections to the shipbuilding and fishing industries as well as traditional festivals, legends, and superstitions. Event Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible venue Accessible parking Sensory-friendly accommodations Service animals welcome
