News and Press

Press Releases

• Call for Ideas: America 250 Oregon Commission Invites Public Input on National America250 Time Capsule

  Portland, OR — February 6, 2026 — On July 4, 2026, America250 will bury the Semiquincentennial Time Capsule within Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. The stainless-steel cylinder, designed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is designed to safely store commemorative objects for 250 years until the capsule’s opening on July 4, 2275.

  Each state has been asked to contribute a submission that represents its people, stories, and values at this historic moment, and the America 250 Oregon Commission invites the public to share ideas for Oregon’s contributions.

  Items should reflect Oregon and its people today and may include creative works, written reflections, or symbolic objects created with long-term preservation in mind. Submissions must fit within a 6″ x 5″ x 2″ archival storage box, ideally made of a nonreactive metal (gold, silver, copper, titanium, platinum) or consist of a single page of archival paper no larger than 8.5″ x 11″. Other materials (such as stone, fabric, glass, clay) may be utilized, recognizing that the potential for long-term degradation is increased.

  Oregonians are encouraged to submit recommendations to [email protected] by March 1, 2026. Public input will help inform the Commission’s final selection, ensuring Oregon’s contribution reflects a broad range of perspectives and experiences.

• The Countdown to 250: America 250 Oregon Commission Shares Update and Request for Public Involvement

  Portland, OR — February 4, 2026 — With just five months until July 4, 2026 — the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the foundational document of our democracy — America 250 Oregon Commission is pleased to share an update on its work to date.

  Created in March 2024 through SB 1531, the America 250 Oregon Commission is charged with “coordinating, providing guidance, and ensuring that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial.” The Oregon State Legislature has also provided a total of $500,000 for the Commission “to expend and allocate” in the fulfillment of that mission.

  “The America 250 Oregon Commission invites all Oregonians to help make America’s 250th anniversary a commemoration that reflects on our past and inspires us to continue the work of forming a more perfect union,” said America 250 Oregon Commission Chair Kerry Tymchuk.

  To date, the Commission has met on six occasions, holding its first meeting on August 6, 2024, and meeting mostly recently last week on January 29, 2026. Since its creation, the Commission has accomplished several projects and established multiple avenues for public involvement across the state.

  ADOPTED GUIDEPOSTS

  Adopted seven “guideposts” as the priorities for America 250 Oregon programs:

  • To inspire Oregonians to participate in the work of forming a more perfect union.
  • To highlight the importance of civics and history education in building a better future.
  • To highlight the work of Oregon’s many history and heritage organizations.
  • To encourage a robust, thorough, and honest examination of our collective history.
  • To celebrate the unique traditions, arts, and cultures of communities throughout Oregon.
  • To honor the service and sacrifice made by Oregon’s veterans.
  • To celebrate the power of place through Oregon’s remarkable landscapes and scenic beauty.

  
  OREGON 250 WEBSITE

  Oregon’s official U.S. Semiquincentennial website, oregon250.org, launched February 2025. In this digital space, the public can browse a community events calendar, explore online exhibitions, and access resources for getting involved in this nationwide commemoration. The site also includes website links to all nine of Oregon’s federally recognized tribes as well as information on understanding tribal treaties, visiting tribal museums, and resources to learn about Indigenous histories and traditions.

  OREGON 250 TRAVELING EXHIBITS

  The America 250 Oregon Commission partnered with acclaimed photographer Peter Marbach to create two digital and traveling photographic exhibits that showcase the essence of Oregon and its vibrant communities. The Power of Place highlights Oregon’s awe-inspiring landscapes, many of which have remained unchanged for centuries. The Pursuit of Happiness focuses on the people and communities of Oregon and the ways we gather to celebrate the diverse cultures that define our state. Both exhibits will continue to travel throughout 2026 to museums, libraries, and civic centers around the state free of charge, and will be available to travel after the semiquincentennial.

  OREGON 250 COMMUNITY GRANTS

  With the assistance of the Oregon Heritage Commission, the America 250 Oregon Commission created the Oregon 250 Grant Program to assist in funding America 250 observances and programs across the state.

  To qualify, programs have to align with at least one of the Commission’s seven guideposts. To date, two rounds of funding have provided a total of $125,000 divided between 38 recipients, with half of the recipients serving rural Oregon communities. Applications for a third round of funding, totaling $50,000, will open on March 4, 2026. A list of grant recipients can be found on the Commission’s news and press page.

  AMERICA 250 OREGON E-NEWSLETTER

  The America 250 Oregon Commission publishes a monthly e-newsletter to share updates on all 250–related activities. Subscribe to the email list to receive the newsletter.

  PARTICIPATION IN AMERICA 250 PROGRAMS

  The America 250 Oregon Commission is encouraging Oregonians to participate in a variety of programs sponsored by other states, organizations, or by the national America 250 Commission, which was established by the United States Congress. These programs include:

  • Moments that Made US: This traveling exhibition was developed through a multi-state collaboration that explores the ideas of the Declaration of Independence through defining moments in American history. Designed as a free, customizable, print-on-demand exhibition, it can be easily shared at schools, libraries, civic centers, and museums nationwide. In the Pacific Northwest, the America 250 Oregon Commission partnered with Washington 250 and Idaho 250 to create regional panels that highlight local stories alongside the national narrative. The main exhibition panels will be available on February 13, 2026, with the regional component available in early March.
  • America’s Potluck: Led by Utah 250, this nationwide effort encourages Americans to gather with friends and neighbors for potlucks on July 5, 2026.
  • Sharing the Spirit of America: Oregon will participate in a nationwide simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence at 3pm PT on July 8, 2026.
  • America Gives: This national initiative invites businesses, nonprofits, schools, faith groups, and community organizations to increase volunteer service in 2026.
  • Oregon’s Revolutionary War Memorial: Located at Beaverton Veterans Memorial Park, this new memorial honors America’s first veterans. The dedication also recognizes figures such as William Cannon, a Revolutionary War veteran who later settled in Oregon and is buried in St. Paul, Oregon. The public opening and celebration is scheduled for April 19, 2026.
  • Light to Unite: This initiative, led by the National Flag Foundation, calls on Americans and communities to light buildings and landmarks in red, white, and blue and fly the U.S. flag on the evening of July 4, 2026.
  • America 250 Time Capsule: On July 4, 2026, America 250 will bury a time capsule within Independence National Historic Park in Philadelphia, which will be opened on July 4, 2275. Each state has been asked to submit items that represent the people of its state that can fit within a 6″ x 5″ x 2″ archival storage box and/or a single page of archival lay-flat paper, not larger than 8.5″ X 11″. The America 250 Oregon Commission will be issuing a media release soon to ask Oregonians to submit suggestions by March 1, 2026.
• America 250 Oregon Commission Announces Oregon 250 Grant Program Second Round Awardees

  Portland, OR — February 4, 2026 — The America 250 Oregon Commission, in partnership with Oregon Heritage and the Oregon Historical Society, is proud to announce the recipients of its second round of grant funding, awarding nearly $75,000 to 25 organizations across Oregon for projects and programs that commemorate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. These grants are in addition to an initial $50,000 in total funding awarded to 13 organizations in October 2025.

  “With recipients in communities across all corners of Oregon, these grants represent Oregon’s commitment to commemorating America’s 250th birthday in ways that reflect the unique character of our state,” said America 250 Oregon Commission Chair Kerry Tymchuk. “From highlighting Indigenous histories to honoring the sacrifice of Oregon’s veterans to instilling a love of history in our youth, these initiatives provide an opportunity for Oregonians to engage in our shared story. We are grateful to the Oregon State Legislature for providing the funds that made these grants possible.”

  The Oregon 250 Grant Program was established to help organizations create inclusive, community-focused projects that highlight Oregon’s diverse histories, traditions, and cultures. These grant awards of up to $3,000 will support programs that align with the mission of America 250 Oregon and one or more of its seven guideposts.

  A third funding cycle will open at 8am on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, and grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible projects. More information about the Oregon 250 Grant Program can be found at oregon250.org.

  The following organizations were awarded grants in the Oregon 250 Grant Program’s second funding cycle:

  CETI, Multnomah County
  Grant funds will support the creation of a bilingual, augmented-reality storybook and community events that preserve, interpret, and honor the erased history of Portland’s Chinese immigrant community buried at Lone Fir Cemetery’s Block 14.

  City of Monmouth, Polk County
  Grant funds will support the purchase and installation of a permanent display case that will be placed in Monmouth’s City Hall and used for exhibitions acknowledging the Indigenous peoples of this region that encourage visitors to consider diverse perspectives while reflecting on the past.

  Civics Learning Project, Statewide
  Grant funds will provide support for We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, a comprehensive curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school students covering the history and principles of constitutional democracy in the United States that culminates with simulated congressional hearings where students testify before a panel of judges acting as members of Congress.

  ClearPath Healthcare/Hospice of Redmond, Deschutes County
  Grant funds will support programs for local veterans, including the creation of a Wall of Memory, monthly Taps memorial gatherings, pinning ceremonies, and programs bringing veterans in connection with one another.

  Crossroads Creative and Performing Arts Center, Baker County
  Grant funds will support the production of a film showing diverse Baker County residents sharing the Declaration of Independence in locations across the county, meant to serve as a reminder of the power of the charge to create a more perfect union.

  Dayton Community Development Program, Yamhill County
  Grant funds will support the digitization of historical Dayton newspapers that are currently held on microfilm. The project will build on a previous digitization project, adding papers from 1929 to 1947 to the University of Oregon Digital Newspaper Program.

  Douglas County Historical Society, Douglas County
  Grant funds will support “Your Heritage: Douglas County Oregon Through the Ages,” a student essay and art contest increasing youth awareness of county history.

  Gresham Historical Society, Multnomah County
  Grant funds will support production and marketing of Gresham History Week (June 13–21), a festival commemorating the semiquincentennial as well as GHS’s 50th anniversary.

  Hellenic-American Cultural Center and Museum, Statewide
  Grant funds will support HACCM staff and volunteers traveling to four locations around Oregon to document, collect, and archive stories of the Greek American experience through oral history interviews, meetings, and community gatherings. These stories will serve as source material for future special exhibitions and other public programs.

  High Desert Museum, Deschutes County
  Grant funds will support a community conversation series and a public lecture series that will examine the legacies of America 250 through the lens of the American West, bringing together scholars, Indigenous knowledge holders, artists, and the broader public to explore themes such as patriotism, citizenship, voting rights, the American Dream, and the layered cultural narratives that define the High Desert.

  Historic Jacksonville, Inc., Jackson County
  Grant funds will support the “Museum without Walls” project to convert Jacksonville’s 1881 Old City Hall into the ADA accessible physical base of a citywide museum that shares the history of Jacksonville’s Historic Landmark District through onsite exhibits and introduces guests to the many ways they can explore the town including physical and virtual tours.

  Jackson County Expo Center, Jackson County
  Grant funds will support the creation of a new exhibition featuring a series of exhibits created by local organizations that will together share the history of the Rogue Valley.

  Klamath Falls School District, Klamath County
  Grant funds will support exhibitions and programs relating to 250 Years of Exploration: From Pioneers to Space, a community-wide celebration that connects America’s 250th anniversary to the enduring spirit of exploration that has shaped both the nation and the Klamath Basin.

  Lane County, Lane County
  Grant funds will support the preservation and digitization of historically significant original ledgers, ordinances, and record books of Lane County.

  League of Women Voters of Lane County, Lane County
  Grant funds will support Democracy at the Grange, a free public civic education event in Cottage Grove offering clear, accessible explanations of how Oregon’s civic systems work, including ballot measures, Oregon’s open primary, resolutions, and how residents can access trusted election information through Vote411.

  Milwaukie Historical Society, Clackamas County
  Grant funds will support an online exhibit and public event sharing the history of the Milwaukie Pastry Kitchen, the first Black-owned bakery in the state of Oregon.

  Oregon ArtsWatch, Multnomah County
  Grant funds will support the publication of 20 stories highlighting America 250 Oregon projects, increasing knowledge about events and encouraging engagement.

  Oswego Heritage Council, Clackamas County
  Grant funds will support the publication of Oswego: People, Places, and Events, a historical publication sharing stories from the past 150 years in the Lake Oswego area through photographs, quotations, newspapers, and a timeline.

  Restore Oregon, Statewide
  Grant funds will support Restore Oregon’s efforts to gather and share a collection of Oregon’s preservation history, highlighting losses (intentional and natural) and celebrating what has been saved through future exhibits and storytelling.

  Southern Oregon Historical Society, Jackson County
  Grant funds will support two projects; first, a crowd-sourced photo collection project centered on peoples’ personal sense of America, with a goal of collecting 250 captioned photo submissions from Southern Oregonians; second, SOHS will consult with Grand Ronde basket maker Stephanie Craig on its Native American basketry collection, working on basket identifications, information, and best practices for museum storage.

  Tangent Together, Linn County
  Grant funds will support the Tangent Harvest Festival and the creation of Oregon Harvest Games within its Kids’ Village, offering children interactive, age-appropriate activities that demonstrate how agricultural tasks were performed historically and how they are carried out today.

  Twin Oaks Elementary School, Lane County
  Grant funds will provide immersive, place-based learning experiences for students in grades K–5 as well as purchase a collection of books to extend learning beyond these excursions.

  Warm Springs Community Action Team, Jefferson County
  Grant funds will support the production of A Bridge to the Future, the first-ever film to tell the story of the Warm Springs Reservation and its people into the present. Written, filmed, and edited by and with tribal members, the film uses the metaphor of the Commissary to explore how Warm Springers use the tools of the colonizer to dismantle oppression and build something new and powerful, shaped by tribal hands and invested in a tribal future.

  Warren Community Foundation, Columbia County
  Grant funds will support facility improvements to the Grange Farm Museum in St. Helens that will significantly enhance the museum’s usability and overall visitor experience.

  Willamette Heritage Center, Marion County
  Grant funds will support the creation of an immersive exhibit examining what the events of 1776 meant and mean to people living in Mid-Willamette Valley.

• America 250 Oregon Commission Announces Oregon 250 Grant Program First Round Awardees

  Portland, OR — October 27, 2025 — July 4, 2026 — the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the foundational document of American democracy — is exactly 250 days away. To commemorate this milestone, the America 250 Oregon Commission, in partnership with Oregon Heritage and the Oregon Historical Society, are pleased to announced the recipients of 13 grants awarded to museums, historical societies, local governments, veterans organizations, and community nonprofits across Oregon.

  The Oregon 250 Grant Program was established to help organizations create inclusive, community-focused projects that highlight Oregon’s diverse histories, traditions, and cultures. The grants, ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 each, will support programs that align with the mission of America 250 Oregon and one or more of its seven guideposts, which are:

  • To inspire Oregonians to participate in the work of forming a more perfect union.
  • To highlight the importance of civics and history education in building a better future.
  • To highlight the work of Oregon’s many history and heritage organizations.
  • To encourage a robust, thorough, and honest examination of our collective history.
  • To celebrate the unique traditions, arts, and cultures of communities throughout Oregon.
  • To honor the service and sacrifice made by Oregon’s veterans.
  • To celebrate the power of place through Oregon’s remarkable landscapes and scenic beauty.

  The following organizations were awarded grants in the Oregon 250 Grant Program’s first funding cycle:

  Benton County Historical Society, Benton County
  Grant funding will support two exhibits for the 250th anniversary: Centuries of Celebration at its Philomath museum site and Strength, Struggle, Survival: Our Community’s Response to 250 Years at its Corvallis museum site.

  Cape Blanco Heritage Society, Curry County
  Grant funding will support the creation of a scale model of a historic house and ranch that tells a local, regional story that will enhance the visitor experience and support local tourism.

  City of Sweet Home, Linn County
  Grant funding will support a year of events, enhancements to existing traditions, and public history displays to honor the 250th anniversary while showcasing the community’s rich local history.

  Coos County Historical Society, Coos County
  Grant funding will support Waves of Tradition, an exhibit that will celebrate the diverse maritime traditions and scenic beauty that shaped Oregon’s South Coast in honor of the 250th anniversary.

  Embrace Bend, Deschutes County
  Grant funding will support the CivicLab Project, a community-centered initiative designed to spark civic engagement and inclusive dialogue in Central Oregon.

  Garibaldi Maritime Museum, Tillamook County
  Grant funding will support the Port of Garibaldi: The Story of a Coast Guard City exhibit at the museum, which features the city’s relationship with the U.S. Coast Guard and honors active duty and retired Coast Guard veterans.

  McMinnville Downtown Association, Yamhill County
  Grant funding will support the creation of placemaking projects to enhance the community, support the city’s economic vitality, and encourage dialogue and connection.

  Oregon Firearms Safety Coalition in partnership with Rogue Cell Recon, Clatsop County & Tillamook County
  Grant funding will support the Veterans Stories Project, which honors the service and sacrifice of Oregon’s veterans by collecting and sharing their stories through a series of short interviews conducted across the North Coast region of Oregon.

  Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, Multnomah County
  Grant funding will support digitizing collections that will be featured in an interactive component in Practicing Democracy: Jewish Civic Leadership and Engagement in Oregon, the museum’s forthcoming exhibition to commemorate America 250.

  Sandy Historical Society, Clackamas County
  Grant funding will support a collection survey and assessment to facilitate a deeper understanding of collection holdings, gaps, and further work that needs to be completed in order to better represent all the diverse members of the community.

  Santiam Heritage Foundation, Marion County
  Grant funding will support history presentations in several heritage organizations in Marion County during 2026 to highlight local history and the organizations preserving local history.

  Warrior Impact, Deschutes County
  Grant funding will support the development of a cohort in Central Oregon to support veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders through small-group experiences that foster trust, growth, and lifelong connections.

  Woodburn Museum, Marion County
  Grant funding will support the Sapper: Sgt. Wayne Woodruff and the Great War exhibit, which shares the history of the combat engineer during World War I who later settled in the Woodburn area.

  Kerry Tymchuk, chair of the America 250 Oregon Commission and executive director of the Oregon Historical Society, said, “We are grateful to the Oregon State Legislature for providing funds that will encourage Oregonians across our state in marking this once-in-a-generation opportunity to commemorate our nation’s past while also looking forward to a brighter future.”

  A second funding cycle will open on Monday, January 5, 2026, and will remain open until March 1, 2026, or until funds are depleted. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible projects.

  More information about the Oregon 250 Grant Program can be found at oregon250.org, including the grant guidelines.

• America 250 Oregon Commission Launches Oregon 250 Grant Program

  Portland, OR — September 16, 2025 — The America 250 Oregon Commission, in partnership with Oregon Heritage and the Oregon Historical Society, is excited to announce the Oregon 250 Grant Program, supporting projects that commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. This grant program helps organizations create inclusive, community-focused projects that highlight Oregon’s diverse histories, traditions, and cultures.

  Eligible organizations — including nonprofits, local governments, public schools, universities, colleges, and federally recognized tribes in Oregon — may apply for grants of up to $5,000. Funding can support events, exhibitions, educational programming, collections development, research, and interpretation. Projects must align with the mission of America 250 Oregon and one or more of its seven guideposts, which are:

  • To inspire Oregonians to participate in the work of forming a more perfect union.
  • To highlight the importance of civics and history education in building a better future.
  • To highlight the work of Oregon’s many history and heritage organizations.
  • To encourage a robust, thorough, and honest examination of our collective history.
  • To celebrate the unique traditions, arts, and cultures of communities throughout Oregon.
  • To honor the service and sacrifice made by Oregon’s veterans.
  • To celebrate the power of place through Oregon’s remarkable landscapes and scenic beauty.

  A total of $100,000 in funding is available, with 50% dedicated to rural communities. This funding was provided by the Oregon State Legislature to the Oregon Historical Society for the purpose of supporting the work of the America 250 Oregon Commission.

  “We are grateful to the Oregon State Legislature for providing funds that will encourage Oregonians across the state to create opportunities to commemorate this once-in-a-generation moment in our nation’s history,” said Kerry Tymchuk, Chair of the America 250 Oregon Commission and Executive Director of the Oregon Historical Society.

  Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible projects, with two funding cycles:

  • Cycle 1: September 15–November 1, 2025
  • Cycle 2: January 1–March 1, 2026

  The grant period runs through June 30, 2027, and applications are now being accepted.

  More information about the Oregon 250 Grant Program can be found at oregon250.org, including the grant guidelines and grant application.

• Next America 250 Oregon Commission Meeting Scheduled for June 20

  Portland, OR — June 18, 2025 — All are welcome to attend the next America 250 Oregon Commission meeting, which will be held virtually at 1pm on Friday, June 20. Register here if you would like to join the live conversation. If you are unable to attend, the meeting recording and minutes will be posted online at oregon250.org in the coming weeks.

  The meeting agenda is available online, with topics including the launch of the America 250 Oregon community calendar and two original traveling exhibitions that are now available to rent.

  America 250 Oregon Community Calendar

  The America 250 Oregon Commission invites individuals, organizations, and communities across the state to participate in our state’s official 250th commemoration by hosting events that reflect the diversity, creativity, and history of Oregon. Whether you’re planning a lecture, festival, exhibition, performance, community conversation, or something entirely unique — the commission wants to hear from you!

  To be featured on the America 250 Oregon community calendar, your event must align with at least one of the commission guideposts — the foundational values guiding our semiquincentennial commemoration effort in Oregon.

  Fill out the Event Submission Form if you would like your event included on the America 250 Oregon community calendar. All submissions will be reviewed and could take up to 3 weeks for response. Please submit a separate form for each program, project, or event you plan to host. Approved events will receive the “America 250 Oregon Official Event” logo for inclusion on promotional materials.

  America 250 Oregon Traveling Exhibitions

  The America 250 Oregon Commission is currently offering two traveling exhibitions that are available to rent at no cost!

  The Power of Place highlights Oregon’s awe-inspiring landscapes, from its rugged coastline to its tranquil valleys and majestic peaks, many of which have remained unchanged for centuries.

  The Pursuit of Happiness shifts the focus to the people and communities of Oregon and the way we gather to celebrate the diverse cultures that define our state.

  Both exhibitions are also available to view for free online here.

  Get Involved

  If you or your organization is interested in getting involved with the America 250 Oregon commemoration, please contact [email protected] or sign up for the official America 250 Oregon email list.

• America 250 Oregon Commission Encourages Participation in Two Lights for Tomorrow

  Portland, OR — April 9, 2025 — On the night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere, William Dawes, and others rode to Lexington, Massachusetts, warning minutemen and households about the approach of British forces. Behind him, lanterns in the steeple of the Old North Church were shining the agreed upon code made famous by poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “One if by land, and two if by sea.” The next day, April 19, were the battles of Lexington and Concord — and the colonists were well prepared.

  As part of the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the America 250 Oregon Commission joins semiquincentennial commissions across the country in Two Lights for Tomorrow, a multi-state initiative that reminds citizens everywhere that our shared history is grounded in coming together to build a more perfect union.

  Oregonians are called to participate by shining two lights on April 18, 2025, in their homes and community spaces.

  “The America 250 Oregon Commission hopes that communities across the state will join us in Two Lights for Tomorrow to kick off the semiquincentennial commemorations,” said Kerry Tymchuk, Executive Director of the Oregon Historical Society and Chairman of the America 250 Oregon Commission. “Any kind of light can be used in any size building, be it a home, office, museum, community center, or government building. Using the imagery of shining lights as a uniting call to action, Two Lights for Tomorrow reminds us of the importance of working together for a promising future.”

  If you or your organization is interested in getting involved with the America 250 Oregon commemoration, please contact [email protected] or sign up for the official America 250 Oregon email list.

• Oregon Launches Official Website to Commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary

  Portland, OR — February 27, 2025 — The America 250 Oregon Commission is excited to announce the launch of Oregon’s official U.S. Semiquincentennial website, oregon250.org. In this digital space, the public can browse a community events calendar, explore online exhibitions, and access resources for getting involved in this nationwide commemoration. The site also includes links to all nine of Oregon’s federally recognized tribes.

  The America 250 Oregon Commission was created by Senate Bill 1531, signed into law on March 27, 2024, by Governor Tina Kotek. Chaired by the Oregon Historical Society’s executive director, Kerry Tymchuk, the 27-member commission has been tasked to coordinate and provide guidance for Oregon’s official observance of the United States Semiquincentennial. To date, the commission has met three times and has developed its mission and guideposts.

  The mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is “to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial.”

  The commission’s official guideposts are:

  • To inspire Oregonians to participate in the work of forming a more perfect union.
  • To highlight the importance of civics and history education in building a better future.
  • To highlight the work of Oregon’s many history and heritage organizations.
  • To encourage a robust, thorough, and honest examination of our collective history.
  • To celebrate the unique traditions, arts, and cultures of communities throughout Oregon.
  • To honor the service and sacrifice made by Oregon’s veterans.
  • To celebrate the power of place through Oregon’s remarkable landscapes and scenic beauty.

  “As we commemorate our nation’s history at a time when Americans seem deeply divided, I believe that by celebrating our successes and honestly reckoning with our setbacks, we can improve and deepen public understanding of our history, increase public appreciation of service to our state and country, and inspire Oregonians to participate in and shape the ongoing American experiment,” said Kerry Tymchuk, chair of the America 250 Oregon Commission.

  While guidelines for community event submissions are currently in development, the America 250 Oregon Commission encourages the public to explore two online exhibitions created in honor of the U.S. Semiquincentennial.

  Oregon’s beauty and spirit are as diverse as its landscape and its people, and to celebrate the state’s bounty, the commission contracted with photographer Peter Marbach on two digital photographic exhibitions that showcase the essence of Oregon and its vibrant communities. The Power of Place highlights Oregon’s awe-inspiring landscapes, from its rugged coastline to its tranquil valleys and majestic peaks, many of which have remained unchanged for centuries. The Pursuit of Happiness shifts the focus to the people and communities of Oregon and the way we gather to celebrate the diverse cultures that define our state. Both exhibitions are being made into physical traveling exhibitions, which will soon be available to organizations and heritage sites statewide.

  If you or your organization is interested in getting involved with the America 250 Oregon commemoration, please contact [email protected] or sign up for the official America 250 Oregon email list.