City: Portland, OR

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (503) 222-1741

Address: 1200 Southwest Park Ave.

Insider Pick:

Description: The Oregon Historical Society Museum is a fine place to begin a visit to Portland; it covers the history of Oregon from the earliest Indian civilizations through the saga of the Oregon Trail right up to the issues surrounding Portland’s light rail. Before you even enter the building, the two eight-story-high trompe l’oeil murals by Richard Haas present dramatic views and symbols of Oregon’s past. The West Mural, at Southwest Park Avenue and Madison Street, captures in larger-than-life scale the key members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition including Sacagawea, and her child, Baptiste; Clark’s slave, York; and Seaman, the dog. The other mural, visible from Broadway and Jefferson Streets, symbolically depicts early Oregon characters, among them Native Americans, trappers, and settlers.The Oregon Historical Society Museum, completely renovated in 2003, is neither dusty nor staid. Part museum, part research facility, it’s a leading and influential force in the city and state, sponsoring seminars, workshops, festivals, and celebrations, in addition to its extensive library and its own publications. The center holds a fine collection of historical photos, documents, and artifacts. An afternoon spent here will illuminate Pacific Northwest history in surprising and engaging ways.The museum store offers a well-chosen selection of books on Oregon and Northwest history, attractions, and personalities, many of which are written by Oregonians and other regional authors, and some of which are published by the OHS’s respected press. The shop also has maps, trinkets, and jewelry, as well as an excellent selection of postcards, note cards, and prints, many produced by local artists and photographers. The Oregon Historical Society Museum is open Tues through Sat from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sun, the museum is open from noon to 5 p.m. The research library is open Thurs through Sat from 1 to 5 p.m. There is no cost for children younger than five.