$500,000 in Emergency Funding to Keep Oregon’s History Alive

By Jesse Beason

In a visit with Interim Director John Herman earlier this year, he put succinctly what Oregon Historical Society's charge is. "We are charged by the State Legislature to keep the record of Oregon's history." (They maintain trove of Portland historical artifacts and documents as well.)

They've had the statewide charge since enactment of Senate Bill 17 of the 20th regular session of the Legislative Assembly signed by the Governor on February 20,1899. As the bill states: "Whereas, the Oregon Historical Society has been incorporated and organized under the laws of this state for the purpose of collecting and preserving a library of historical literature relative to the settlement and acquisition of the Oregon territory, and relative to the history of this state, and for the accomplishment of other cognate objects of public interest; and Whereas, said society has agreed to do all of its work and to hold all of its collections of material for the use and benefit of all the people of this state, and the state is interested in prosecution and success of its objects, and should contribute aid to the same..."

Last year, however, the State Legislature cut this aid. Oregon Historical Society responded as any business would: by cutting programs and staff. With savings totally $625,000, Oregon Historical Society was left with bridge financing needs to avoid further cuts to services.

As Council's liaison to the Arts & Culture community, Sam led the discussions on providing surplus one-time funding to prevent the society from severely cutting their services to the public.

The overarching issue facing Oregon Historical Society and other organizations is the under-capitalized state of Oregon's cultural resources. Public arts funding from the state, at 17 cents per capita, is among the stingiest in the country--consistently earning Oregon a rank between 46th & 50th.