SALEM, Oregon – As part of its mission, the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in partnership with the public and our partners creates a statewide historic preservation plan every five years to identify what is special about Oregon and how best to preserve it for future generations. The plan addresses identifying and preserving historic places, collections, and traditional practices, educating the public about the State’s history, and building support for the organizations that curate our state’s cultural legacy.
This summer and fall the Oregon SHPO is asking Oregonians how Oregon’s heritage is special to them in a series of 90-minute virtual public meetings. Meetings will focus on a region or topic, but all are welcome to attend one or more of the events. At the regional meetings participants will identify what issues matter most, how to best preserve the state’s history, and what government agencies, cultural institutions, and each Oregonian can do. Topic-based meetings will discuss how the heritage community can better address diversity, equity, and inclusion in cultural resource programs, disaster preparedness and response, and planning for cultural resources in development and infrastructure projects. The meetings will be held Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm to 8:00pm, June through September by Zoom video and teleconference. Meeting details will be published on the project website. The information from the meetings will be used to create the 2024-2029 Oregon Historic Preservation Plan that will be published in early 2024.
Meeting dates are:
- June 29th, Greater Portland Metro Area
- July 6th, Greater Willamette Valley
- July 20th, Central and Southeast Oregon
- August 3rd, Rogue Valley and South Oregon Coast
- August 17th, I-84 Corridor and Northeast Oregon
- August 31st, Northwest and Central Oregon Coast
- September 7th, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access in the Oregon Preservation Plan
- September 14th, Disaster Preparation and Response for Cultural Resources
- September 21st, Community Planning for Cultural Resources
Those interested in or associated with local historic preservation efforts, museums, governments, cemeteries, archaeology, archives, historic trails, and other heritage-related interests are encouraged to attend.
Visit https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/pages/tools.aspx#2024presplan to register for a meeting.
All Oregonians are invited to take an online survey. The survey asks about participant’s interests, what issues matter most, and what Oregonian’s can all do to preserve the state’s history. Go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2024-2029HistPresPlanSurvey.
Oregon Heritage, a Division of Oregon State Parks, includes the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The Oregon SHPO locally administers National Park Service (NPS) programs created by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, including the identification and designation of historic properties and archaeological sites; tax and grant programs; and the Certified Local Government Program (CLG), a partnership program between local jurisdictions and the state and federal government. The SHPO office is funded in part through a grant from NPS. The SHPO also coordinates closely with Oregon Heritage programs, including the Oregon Heritage Commission and Main Street program, Cemetery Commission, and various grant and technical assistance programs. See the current 2018-2023 Oregon Historic Preservation Plan.
To learn more about the Oregon SHPO and Oregon Heritage programs, visit www.oregonheritage.org.
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SALEM, Ore. – Two National Register applications recommended by the Oregon’s State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) have been accepted by the National Park Service and listed in the National Register of Historic Places as of June 6, 2022.
Historic Residential Resources of Redmond, Oregon, Multiple Property Document (MPD) is a cover document designed to facilitate the individual listing of historic Redmond residences in the National Register of Historic Places. The MPD describes the settlement and residential development of Redmond from 1900 to 1970, and defines the types of associated residential properties such as single-family residences and their associated outbuildings, multi-family residences and their associated outbuildings and residential historic districts. The document then provides guidance on determining the eligibility of such properties for listing in the National Register.
Norman and Frances Swanson House, Redmond, Oregon, is the first residential property successfully listed in the National Register through the Historic Residential Resources of Redmond Oregon MPD. Built in 1966, the Swanson House is one of only a few Contemporary-style, single-family residences and associated outbuildings in Redmond. Designed by the Eugene architectural firm of Balzhiser, Seder and Rhodes, the property is listed for its architectural design, highly reflective of the modernist architectural movement in the Pacific Northwest, characterized by its use of local, natural materials, low-pitched gable roof with broad overhanging eaves, have retained their location and setting integrity, historic associations, overall massing, low-pitched roof and natural materials, open floorplan, and extensive use of large windows as a means of blending interior and exterior living spaces.
The National Register is maintained by the National Park Service under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. More information about the National Register and recent Oregon listings are online at oregonheritage.org (listed under “Designate”).
Properties listed in the National Register are:
- Recognized as significant to the nation, state, or community;
- Considered in the planning of federal or federally-assisted projects;
- Eligible for federal and state tax benefits;
- Qualify for historic preservation grants when funds are available;
- Eligible for leniency in meeting certain building code requirements;
- Subject to local laws pertaining to the conservation and protection of historic resources.
National Register listing does not place any restrictions on a property at the state or federal level, unless property owners choose to participate in tax benefit or grant programs.
SALEM, Oregon – The Oregon Heritage Commission has awarded $75,722 in grants to 12 museums throughout the state. The grants will help fund a variety of projects including collection preservation, visitor education and heritage tourism. Award amounts ranged from $2148 - $8,000.
Funded projects:
- Cape Blanco Heritage Society, in Port Orford, to digitize historic newspapers.
- City of Woodburn, in Marion County, to develop additional exhibits and reinstall exhibits at the Woodburn Museum and Bungalow Theatre.
- Columbia River Maritime Museum, in Astoria, to develop a Spanish language audio tour.
- Coos County Historical Society, in Coos Bay, to rehouse and digitize a map collection.
- Dufur Historical Society and Living History Museum, in Wasco County, to reroof the Schreiber log cabin.
- Eugene Debbs Potts Society, in Josephine County, repair the roof on the main entrance building.
- High Desert Museum, in Deschutes County, to develop and install the Living Stories exhibition of work created by artists of the Indigenous Plateau.
- Pacific Railroad Preservation Association, in Portland, to repair the exterior of Passenger Car 105.
- Rainier Oregon Historical Museum, in Columbia County, to re-house collections in archivally safe storage.
- Springfield Museum, in Lane County, to catalog and digitize a portion of the historic photo collection.
- The Museum at Warm Springs, in Jefferson County, to develop and install a multi-faceted, multi-media exhibit that features firsthand accounts and personal stories about the culturally significant places and experiences of Indigenous people from the Columbia River system.
- Yaquina Pacific Railroad Historical Society, in Toledo, to repair and construct shelters for historic velocipedes.
The museum grant program is offered annually by the Oregon Heritage Commission, part of the Oregon Heritage program at Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). The grant program began in 1965 when only 24 organizations were eligible for the program. The grant is funded OPRD lottery dollars.
The Oregon Heritage Commission works to secure, sustain and enhance Oregon’s heritage. The Commission sponsors heritage initiatives that educate the public about the value of heritage and celebrate the state’s diversity.
The Oregon Heritage Commission consists of nine members appointed by the governor and nine agency advisors. Members are chosen from state agencies and statewide organizations, and represent a diverse geographical and heritage background.
To learn more about the Oregon Museum Grant or the Oregon Heritage Commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.
A 100 Volunteer Projects for 100 Years centennial event
Adrian, Oregon—Lake Owyhee State Park rangers need 20 volunteers July 2, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., to get the area ready for the Fourth of July and a spectacular summer season. The park will host a big shoreline cleanup, so lend a hand and keep the lake and shoreline clean of litter and enjoy a fantastic Saturday at the park.
Participants must register in advance. Registration ends June 29. Volunteers will work with hand tools and move on gravel and uneven surfaces. Tools and other equipment will be provided. Bring drinking water and gloves and wear clothes suitable for the weather conditions.
The 100 Volunteer Projects for 100 Years series commemorates the Oregon State Parks centennial. Visit the event calendar to see the other opportunities scheduled in 2022. Join the events and participate in the legacy of service that has sustained the state parks system for the past century.
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SALEM, Ore. – The Historic Assessment Review Committee (HARC) will meet via Zoom to consider Special Assessment of Historic Properties appeals. This meeting is open to the public.
The HARC meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. The weblink for the call is available on our website at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Commissions.aspx#HARC
For specific hearing times, refer to the online agenda: www.oregonheritage.org (click on “Commissions & Committees” at top of page and look under “Historic Assessment Review Committee”).
The committee will review one appeal: Cutler & Cora Lewis House, Portland, Multnomah County.
The HARC is a five-member governor-appointed citizen commission with credentials in many historic preservation-related fields. The HARC is the review body for appeals from property owners participating in the Special Assessment Property Tax Program for Historic Properties.
The conference call is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations for the meeting may be made with at least three days of advance notice by calling (971) 345-7219.
More information about the Special Assessment of Historic Properties program is online at www.oregonheritage.org (click on “Tax Incentives” at left of page).
POLK COUNTY, Ore. – Oregon’s first state park, Sarah Helmick Sate Recreation Site, has been accepted into the National Register of Historic Places. Located on the banks of the Luckiamute River near Monmouth, Oregon, the park’s 1924 opening is considered the start of the Oregon State Parks system that today comprises 254 state parks and more than 100,000 acres.
In 1922, the Helmicks donated 5.46 acres of their family homestead to the Oregon State Highway Commission so travelers could stop to rest. Today the park comprises 81.72 acres, of which about 15 are open to visitor use. While modifications have been made over the years to improve visitors’ experience — including the addition of picnic tables, restrooms, parking and a road through the park — the location, setting and feel of the historic property remain intact. One of the early features of the park that has been preserved is the unpaved footpath leading to the bank of the Luckiamute River, a feature also contributing to the park’s historical integrity.
This year’s addition to the National Register is especially meaningful in light of Oregon State Parks’ yearlong centennial celebration.
“In 2022 we celebrate the places Oregonians hold dear: the viewpoints, the waterfalls, the trails, and the historic landmarks,” said Lisa Sumption, director of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. “The Helmick donation became our first park, so it is fitting that we officially recognize its status by adding it to the National Register.”
The National Register is maintained by the National Park Service under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. More information about the National Register and recent Oregon listings are online at oregonheritage.org (listed under “Designate”).
Properties listed in the National Register are:
- Recognized as significant to the nation, state, or community;
- Considered in the planning of federal or federally-assisted projects;
- Eligible for federal and state tax benefits;
- Qualify for historic preservation grants when funds are available;
- Eligible for leniency in meeting certain building code requirements;
- Subject to local laws pertaining to the conservation and protection of historic resources.
National Register listing does not place any restrictions on a property at the state or federal level, unless property owners choose to participate in tax benefit or grant programs.
SALEM, Ore. – The State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) will meet Friday, June 24th in person at the North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer Street NE, Room 124A&B, in Salem to consider nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The SACHP meeting is open to the public.
Friday’s meeting agenda includes a presentation by the State Historic Preservation Office’s (SHPO) Grants and Outreach Program Coordinator, a temporary rule update by OPRD’s Associate Director; a guided site visit (for Committee members only), and hearings of four proposed nominations.
The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. Anyone may listen to the meeting and instructions on how to attend electronically will be posted on the commission web page prior to the meeting. Registration is required to speak at the meeting, and is available online at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Commissions.aspx#SACHP
The committee will review four proposed nominations beginning at 1:00p.m.: Salem Civic Center, Salem; Charles H. and Mary B. Carey House, Portland, Multnomah County; Cahill-Nordstrom Farm, Clatskanie vicinity, Clatsop County; and Dallas Cinema, Dallas, Polk County.
For specific hearing times, refer to the online agenda: www.oregonheritage.org (click on “Commissions & Committees” at top of page and look under “State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation”).
The SACHP is a nine-member governor-appointed citizen commission with credentials in many historic preservation-related fields.
Nominations recommended by the SACHP go to the National Park Service, which maintains the Register under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. More information about the National Register of Historic Places process is online at www.oregonheritage.org.
This effort aligns with the Oregon Historic Preservation Plan goal to increase the thematic diversity of Oregon properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It also supports the goals to include more voices and increase access to Oregon heritage that are part of the Oregon Heritage Plan.
The conference call is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations for the meeting may be made with at least three days of advance notice by calling (503) 986-0690.
ENTERPRISE, Oregon — The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene June 14 – 15 in Enterprise, Oregon.
On June 14, commissioners will tour Wallowa Lake State Park and Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site starting at 8 a.m., followed by a work session and training at Cloverleaf Hall at the Wallowa County Fairgrounds, 668 NW. 1st St., Enterprise.
On June 15, commissioners will convene an executive session at 8:30 a.m. at the same location to discuss real estate and legal issues. Executive sessions are closed to the public. A business meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be open to the public.
Anyone may attend or listen to the business meeting; instructions on how to listen will be posted on the commission web page prior to the meeting. The business meeting includes time for informal public comment related to any items not on the agenda. Registration is required to speak at the meeting, and is available online at bit.ly/registerjunecommission. Time per speaker is limited to three minutes. Written public comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. June 13 to chris.havel@oprd.oregon.gov.
The full agenda and supporting documents are posted on the commission web page. Notable requests:
- Approve the 2023-25 Agency Request Budget, which lays out OPRD’s finances and policies for consideration by the Governor.
- Approve a $500,000 budget for hiring a contractor to rehabilitate the sewer system at Bullards Beach State Park.
- Approve budget to restore four pieces of historic logging equipment that are part of the Collier Memorial State Park’s logging museum collection. The McGiffert Log Loader and three skeleton railroad flatcars were damaged in the 242 Fire that swept through the park in 2020.
- Adopt changes to the Oregon Administrative Rule governing meeting procedures for the State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation.
Anyone needing special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Denise Warburton, commission assistant, at least three days in advance: denise.warburton@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0719. People who plan to present oral testimony are asked to email a copy of their statement to Warburton in advance.
The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission promotes outdoor recreation and heritage by establishing policies, adopting rules and setting the budget for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The seven members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. They serve four-year terms and meet several times a year at locations across the state.
SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries (OCHC) has awarded $63,700 in grants to 19 historic cemetery projects throughout the state. The funds will help support preservation efforts, repair work and visitor education. Individual award amounts ranged from $1,439-$6,544.
Funded projects:
- Marker repair at the Aurora Community Cemetery in Marion County.
- Marker repair and interpretation at the Goodrich/Warren Cemetery in Yamhill County.
- Monument repair and cleaning at the Zion Memorial Cemetery in Canby.
- Marker repair at the Jefferson Historic Cemetery in Marion County.
- Tree removal at the IOOF Eastwood Cemetery in Medford.
- Clatsop Community College Historic Preservation program will offer training in marker assessment and repair and research the history of the Oceanview Cemetery in Astoria.
- Repair markers, install memorials on unmarked graves and install a bilingual interpretive sign at the Fern Hill Catholic Cemetery in Yamhill County.
- Fence the Fort Harney Cemetery in Harney County to discourage cattle.
- Clean and repair headstones at the Hubbard Cemetery.
- Repair headstones and trim trees at the IOOF West Point #62 Cemetery in Lane County.
- Provide a volunteer training and complete marker cleaning at the Laurel Grove Cemetery in Lane County.
- Correct and replace temporary markers in the Logtown Cemetery in Jackson County.
- Repair markers in the Sterlingville Cemetery in Jackson County.
- Complete repair of vandalized monuments in the Lafayette Cemetery in Yamhill County.
- Remove and trim trees at the Phoenix Pioneer Cemetery.
- Install a fence at the Butte Falls Cemetery.
- Gravel the road, install markers for unmarked graves, create an interpretive sign, and install a flagpole at the Westfall Cemetery in Malheur County.
- Remove trees at the Tygh Valley Pioneer Cemetery in Wasco County.
Historic cemeteries are documented by OCHC and must include the burial of at least one person who died 75 years before the current date.
The historic cemetery grant program is offered annually by the OCHC, part of the Oregon Heritage Program at Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). The grant program is supported by lottery and other funds.
OCHC maintains a list of all pioneer and historic cemeteries in the state. The seven-member appointed commission helps people and organizations document, preserve and promote designated historic cemeteries statewide.
For more information about the grant program or the OCHC, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.