Discover Oregon’s past at the Oregon Historical Society.

Located in downtown Portland, the OHS museum is open seven days a week and features a brand new permanent exhibition, Experience Oregon. Taking over the entire third floor of the museum, Experience Oregon spans the state’s vast geography and complicated history, representing the many people, places, and events that have shaped Oregon. Also on permanent exhibit is the "Portland Penny" — the very coin tossed in the air by city founders Asa Lovejoy (from Boston, MA) and Francis Pettygrove (of Portland, ME) to determine which of their hometowns would be the new city’s namesake (spoiler alert: Portland beat Boston on two out of the three tosses).
 
The OHS research library contains the largest collection of Oregon-related books, photographs, films, and oral histories anywhere in the world, and is the perfect place to research a historic home or find a long-lost relative. Monthly programs are often free and open to the public, and feature Oregon authors, historians, and artists. Visit the museum store to pick up a uniquely Oregon souvenir, including custom cards, magnets, and housewares designed especially for the Oregon Historical Society.