[Heritage] Oregon Heritage News 2025-08-04

[INFO Heritage * OPRD]

Oregon Heritage News 2025-08-04
In this Issue:

  *   Technical Assistance & Professional Development Grants for Oregon Rural Arts, Culture, & Heritage Organizations
  *   Oregon Heritage Commission seeks to fill open positions
  *   Oregon SHPO update: draft Oregon Archaeological Guidelines
  *   AASLH Virtual Workshop Aug. 5 on Preparing for the US 250th
  *   Museums, What's Your Gen Z Score?
  *   Webinar - Tools for Transportation Projects, Aug. 12
  *   Malmgren Garage in Talent, Oregon featured in National Trust for Historic Preservation online story
  *   Two Oregon projects receive national grant
  *   Quarterly update on Commission/Committee meeting business for OHC, SACHP, and OCHC

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Technical Assistance & Professional Development Grants for Oregon Rural Arts, Culture, & Heritage Organizations
The Roundhouse Foundation is offering grants of up to $5,000 for professional development and technical assistance opportunities that strengthen the skills, talents, and capacity of partners in the nonprofit sector. We understand that while opportunities for skill development and strategic investments are valuable, they can often be difficult to pay for. The 2025 pilot program is designed to gather insights and improve future offerings.
ALIGNED PROJECTS MIGHT INCLUDE:

  *   Paying for staff or board members to attend a conference or training
  *   Hiring a consultant to develop a strategic plan
  *   succession plan or fundraising plan
  *   Purchasing a highly specialized piece of equipment or software specific to your work
  *   Other creative approaches that build capacity through training and development
ELIGIBILITY
Through this program, we will prioritize our 2024 grant partners. In addition, we are especially interested in supporting opportunities from organizations whose missions align with the following initiatives:

  *   Journalism & Storytelling
  *   Arts, Culture & Heritage
  *   Rural Fire & Emergency Services
  *   Organizations whose missions are aligned with the above initiatives do not have to be previous grant partners.
All applications should align with Roundhouse Foundation's mission, eligibility and serve rural and Indigenous communities in Oregon.
WHY ARTS, CULTURE, & HERITAGE?
Arts and culture bring people together, expand hearts and minds and build vibrant communities. They cultivate, enhance and sustain a sense of community by helping people understand and respect who they are, who their neighbors are and the unique place they call home. Arts and culture also support the creative economy, providing important economic impact in rural communities. We look for opportunities that harness the power and potential of arts and culture to build better rural citizens, communities and economies. We want to hear and amplify the voices of our rural communities, which we know can often be best heard and shared through art. In fall 2024, the Oregon Heritage Commission released the 2024 Oregon Heritage Vitality Study Report identifying the top issues impacting the operational vitality of Oregon's heritage organizations and proposing recommendations to support the health of the heritage sector. One identified area of need was technical assistance for arts, culture & heritage organizations, including regional art centers, libraries, historical museums, and historically-designated sites.
LEARN MORE & CONTACT US
Visit www.RoundhouseFoundation.org/grants<http://www.roundhousefoundation.org/grants> to learn more about our mission and grants. We value building a relationship with potential applicants and existing partners. Contact us ahead of applying for assistance with developing a strong proposal: grants at roundhousefoundation.org<mailto:grants at roundhousefoundation.org>
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Oregon Heritage Commission seeks to fill open positions
The Oregon Heritage Commission is a group of leaders from across the state that works collaboratively to champion resources, recognition, and funding for preserving and interpreting Oregon's past. Founded in 1995 by the Legislature, the Heritage Commission is comprised of nine gubernatorial appointments and nine ex-officio members. The Commission is designated in ORS 358.570-595<https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/lawsrules.aspx> as the primary agency for coordination of heritage activities in Oregon.
The Commission is housed in Oregon Heritage of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Oregon Heritage includes the State Historic Preservation Office. We provide grants and technical assistance for the documentation, preservation, interpretation and sharing of Oregon Heritage. This may include historic buildings, archaeological sites, museums, archives, historic cemeteries, oral history, etc.
Criteria/Skill/Abilities/Perspectives: The Commission seeks diverse perspectives representing the different heritage preservation interests and the different types of entities/organizations carrying those efforts out across the state. The commission has positions open for representatives from the following geographic regions:

  *   Portland Metro area
  *   Mid/South Willamette Valley area
  *   Southern Oregon (preferably South Coast or Klamath Fall/Lakeview region)
  *   North Coast (will open July 2026)
Current Initiatives include:

  *   Northwest Digital Heritage<https://www.northwestdigitalheritage.org/s/nwdh/page/home>
  *   Tribal relationship building
  *   Moving forward the 2024 Oregon Heritage Vitality Study<https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/tools.aspx#2024ohv> report recommendations
  *   Updating and implementing the statewide Oregon Heritage Plan<https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/pages/tools.aspx#heritageplan>
  *   Disaster resilience planning for heritage resources
  *   Sharing the Value of Heritage Toolkit<https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/pages/tools.aspx>
  *   And more

Annual Meeting Schedule: The Oregon Heritage Commission conducts quarterly meetings at sites around Oregon. These meetings have a business session and often tour of heritage sites and organizations in the region.

For more information or instructions on how to apply, contact Commission Coordinator Katie Henry at katie.henry at oprd.oregon.gov<mailto:katie.henry at oprd.oregon.gov> or 503-877-8834.
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Oregon SHPO update: draft Oregon Archaeological Guidelines
>From May through June, the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) invited public comment on the draft Oregon Archaeological Guidelines, which will update the 2013 Guidelines for Conducting Field Archaeology in Oregon (Field Guidelines). Staff developed the draft in cooperation with working groups including Tribes in Oregon and professional archaeologists following the 2023 revision of the administrative rules for archaeological permits (OAR 736-051-0000 to 0090). We appreciate the thoughtful comments submitted in June by Tribes, federal and state agencies, cultural resource professionals, and others invested in Oregon's heritage. The feedback raised important questions, and as a result, we have decided to delay publication of the Field Guidelines, initially planned for July 2025.
Instead, SHPO will first complete an already planned and scheduled comprehensive review of our compliance program to inform our next steps. This evaluation will identify program strengths and challenges and offer recommendations for best practices. It will include a comparative analysis of SHPO processes in six western states-Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Washington-along with interviews with Tribes and representatives from federal, state, and local agencies. We believe this review will provide valuable context for addressing the feedback we've received and for shaping future updates to the Field Guidelines. We expect to complete the review in Fall 2025.
We will determine next steps for the Field Guidelines once the review is complete. We anticipate publishing the final guidelines in early 2026.
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AASLH Virtual Workshop Aug. 5 on Preparing for the US 250th
AASLH has developed key resources to help you plan for U.S. 250th anniversary's transformative potential. Attend this half-day workshop on August 5 to learn about our resources, including programming ideas, and how to effectively apply these tools to your site or organization. Register here.<https://u83566.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.JKc0qhVFcTPfMDenuxAd6APaF8kJiPdYBHWStFkIzvLGHwTJEWjG4QniNzQZSVyeuFUsWQrrOZbzjCrt8YWvrSzMGEqdAa-2FYi1PpopAxu9caVUbWR-2BvyFA-2FL4ye4T2hpiAruDa0CD04Z-2BZFoEhB6bR9GIu9tfHAemaEh7TpP1QI4wsl9gbbZA0AjcS7gNbeTUNRW_dQQJK-2Bh2VwYZPbMqkB87WMSaHSrB2Cpyat6DlFx8xgmqbu3irjtssH68i2Qnpd-2Ftibq35njLfGe1RP0eD19dmbA9cViCftexRTalgOeEnBB2M8EWTMPOKM4mmiUdrj7gzn7EERipiYyurokROjDYLrUR2v7C4WjwkIg6lCr-2FX7c1hWdG-2BLy9fosKOKhmiJKRq8PmmTgKEvcxxhcZLaVdLFrIiCqGMQ7ClnM74VdmnnvUysQ846y2hwYomvlM3ICOEYYWs-2Fb5bn89AlOK-2B7A4b-2F2udlCGc-2B3ipcud5ssmi1v51Yfpka4hrHmhll5K3tN9dxx9Q2iDzahKFdHd1b7zhvB-2BLQ4G1-2B7BsVAP9eLEvufRp5nQn-2FL6ByeRirOWbH-2FnWAuo5J6DdS0lsydbExCGN7nHLhvWjQtxu1OADdkyEPCvhnGrRIQ1ttjmXd7IkQzu6ge4bNt8egRjEKEucW8kBnPdKx4nTAj-2FYJobaJxWv9NlJaiIlS1o35LX-2BBltarAAjsU-2Bz0BciccROJ-2FtIb-2FmCDnnQqiG0yOzE13QNxDwaA1divyE1S6MhjivrKYe2nEzNGUbP04WQ9GX1GQQ-2BuXSbJNYcO1MlqJLWIgGFrb0sJPE8VbhZwCsEDQUWsSI9CtZUVmkNTCSXottr-2B8KChSJtayJDqA-2FAEmsvOVhZwbCwss-3D>
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Museums, What's Your Gen Z Score?
Made By Us, the organization that helps history organizations engage younger generations in history and civics, has developed a Gen Z Scorecard. The tool, created with members of Gen Z, can measure how your organization is doing in strategies needed to captivate young adults. Read more.<https://u83566.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.-2FSmjcpO7c0puhLZteDUTgmqmX-2FVL5RewmMdSEhTwpyhltM70BeD7GXfOg1enaXCDJ-2Br5JVE4mqV0mvk3Dl4JSvCMDOFoUShLCLIpoAki3Wc-3D3Vq4_dQQJK-2Bh2VwYZPbMqkB87WMSaHSrB2Cpyat6DlFx8xgmqbu3irjtssH68i2Qnpd-2Ftibq35njLfGe1RP0eD19dmbA9cViCftexRTalgOeEnBB2M8EWTMPOKM4mmiUdrj7gzn7EERipiYyurokROjDYLrUR2v7C4WjwkIg6lCr-2FX7c1hWdG-2BLy9fosKOKhmiJKRq8PmmTgKEvcxxhcZLaVdLFrIiCqGMQ7ClnM74VdmnnvUysQ846y2hwYomvlM3ICOEYYWs-2Fb5bn89AlOK-2B7A4b-2F2udlCGc-2B3ipcud5ssmi1v51Yfpka4hrHmhll5K3tN9dxx9Q2iDzahKFdHd1b7zhvB-2BLQ4G1-2B7BsVAP9eLEvufRp5nQn-2FL6ByeRirOWbH-2FnWAuo5J6DdS0lsydbExCGN7nHLhvWjQtxu1OADdkyEPCvhnGrRIQ1ttjmXd7IkQzu6ge4bNt8egRjEKEucW8kBnPdKx4nTAj-2FYJobaJxWv9NlJaiIlS1o35LX-2BBltarAAjsU-2Bz0BciccROJ-2FtIb-2FmCE5UM3pbdpTJJcqtex-2FLKi55Ewso0znjmXsCgfQKMN0siYtEQN178mZR1GwQTIj9iNd3jOIistnbzgpLyHXb0DBouuYHqJyArsjA6VyFLc3Rd2FrAAfWNBeziXh1lsVa8sPGuGJ55hVOeuV1BfBg3v0-3D>
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Webinar - Tools for Transportation Projects, Aug. 12
Tools for Transportation Projects: Best Practices from Thriving Communities
Main Street America Webinar
Tuesday, August 12, 12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. CDT
Do you believe that transportation infrastructure in your community is about far more than just getting from Point A to Point B? Transportation is critical to connected neighborhoods, economic opportunities, and long-term community health. That's why Main Street America was selected by the US Department of Transportation to implement the Thriving Communities Program, working closely with 20 rural and tribal communities in 21 states.
In this webinar, we will reflect on the lessons learned from the program and share practical guidance and tools to build community engagement, foster partnerships, identify and develop projects, and secure infrastructure funding. Join us to learn how you can use transportation infrastructure as a tool for community transformation.
More information/Register<https://savingplaces-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2XPUBa0FQuOv2GaqFueb1Q?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8j53oE1mCGm7lYhI3nn3xfQWONtp2Nyq_HXaM5FLOLGI3ouuef9SH4BbQbggyVFYzJR09BNsbXOm1DqUptVKv84qP46A&_hsmi=373277662&utm_content=373277662&utm_source=hs_email#/registration>
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Malmgren Garage in Talent, Oregon featured in National Trust for Historic Preservation online story
After the Fire: The Restoration of Malmgren Garage<https://savingplaces.org/stories/after-the-fire-the-restoration-of-malmgren-garage?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=> by George Kramer features a historic building that was the only building to remain on the east side of Talent Avenue following a devastating fire in 2020 that destroyed more than 2,500 homes and buildings between Ashland and Medford. In Talent, Oregon. Read the story here<https://savingplaces.org/stories/after-the-fire-the-restoration-of-malmgren-garage?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=>.
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Two Oregon projects receive national grant
The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced the 2025 grant recipients of the National Grant Program, a signature initiative of the National Trust's African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund.
This year, $3 million in grants will support twenty-four sites across the country that represent Black American joy, resilience, innovation, and activism.
There are two Oregon projects among the recipients:

  *   Leticia Carson Legacy Project, Oregon State University - Letitia Carson was born into slavery in Kentucky between 1814-1818. In 1845, she emigrated to Oregon with her husband, an Irish immigrant, where they owned a 680-acre homestead in the Soap Creek Valley. Oregon State University's Letitia Carson Legacy Project seeks to preserve Carson's history and that of the earliest generation of Black settlers in Oregon. Funding will support the project's interpretive planning efforts to design public programs and site visits.
  *   McKenzie Hall, University of Oregon - The University of Oregon's McKenzie Hall was designed in 1968 by DeNorval Unthank Jr., the first Black graduate of the university's architecture school. Grant funding will support a Preservation and Interpretation Plan to recognize Unthank's contribution to the campus' design through an interpretive display in the building and inform the future conservation of McKenzie Hall as an historic resource.
To learn more about the National Trust for Historic Preservation grant programs, visit here<https://savingplaces.org/grants>.
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Quarterly update on Commission/Committee meeting business for SACHP, OHC, and OCHC

Oregon Heritage houses four State Commissions/Committees: State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation, Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries, and the Historic Assessment Review Committee. These Committees have public meetings periodically through the year, ranging from one a year to four times a year. The following is an update of Commission/Committee business from the last quarter.

State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation<https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Commissions.aspx#SACHP> (SACHP), met June 27, 2025, at the Hood River County Library. Business included:

  *   Walking tour of downtown Hood River and visit to the History Museum of Hood River County<https://www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org/>.
  *   Review and approval of 2025 Preserving Oregon and Diamonds in the Rough grant awards.
  *   Training on the development of historic contexts and their significance in evaluating a property's eligibility for the National Register.
  *   Review and recommendation of the following National Register of Historic Places nominations:
     *   Methodist Episcopal Church of Union, Union, Union County: recommended with revisions
     *   Balch Gulch Bridge, Portland, Multnomah County: recommended with revisions

To learn more about the process for listing Oregon properties on the National Register, please visit the Oregon Heritage website here<https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/pages/national-register.aspx>. The next SACHP meeting will be on October 15-17, 2025, in Canby; the agenda will be shared on our webpage <https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Commissions.aspx#SACHP> in early August 2025.

Oregon Heritage Commission<https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Commissions.aspx#OHC> (OHC), met July 27-28 in St. Helens and Rainier. Business included:

  *   Tours throughout the meeting included:
     *   The newly renovated John Gumm Building which includes County offices and the County Museum previously located in the County Court Building.
     *   Downtown St. Helens where several Oregon Heritage grant projects have been completed over the years in addition to hearing about the work of the St. Helens Main Street Alliance, a participant in the Oregon Main Street Network.
     *   The brand new Rainier Historical Museum, the result of a hardworking group of volunteers that were able to raise money and support to build a new museum facility.
  *   A member of the Made By Us Youth250 Bureau gave a presentation on why and how to include Gen Z with history organizations and sites. Several resources have been developed to help history organizations connect with younger generations. The following resources were shared:
     *   How to started on working with Y250B: https://historymadebyus.org/youth250/bureau
     *   Y250B Toolkits: https://historymadebyus.org/youth250/toolkit
     *   Social Media Content Inspiration: https://historymadebyus.org/youth250/stories
     *   Civic Season: https://www.thecivicseason.com/
     *   Made By Us: https://historymadebyus.org/
  *   Staff from Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon informed the Oregon Heritage Commission on the Big Rethink<https://oregonculture.org/about-us/bigrethink/> survey and statewide listening sessions happening this fall.
  *   The Commission reviewed the Engagement Plan for the update to the Oregon Heritage Plan which will be holding input sessions across the state late summer-fall.

The next OHC meeting will be in Canby, October 15-17, 2025.

Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries <https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Commissions.aspx#SACHP>  (OCHC), met July 24 at Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center in Grand Ronde. Business included:

  *   Guest presentations provided information about the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
     *   Caitlyn Abrahms, National Register of Historic Places coordinator for the State Historic Preservation Office, shared information about the NRHP, the nomination process and specifics associated with historic cemeteries.
     *   Becky Soules presented about the Marshfield Cemetery in Coos Bay. She highlighted how and why the completed an nomination for the cemetery to the NRHP and how it has impacted the cemetery.
     *   Karen Vitkay, with METRO, provided information about METRO's efforts to address the history of Chinese burials at Lone Fir Cemetery, which is NRHP listed, an operating cemetery, and an archaeological site.
  *   David Harrelson and Briece Edwards, with Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, presented about the perspectives of the Tribe in relation to historic cemeteries, burials and other related topics.

The next OCHC meeting will be in Canby, October 16-17, 2025.

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Follow us on Facebook at @oregonheritage, on LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/company/oregon-parks-and-recreation-department/>, on the Oregon Heritage Exchange blog<https://oregonheritage.wordpress.com/>.
Oregon Heritage News is a service of Oregon Heritage, a division of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department that includes the State Historic Preservation Office. Learn more about our programs at www.oregonheritage.org<http://www.oregonheritage.org/>. The news editor can be contacted at heritage.info at oprd.oregon.gov<mailto:heritage.info at oprd.oregon.gov>.



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