[Heritage] Oregon Heritage News 2026-01-16

[INFO Heritage * OPRD]

Oregon Heritage News 2026-01-16
In this Issue:

  *   One week left to submit nominations for the Heritage Excellence Awards, due Jan. 22!
  *   Oregon Heritage Commission Meeting, Jan. 26, online
  *   Oregon ArtsWatch article on Oregon 250 events
  *   Deadline Nears For $10K Grant Application For Cultural and Heritage Museums and Organizations
  *   Newest Oregon Heritage Blog Highlights Organizational Health
  *   Save the Dates for the 2026 Archaeology Roadshows
  *   6 preservation grants open
  *   ACHP Preserve the Past, Build For the Future Webinar Series
  *   Online event - Mapping Stories, Managing Places, Connecting Communities: GIS for Historic Preservation

  *   REGISTRATION EXTENDED - Certified Interpretive Guide Course Jan. 20-23, Hillsboro, discount for heritage organizations available


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One week left to submit nominations for the Heritage Excellence Awards, due Jan. 22!
The Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards recognize individuals, organizations and projects for outstanding heritage preservation efforts in Oregon, drawing public attention to these efforts, and raising the quality of heritage‐oriented activities. The Sally Donovan Award for Historic Cemetery Preservation is a special category that may be awarded to one individual, organization, or project demonstration excellence in preservation of historic cemeteries.
In 2022 the Standout Heritage Volunteer category was added and is the only non-competitive category.
Nominations are encouraged for organizations and projects of all sizes and heritage purposes and for volunteers and professionals from all heritage sectors.
Those awarded an Oregon Heritage Excellence Award will be featured in videos presented at the 2026 Oregon Heritage Conference in Woodburn, April 29-May2. Recipients will also receive an award designed and created by Eastern Oregon artist, Alethea Brewer. This year’s awards artist selection process was done in partnership with Crossroads Carnegie Arts Center in Baker City.
To view the nomination guidelines, application instructions, and a list of previous award recipients, visit https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/pages/awards.aspx#one.
For more information visit www.oregonheritage.org<http://www.oregonheritage.org/> or contact Oregon Heritage Commission Coordinator Katie Henry at katie.henry at oprd.oregon.gov or (503) 877-8834.
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Oregon Heritage Commission Meeting, Jan. 26, online
The Oregon Heritage Commission will meet via zoom at 9:00 a.m. on Jan. 26. Its agenda includes program updates and review and discussion of the draft 2026 Statewide Oregon Heritage Plan.
This meeting is open to the public and there is an opportunity at the beginning of the meeting for public comment. Public comment can be made online or by written submission. For online attendance, registration is required. To view the full agenda, register for the virtual meeting, or learn more about public comment options, visit here<https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Commissions.aspx#ohc>.
The Heritage Commission’s nine Governor appointed members represent a diversity of cultural, geographic, and institutional interests. The Commission’s nine advisory members include representatives from the Oregon State Library, Oregon State Archives, State Historical Records Advisory Board, Higher Education Coordinating Committee, Travel Oregon, Oregon Historical Society, Department of Education, State Historic Preservation Office, and the Department of Land Conservation and Development.
The Commission is the primary agency for coordination of heritage activities in the state. This includes carrying out the Oregon Heritage Plan<https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Documents/2020_Oregon_Heritage_Plan.pdf>, increasing efficiency and avoiding duplication among interest groups, developing plans for coordination among agencies and organizations, encouraging tourism related to heritage resources, and coordinating statewide anniversary commemorations.
More information about the Oregon Heritage Commission is available online at www.oregonheritage.org<http://www.oregonheritage.org/> and from Commission coordinator Katie Henry at 503-877-8834 or katie.henry at oprd.oregon.gov.
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Oregon ArtsWatch article on Oregon 250 events
Oregon carves its own path in 2026’s America 250 anniversary celebration<https://www.orartswatch.org/oregon-carves-its-own-path-in-2026s-america-250-anniversary-celebration/>
Oregon ArtsWatch
By Jim Redden
January 15, 2026
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Deadline Nears For $10K Grant Application For Cultural and Heritage Museums and Organizations
The Oregon State Capitol has returned its beloved revolving exhibit program after years of closure of the historic space due to construction. The Capitol History Gateway Program facilitates these exhibits that tell stories specific to Oregon’s rich history, hosting many that have interwoven themes of democracy or government. This year, the Oregon State Capitol Foundation, which funds the exhibit program at the Capitol, has offered to support cultural and heritage museums, non-profit organizations, or government entities wanting to tell their stories with a grant of up to $10,000.
The applications are open now at https://oregoncapitol.com/events-and-exhibits-exhibit-sponsorship-program, and the cycle closes at 11:59 p.m. January 31, 2026.
For more information, call Stacy Nalley, Public Outreach Coordinator at the Oregon State Capitol Visitor Services Department, 503-986-1392.
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Newest Oregon Heritage Blog Highlights Organizational Health
Start the new year off right with the checklist from Oregon Heritage’s newest blog, “We Should Probably Update That” : Setting Your Organization Up for Success in the New Year. Read more<https://oregonheritage.wordpress.com/2026/01/13/we-should-probably-update-that-setting-your-organization-up-for-a-strong-year/>.
Blog tip: Check out the nonprofit<https://oregonheritage.wordpress.com/tag/nonprofit/> tag on the Oregon Heritage Exchange to view all of our posts across the years that explore local examples and highlight tools, tips, and tricks for success.

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Save the Dates for the 2026 Archaeology Roadshows
The 2026 schedule includes Archaeology Roadshows in 5 locations across the state:

  *   Portland: Gateway Discovery Park - Saturday, May 30th
  *   Central Oregon: Deschutes Historical Museum in Bend - Saturday, June 6th
  *   Harney County: Burns/Hines - Saturday, June 27th, Location TBD
  *   Southern Oregon - Historic Hanley Farm, Jacksonville OR - Thursday, Aug. 20th
  *   The Dalles: The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum - Saturday, Nov. 14th
This year’s theme is The Archaeology of Fire & Water''.
Exhibitor registration will be available on the website<https://archaeologyroadshow.org/> in February.
If you have questions or want to help with planning, please email archshow at pdx.edu<mailto:archshow at pdx.edu>.
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Oregon Museums Association seeks Treasurer for Board
The Oregon Museums Association is looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented Board Member to be the Treasurer.
This is a virtual role with two in-person gatherings per year, and a time commitment of 4-10 hours per month. As Treasurer, you'll serve a three-year term that is renewable once.
This volunteer role is ideal for someone who is passionate about Oregon’s museums and has experience in nonprofit financial management. You can read the full role description here.<https://www.oregonmuseums.org/EmailTracker/LinkTracker.ashx?linkAndRecipientCode=asvVErWsMpKmwUXf09DEFASeX7PrmeGvIRu5zmgtY9xr4k0VB2EPZbTHGx8qxIttOxLoTx%2fSe4tmwAnnMKHw8ZfAdlPUNYPIpblzY0gkN4I%3d>
Interested? Email connect at oregonmuseums.org<mailto:connect at oregonmuseums.org> to learn more or apply.
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6 preservation grants open
(February 2): National Trust Preservation Funds<https://support.savingplaces.org/s/4473225/jBSjy2VY>
(February 6): African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund<https://support.savingplaces.org/s/4473226/jBSjy2VY>
(February 6): Conserving Black Modernism Grant Program<https://support.savingplaces.org/s/4473227/jBSjy2VY>
(March 2): Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors<https://support.savingplaces.org/s/4473228/jBSjy2VY>
(March 2): Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation<https://support.savingplaces.org/s/4473229/jBSjy2VY>
(March 3): National Fund for Sacred Places<https://www.fundforsacredplaces.org/apply/>
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ACHP Preserve the Past, Build For the Future Webinar Series
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) Preserve the Past, Build for the Future webinar series start Feb. 25. The line up includes:

  *   Wednesday, February 25 at 2 p.m. ET - Preserving America’s Historic Music Venues <https://achp.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_EphspCQNQE-QeX1nSB11bg>
  *   Tuesday, March 24 at 2 p.m. ET - Preserving America’s Historic Main Streets<https://achp.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_cpMuZfvDQ6Ogcsgm2we5oA>
  *   Tuesday, April 28 at 2 p.m. ET - Preserving America’s Revolutionary-Era Sites<https://achp.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_M1dtokiXTG6isWq4MAE4LQ>
  *   Wednesday, May 27 at 2 p.m. ET- Preserving America for the Next Generation: Involving Younger People in Preservation<https://achp.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_DPr88CWNS1e0Xol5x5VBVA>
For more information or to view previous webinars visit https://www.achp.gov/preservethepastbuildforthefuture
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Online event - Mapping Stories, Managing Places, Connecting Communities: GIS for Historic Preservation
How can maps help tell the stories of our communities and protect the historic places?
Join the Preservation Leadership Forum for a dynamic panel discussion exploring how Geographic Information System (GIS) tools are transforming historic preservation. Through real-world case studies, learn how GIS can help communities and preservation professionals visualize history, share data, and strengthen stewardship of cultural places.
Hear from:

  *   Latinos in Heritage Conservation about the Abuelas Project, a story-driven, map-based Latinx historical registry
  *   The City of Little Rock about its innovative MacArthur Park Local Historic District Viewer
  *   The National Trust about geospatial storytelling along Route 66
  *   Esri about additional GIS examples and resources for continued learning This webinar is designed as a collaborative space to connect, exchange ideas, and explore geo-enabled storytelling.
No prior GIS experience is required. Register here: https://ow.ly/l49p50XWJg2
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REGISTRATION EXTENDED - Certified Interpretive Guide Course Jan. 20-23, Hillsboro, discount for heritage organizations available
CIG Jackson Bottom Wetlands, Jan. 2026
January 20-23, 2026
Jackson Bottom Wetlands Nature Preserve
2600 SW Hillsboro Hwy
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Instructors: Denise Berkshire and Courtney (Cam) Amabile
Featuring: PNW-based guest trainers
About this Course
The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Tillamook Forest Center and Oregon Heritage, and the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) is offering a training course for individuals in the field of Interpretation. It is designed for staff and volunteers who deliver programs, give tours, provide informal engagement, or have contact with the public at interpretive sites. Light refreshments & snacks will be provided by the State Forests Trust of Oregon.
The nationally recognized Certificate of Interpretive Guiding (CIG) program is designed for anyone wanting to learn more about developing and leading interpretive programs. This course will introduce you to the history, definitions, and principles of interpretation. During the course, you will develop a program outline and deliver a 10-minute thematic presentation, all with the support of your instructor(s) and fellow participants. You will learn how to make your programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic, and leave ready to facilitate meaningful experiences that inspire engagement with the world around us.
To receive a discount, create an NAI account and select “in-house” when registering.
Register here: https://nai-us.org/nai/_prof_development/reg/cigregistration.aspx?EventKey=GI012026B
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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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