Capitol History Gateway Program wins Oregon Heritage Excellence Award

State of Oregon Legislative Administration
Stacy Nalley, 503-986-1391
April 21, 2022

Salem, Ore. – The Capitol History Gateway (CHG) Program has been named as one of three winners of a 2022 Oregon Heritage Excellence Award. The Oregon Heritage Commission reviews the projects and programs nominated annually and awards recipients based on a specific set of criteria.

The CHG Program is a broad, multi-year program that focuses on Oregon’s heritage, diversity and access to democracy. Components of the program entail exhibits – both static and revolving; public events; tours – both guided in-person and virtual, as well as an all-virtual experience in multiple languages; a speaker series; and a digital welcome center.

The Visitor Services staff, under the direction of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Administrator, build and implement the program, with funding support from the Oregon State Capitol Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3).

Capitol History Gateway programming receives Heritage Education Award

The Capitol History Gateway programming received the Heritage Education Award during the Willamette Heritage Center’s Annual Fall Gala and Heritage Awards in October 2019. The Capitol History Gateway is a collaborative project between the Oregon State Capitol Foundation and the Oregon State Capitol.

The award recognizes programs, projects and other endeavors that provide high quality history-focused educational opportunities to all area residents.

The Foundation largely funds the Capitol History Gateway programming, which is executed by the Capitol’s Visitor Services team. The messaging shares the stories of Oregon’s history while celebrating the diverse culture, ethnicity and heritage of Oregonians. Rotating exhibits in the galleria feature museum and cultural heritage sites including, but not limited to:

• Oregon Black Pioneers.
• Willamette Heritage Center.
• Old Aurora Colony.
• Oregon Historical Society.
• The Pacific Maritime Heritage Center.
• End of the Oregon Trail.

“The Oregon State Capitol Foundation is honored to be recognized with the Oregon State Capitol for our joint effort to promote history, culture, and heritage through Capitol History Gateway programming. We are grateful for our many supporters who make this work possible.

OSCF Executive Director Genoa Ingram

Foundation, Capitol jointly win Ovation! Impact Award for Capitol History Gateway program

The Oregon State Capitol Foundation and the Oregon State Capitol received the Ovation! Impact Award during the Oregon Festival and Events Association “Game Changer in the Gorge” conference in February 2018.

The Impact Award recognizes an event with a great and unique impact culturally or financially on a community, and honors festivals and events with themes promoting specific cultures, ethnicities or heritage. OSCF and the Capitol jointly received the award for the Capitol History Gateway program, funded in large part by the Foundation. The Capitol’s Visitor Services team executes these events and programs.

The Capitol History Gateway program started in 2015 with four events — Oregon’s Birthday Celebration, Cherry Blossom Day, Hispanic Heritage Day and Oregon’s Bounty. The program has grown every year, adding Asian and Pacific Islander Day, Multicultural Day, milestone commemorations, a speaker series and concerts. In 2018, the program hosted close to 30 events at the Capitol.

The goal is to highlight significant cultural and historical contributions to Oregon. Opening the building to events on Saturdays gives groups and individuals a platform they may not typically have. Knowing everyone is welcome at the Capitol further opens the door for democracy in Oregon.

“It’s exciting to be recognized for the work and dedication that has been given to this [Capitol History Gateway] program over the past five years.”

Stacy Nalley, Oregon State Capitol public outreach coordinator.

Shout out to our community partners

At the awards banquet, several of the Gateway’s partnering organizations received mention, but Nalley gave a special shout-out to the Salem Multicultural Institute (World Beat) because they have partnered for years on multiple Capitol events, including Oregon’s Birthday Celebration, Cherry Blossom Day, Asian and Pacific Islander Day, Hispanic Heritage Day, Multicultural Day and the Spring Break Passport to Fun. “They have really stepped up as an event partner,” Nalley said.

Your donations to the Oregon State Capitol Foundation, combined with support from numerous dedicated community organizations and volunteers, help bring these free events, exhibits, educational activities and performances to the Capitol for all to enjoy.