The Oregon State Capitol has long displayed exhibits from entities throughout the state. The Capitol History Gateway (CHG) Program allows storytelling in “the People’s Building” through revolving exhibits that are curated through vetted cultural and heritage museums and organizations. The Oregon State Capitol Foundation is financially supporting the curation of exhibits for up to $7500 per organization.

The Josephy Center for Arts and Culture presents “The Nez Perce in Oregon: Removal and Return” now through June 30. This virtual exhibit will be available to explore through the Oregon State Capitol website (oregoncapitol.com) as part of the Capitol History Gateway program. This digital presentation was funded by the Oregon State Capitol Foundation.

The Oregon State Capitol Foundation funded production of oral history videos that are posted on the Oregon State Capitol YouTube page. This month, five new videos were listed to the Oral Histories playlist. Those videos include the 1973 Session, the 1967 Beach Bill, Senator Hector Macpherson, Legislative Administrator Scott Burgess and photojournalist Gerry Lewin.

Seven downtown locations have joined together to create “Spring Break Passport to Fun”, which offers activities for the family during spring break week, March 27 to April 1. The Oregon State Capitol, State Capitol State Park, Willamette Heritage Center, Hallie Ford Museum of Art, World Beat Gallery, Deepwood Museum, and the City of Salem Library have teamed up to offer families a fun and free, or discounted, way to fill the week off school with activities. “Spring Break Passport to Fun” is sponsored by the Oregon State Capitol Foundation.

Cherry Blossom Day at the Capitol, taking place this year on March 18, was created to celebrate the cherry blossom trees on the Capitol Mall, and organically became a celebration of the Japanese cultural influence in Oregon due to the significance of the cherry blossom (Sakura) to their community. This is the first in-person Cherry Blossom Day since 2019, due to the pandemic. There will be free and family-friendly activities in State Capitol State Park on the Capitol Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Salem, Ore. – In an effort to help preserve our state’s history and make it accessible to Oregonians, educators, art enthusiasts, history buff and others, the Oregon State Capitol Foundation is launching the Governors’ Portraits Search to locate and catalog missing portraits of former Oregon governors.

“We know many oil paintings of territorial and state governors were lost when the Capitol burned in 1935, but we also know some of them were saved from the fire,” said Joan Plank, Capitol Foundation Board member.

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 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Your purchase of a Pacific Wonderland license plate helps the Oregon State Capitol Foundation and Oregon Historical Society share stories about what makes Oregonians and our beautiful Capitol special in thoughtful, illuminating, and provocative ways.

The Oregon State Capitol Foundation wants to get students and adults more involved in their government. The Capitol Foundation is awarding up to $50,000 in grants for new or existing civics education programs as part of its new Civics Education Initiative, according to a news release.

Oregonians interested in learning more about state history and government can apply for a share of $50,000 in sponsorship to use for projects, research and field trips.

The Oregon State Capitol Foundation will award the money to any individual or group to use for civics lessons in schools, to carry out an extracurricular activity, a public service project or research project about state government and history. The money can also be used to cover travel costs to the Capitol..