Oregon launches website to commemorate America’s upcoming 250th anniversary

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The America 250 Oregon Commission recently announced the launch of Oregon's official U.S. Semiquincentennial website, oregon250.org.

In this digital space, the public can browse a community events calendar, explore online exhibitions, and access resources for getting involved in this nationwide commemoration. The site also includes links to all nine of Oregon's federally recognized tribes, according to the organization's recent announcement.

The America 250 Oregon Commission was created by Senate Bill 1531, signed into law on March 27, 2024, by Governor Tina Kotek. Chaired by the Oregon Historical Society's executive director, Kerry Tymchuk, the 27-member commission has been tasked to coordinate and provide guidance for Oregon's official observance of the United States Semiquincentennial. To date, the commission has met three times and has developed its mission and guideposts.

The mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is "to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon's official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon's diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial."

The commission's official guideposts are:

• To inspire Oregonians to participate in the work of forming a more perfect union.
• To highlight the importance of civics and history education in building a better future.
• To highlight the work of Oregon's many history and heritage organizations.
• To encourage a robust, thorough, and honest examination of our collective history.
• To celebrate the unique traditions, arts, and cultures of communities throughout Oregon.
• To honor the service and sacrifice made by Oregon's veterans.
• To celebrate the power of place through Oregon's remarkable landscapes and scenic beauty.

"As we commemorate our nation's history at a time when Americans seem deeply divided, I believe that by celebrating our successes and honestly reckoning with our setbacks, we can improve and deepen public understanding of our history, increase public appreciation of service to our state and country, and inspire Oregonians to participate in and shape the ongoing American experiment," said Kerry Tymchuk, chair of the America 250 Oregon Commission.

While guidelines for community event submissions are currently in development, the America 250 Oregon Commission encourages the public to explore two online exhibitions created in honor of the U.S. Semiquincentennial.

Oregon's beauty and spirit are as diverse as its landscape and its people, and to celebrate the state's bounty, the commission contracted with photographer Peter Marbach on two digital photographic exhibitions that showcase the essence of Oregon and its vibrant communities. 

The Power of Place highlights Oregon's awe-inspiring landscapes, from its rugged coastline to its tranquil valleys and majestic peaks, many of which have remained unchanged for centuries. The Pursuit of Happiness shifts the focus to the people and communities of Oregon and the way we gather to celebrate the diverse cultures that define our state.

Both exhibitions are being made into physical traveling exhibitions, which will soon be available to organizations and heritage sites statewide.

If you or your organization is interested in getting involved with the America 250 Oregon commemoration, please contact oregon.250@ohs.org or sign up for the official America 250 Oregon email list.