About Us

 Membership         Volunteering 

Who We Are! - MCHS Mission

"The Marion County Historical Society (MCHS), a community resource, promotes the appreciation of regional history by present and future generations. The Society connects the past to the present by preserving and interpreting the county's cultural and natural history."

Where We've Been!

  • Established July 11, 1950 to promote historical research and education by collecting, preserving, studying and exhibiting historic artifacts, manuscripts and photographs

  • Organized one of the earliest county historical societies in Oregon

  • Published a variety of journals and books since 1955

  • Championed the preservation of the Jason Lee House and Parsonage, Thomas Kay Woolen Mill and Historic Deepwood Estate

  • Opened a museum and research library in the former Thomas Kay Woolen Mill Retail Store at Mission Mill Museum in 1984

  • Sponsored numerous educational programs and special events

  • Received a Certificate of Commendation from the American Association for State and Local History for Excellence in Local History in 1999

  • Compiled and published Discovering Marion County History: A Researcher's Guide to Heritage Organizations and Their Collection in 2004

  • Completed a renovation of exhibit, research and storage areas to enhance public use.

  • Initiated the MCHS Education Outreach Program to provide field trips and classroom education for students in local public and private schools.

MCHS Research Library
Research Library
Image Credit Kris Lockard

Where We're Going! - MCHS Museum & Education Center      Top of Page

MCHS is preserving the county's cultural and natural history by:
  • Acknowledging that preservation of historical materials is not an end in itself but a catalyst for the interpretation of local history.

  • Gathering a regionally significant collection of books, publications, archival materials, photographs, ephemera, oral histories and other materials documenting the history and people of Marion County.

  • Organizing, storing, indexing and reformatting collection materials to maximize their availability and use by society members, researchers and the general public.

  • Encouraging the preservation of Marion County history through personal and public efforts which complement, reference or enhance the collections at MCHS.

  • Facilitating preservation projects which reflect the cultural, ethnic, religious and philosophical diversity of Marion County.
MCHS is interpreting the county's cultural and natural history by:
  • Maintaining a historical society, museum and education center that facilitates the work of the MCHS.

  • Publishing local histories which inform and entertain current readers while establishing a permanent written record of the history of Marion County.

  • Enhancing the general level of knowledge about and appreciation of local history and historical sites through quality exhibits, programs and special events.

  • Developing educational and interpretive programs which reflect the cultural, ethnic, religious and philosophical diversity of Marion County which inspires further exploration of local history and historical sites.

  • Employing the unique qualities of personal, family and local history to enhance the quality of life for area residents and visitors.

Share in the Work of MCHS!

Attend presentations, special events and educational programs sponsored by MCHS. Purchase publications from our growing sales area. MCHS members receive a 10% discount.

Join MCHS to enjoy free admission, complementary copies of Historic Marion and Member Matters and a 10% discount on publication purchases. Obtain gift memberships for a friend or family members!

Donate historical materials related to Marion County.

Share your time and talents as a volunteer.

Financially Support the work of the Historical Society through cash donations, sponsorship, in-kind donations and memorial gifts. Consider including MCHS in your estate planning through the Marion Historical Foundation.

Share your ideas and comments.

Advocate the importance of maintaining cultural-heritage organizations throughout Marion County.

Membership      Top of Page

Membership in the Marion County Historical Society helps support the preservation of Marion County's rich history. If you are not a member of MCHS, become one. If you are already a member consider renewing at a higher level. Benefits of membership include:
  • Free admission to MCHS exhibits and library

  • Advance notice of events and programs

  • Complimentary issues of Member Matters, Historic Marion and Marion County History

  • 10% discount on bookstore purchases and ticketed events.

Membership Levels:

• Senior-Student $25
• Individual $30
• Family $35
• Contributing $50
• Kalapuya $100
• Pudding $250
• Santiam $500

Additional benefits are available for memberships above the Family level. Gift memberships are also available for friends and family members. Memberships dues are tax deductible as allowed by law. Send your check to the: Marion County Historical Society., 260 12th Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97301

Volunteering      Top of Page

The Marion County Historical Society has a variety of short-term and ongoing volunteer opportunities. Volunteers actively assist with projects related to collections, publications, programs and education. Activities may include researching individual collection items, writing articles or short histories, leading educational programs or indexing archival materials. Volunteers may work on these projects individually or become part of a working group. To learn more about what volunteer opportunities are currently available at the Marion County Historical Society contact us at (503) 364-2128 or  mchs@marionhistory.org .

 Top of Page