Stewards of Oregon’s Heritage Must be Able to Survive and Thrive
Oregon’s heritage resources and cultural materials are at risk if the organizations serving as stewards of these resources are not able to survive and thrive, warns Oregon Heritage Commission Coordinator Katie Henry.
She says that by gathering information from those doing the work, the Heritage Commission can understand and elevate support to the heritage stewards from statewide processes, agencies, and organizations.
Vitality Study Report Identified Six Primary Actions
The Heritage Commission has released its 2024 Vitality Study Report that identifies issues affecting the performance of the state’s heritage organizations.
Following a partnership with the University of Oregon’s Institute for Policy Research and Engagement (IPRE), six primary proposals have been made.
The first recommendation is to create a task force of heritage leaders from relevant fields to research and report on solutions to coordinate service provision and case-making statewide. The task force should also concentrate efforts on funding and policy-level recommendations.
The other primary proposals include communication about resources, heritage promotion, increased funding options, fostering community connections, and addressing operation and facility needs.
Oregon’s heritage preservation sector comprises representation from Tribal, federal, state, and local governments, museums, historical societies, historic cemeteries, Main Street organizations, libraries, archives, genealogical societies, archaeology, historic preservation, and other organizations and individuals documenting, preserving and sharing history about the state.
The latest Vitality Study report was overseen by an Advisory Group and included a survey of Oregon heritage organizations in which 264 representatives from various organizations took part. Six workshops were held at venues across the state and represented nearly 60 organizations. The report also includes interviews with 10 heritage sector representatives.
Sources & References
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- Press Release from Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept.
- Oregon Heritage Vitality Study https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/…
- 2020-2025 Oregon Heritage Plan https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/…