Oregon Celebrates its 150th Birthday this 2009

Sesquicentennial Events Commemorate the Oregon Trail, Pioneers, Statehood

May 1, 2009

The Beaver State celebrates 150 years of history with festivals and events throughout the state. Oregon museum exhibits feature information on pioneers and statehood.

Events this 2009 will celebrate Oregon’s 150th birthday with community parties throughout the state. Historical reenactments, museum exhibits, cultural celebrations and festivals celebrate life in Oregon from 1859 to 2009. Although the official date of statehood occurred on February 14th, many events around the state take place throughout all of 2009.

Facing Statehood in Salem

The Mission Mill Museum presents exhibits exploring Oregon’s pre-statehood years and how statehood came about in 1859. Visitors discover how Oregon became the 33rd state. The Mission Mill Museum is located at the old Thomas Kay Woolen Mill in Salem. The site has been designated an "American Treasure" by the National Park Service. Mission Mill Museum exhibits include those on the history of the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill, Jason Lee's Methodist Mission to Oregon history, the Oregon Trail migration, and other exhibits held throughout the year. The Mission Mill Museum is located at 1313 Mill Street NE in Salem, and is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm. The museum is in close proximity to the State Capitol Building.

Politics of Sand in Cannon Beach

The Cannon Beach Historical Society presents a museum display dedicated to the Oregon Beach Bill and public access to the beach in Oregon. This exhibit will be displayed through December 1st. A 2-hour DVD presentation explores the Oregon Beach Bill topic. The Oregon Beach Bill was passed in 1967 guarantying public access to Oregon's beaches after a Cannon Beach business owner's attempt to privatize the beach. Cannon Beach is a popular tourism attraction along the North Oregon Coast. The Cannon Beach Historical Society also offers a fascinating tour of historical homes.

Oregon State Fair Birthday Bash

One of the biggest birthday bashes in 2009 will take place during the Oregon State Fair in Salem. The state fair "Big Birthday Bash" runs August 28th through September 7th at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. From carnival rides and games to food booths and hundreds of exhibits this year's Oregon State Fair is "Too Big to Miss!" The Oregon State Fair attracts large crowds from around the state each year.

Other Oregon 150 Events

The city of Brownsville celebrates history with the "Carriage Me Back" event this May. Local actors dress in period costumes to portray well-known historical figures. They reenact the pioneer days with fun and style. Visitors ride in horse-drawn carriage from the Linn County Historical Museum to the 1881 Moyer House. Brownsville also hosts the Linn County Pioneer Picnic in June, considered Oregon's oldest continuous celebration according to Oregon 150.

Florence Oregon celebrates Rhody Days with a special tribute to the "Pacific Wonderland". This 102nd Rhody Festival brings a multitude of visitors to the Oregon Coast during the 3rd weekend in May. With a grand floral parade, flower shows, a 10K/ 5K run/walk and many other attractions the Rhody Days celebrates life in Oregon.

The Oregon 150 Official Collector's Issue is available from Oregon 150 and the Oregon Historical Society.

The copyright of the article Oregon Celebrates its 150th Birthday this 2009 in Oregon Travel is owned by Aurae Beidler. Permission to republish Oregon Celebrates its 150th Birthday this 2009 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.