FIVE-YEAR LEVY: OREGON HISTORICAL SOCIETY LIBRARY, MUSEUM, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
QUESTION: Shall County support history library, museum, educational programs: 5-year levy, $.05 per $1,000 assessed valuation, beginning 2011, with oversight?
This measure may cause property taxes to increase more than three percent.
SUMMARY: The Oregon Historical Society (OHS) houses and preserves Oregon's collection of historical documents, photos, books, maps and artifacts. The OHS Library and Museum provide public access for school field trips, for individuals and families to view changing exhibits, and to research all of Oregon's history.
The State of Oregon has cut funding to OHS. OHS has greatly reduced hours open to the public. Without additional funds, OHS facilities will close to the public beginning in spring, 2011.
This measure enacts a five-year local option levy of $.05 per $1,000 assessed property value to keep the Oregon History Library and Museum open to the public. It funds:
- Restoration of hours open to the public for the Oregon History Museum and Library;
- Free admission for all schoolchildren, and all Multnomah County residents, to Museum and Library.
An independent citizen oversight committee will ensure tax dollars are spent as promised. Annual audits will be conducted and made public. A home assessed by the county at $200,000 pays $10 a year for this levy.
The levy will raise an estimated $2.24 million for fiscal year 2011-2012; $2.31 million for fiscal year 2012-13; $2.41 million for fiscal year 2013-2014; $2.50 million for fiscal year 2014-2015; and $2.59 million for fiscal year 2015-2016.
The estimated tax cost for this measure is an ESTIMATE ONLY based on the best information available from the county assessor at the time of estimate.
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Established in 1898, the Oregon Historical Society collects and maintains the county and state's major collection of Oregon, Portland, and Multnomah County historical documents, letters, photographs, books, maps, artifacts and more. About 60% of the library materials relate directly to Multnomah County history, and OHS acts as the Multnomah County Historical Society.
The Oregon Historical Society – located in downtown Portland with storage of additional materials in Gresham, Oregon – includes the Oregon History Museum and the Oregon History Library. Approximately 40,000 visitors use these facilities a year, including about 8,000 schoolchildren, to research specific Oregon history questions and view Oregon history exhibits.
The OHS Library and Museum have received state funding in the past; however for the last decade those funds have been substantially reduced, causing cuts to hours and services at the museum and library. Without another source of funds, the Oregon History Museum will close facilities by spring of 2011 or sooner. The library will be open limited hours, although not indefinitely.
This Multnomah County local option levy will keep the Oregon History Museum open 40 hours a week and the Library open to the public 32+ hours a week - avoiding closure and restoring cuts to service. It supports curation for the museum so that exhibits can be rotated and the collection and protection of Oregon's historical artifacts and documents can continue. Levy funds will also protect the collection of Oregon history documents and artifacts, and public access to those, at four East Multnomah County Historical Societies which together will receive $150,000 of the levy each of the five years. OHS levy funds shall be allocated in a manner that represents Multnomah County's diverse cultures.
The levy supports continuation of educational programs including free admission for every schoolchild to visit the museum and for all county residents - providing access to those previously unable to visit due to cost.
The cost of the levy is up to $.05 (five cents) per $1,000 assessed property value, beginning 2011 through 2016. For example, the owner of a home assessed by the county at $200,000 will pay $10 a year for this levy.
Accountability is a component of the levy. The Multnomah County Chair will appoint an independent citizens oversight committee – representative of Multnomah County's diverse communities - to review all levy expenditures and ensure dollars are spent as promised. In addition, Multnomah County will select an auditor for which OHS will pay to conduct annual audits of levy funds that will be made available to the public.
This levy will fund nearly one-half of operations at OHS facilities. Other funds come from admissions, grants and private donations. To consistently provide the services promised to the voters, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners will consider termination or reduction of the levy if the State of Oregon restores funding to OHS.
Submitted by:
Agnes Sowle
County Attorney
Multnomah County
No arguments AGAINST this measure were filed.
Keep Oregon's History Alive
There is no other way to say it. Measure 26-118 will save the Oregon Historical Society Museum and Library.
Why should we care? OHS is where we keep our ancestors' diaries, belongings, photos, maps, and children's toys. It's where our children can see the real thing: Joe Meek's rifle, the penny flipped to name the City of Portland, the maps used by Lewis and Clark, the letters of first-generation Oregonians and immigrants, rare Native American artifacts, and so much more.
But the most important reasons to save the museum and library aren't artifacts from the past. It's the impact on our future. It is the spark of curiosity, learning and excitement it creates in a young person who can feel and touch history It is the living reminder of were we have been to help us understand where we must go.
Your support for Measure 26-118 is critical. Oregon's history museum and library are running out of money: While the state funded the library and museum for over 100 years, it has sharply cut funding for the last several years. The historical society has spent down its cash reserves and cut back hours to remain open to the public. But the savings are almost gone.
Without additional funds, the Oregon Historical Society will have to close facilities to the public beginning next year.
Measure 26-118 asks the typical property taxpayer for just $10 a year to keep the Oregon's History Museum and Library open to the public and restore previous levels of service and hours. In return, Multnomah County residents and all school groups will receive free admission at any time.
And researchers, scholars, schoolchildren, families and individuals will continue to be able to hold Oregon's history in their hands.
Please join us in keeping Oregon's history alive. Vote Yes on Measure 26-118.
Governor Vic Atiyeh Jean M. Auel, Author
Eric Parsons, retired CEO StanCorp Thomas J. Vaughan, Oregon Historian Laureate
(This information furnished by Jerry E. Hudson, Oregon Historical Society)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Pennies for Oregon's Heritage.
Measure 26-118 will protect and preserve history
and culture in our community.
Who are we? How did we get here? How can we better shape our future? The lessons of Oregon 's history matter – but only if we and our children can learn them. Because of years of state funding cuts, we are about to lose that ability. With Measure 26-118 we can keep public access to Oregon's unique history.
A local levy for Oregon Historical Society continues existing services and restores adequate hours for the museum and library:
- Our History Museum offers a place for students, writers, researchers of Oregon's history and the public to study and learn about Oregon's history.
- More and more schoolchildren are visiting– and more want to come on field trips to visit and learn at the Oregon History Museum.
- Residents and researchers come to OHS to search for and discover information about their neighborhoods and old homes, local businesses, family history, and historical treasures from the attic. Many collections document the stories of minorities and ethnic groups, such as Japanese Americans, African Americans, and Native Americans. The levy will restore full public access to the Research Library back up to 32+ hours per week (up from only 12 hours/week.)
What Happens to OHS Without Levy Funding?
- The state has cut its funding to OHS dramatically; cash reserves are nearly gone.
- Without Additional Funds, OHS will close facilities to the public beginning next year.
The Return for Local Residents . . . for a local levy:
- FREE admission to the Oregon Historical Museum and Research Library for all Multnomah County residents and all school groups. One visit to the museum equals the $10 local levy cost on the average-assessed home.
- Our history institutions help us to understand our history and shape our future.
Keep Oregon History alive. Please join us in voting “YES” on Measure 26-118.
(This information furnished by Elizabeth Kaufman, Oregon History Yes)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Teachers Support Oregon History
And the Oregon Historical Society support us!
Please vote to keep Oregon History open to the public, and to our students!
Vote Yes on Measure 26-114.
We are local schoolteachers who bring students to the Oregon historical museum and library. There is nothing like it for kids, and for students whose love for history is just sprouting.
Elementary school kids are taught Oregon's history in the 4th grade. They learn about the explorers, the Native Americans, the early Oregon Territory, and the pioneers who made it their home. But we can only go so far in a school classroom.
Kids need to see the real thing. The real beaver pelts, the real covered wagons, the real wooden toys and the inventive tools of early settlers and Native Americans. That's how they become more inquisitive and more appreciative of the uniqueness of Oregon, and how they'll work to protect Oregon in the future.
Middle and high school students write research papers. And, with the history library, they can use the original documents to explore the real background. That's how they learn more. And we want to help provide that for them.
For example, there are documents at OHS that belonged to famed suffragist Abigail Scott Duniway. No other Oregonian has inspired the awe of many students as Duniway has, and that has been demonstrated by the vast number of student papers about her. Were you to ask those students, they would say that holding these documents brought her to life so much more vividly than any textbook sidebar.
We urge you, on behalf of all of the younger kids in elementary school, as well as high school and middle school educator and students, to approve this levy in order to continue the vital work OHS does in supporting our children's education.
Jerry Landreth Dave Molloy
Portland elementary teacher Jackson Middle School teacher
(This information furnished by Eliza Canty-Jones)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
We are students and researchers for Oregon History
Please vote Yes on Measure 26-118.
We are students at local colleges and universities. We read, study, and interpret history, including parts of Oregon's History. Without the Oregon Historical Society, we wouldn't have access to the information we need. It's that simple.
We rely on the history library, museum, and the Oregon Historical Quarterly , for its essential resources:
- The history museum collections include over 85,000 unique artifacts, including ancient items, memorabilia from Oregon's settlements, political and cultural items, items from the development of artwork and crafts, maritime history, and experiences of our diverse ethnic groups;
- The history library has: 25,000 maps, 30,000 books, 8.5 million feet of film and videotape, 16,000 rolls of microfilm, and 12,000 linear feet of documents. We have nearly 3 million photographs that detail Oregon's history. There is nothing like it in the world;
- The Oregon Historical Quarterly is the only peer-reviewed journal dedicated to Oregon History.
Researchers like us, from here and from national and international academic institutions, rely upon the Library for its essential resources. But it's not just students using it – everybody can, and does.
Your children can use it to help with their homework, as hundreds do every year. And you can use the Library to learn more about your family, your career, your neighborhood and even your own house! It's an invaluable resource for us all.
Oregon's history is full of amazing people and feats that have made us what we are today and what we will be tomorrow. As students, we need the resources available to study that history –at our local History Library and Museum.
Please help us keep them open. Vote yes for Oregon's History. Vote yes on Measure 26-114.
Kristin Teigen Mark Durbetaki
Portland State University University of Portland
Keith D. Baich Felicia Williams
PSU PSU
(This information furnished by Kristin Teigen, Oregon History Yes)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
A Message about the OHS Research Library
If you want to know something about where you live, where your family lived, who came here when and why – we welcome you to visit the Oregon History Research Library, at the Oregon Historical Society.
Many Oregonians – newcomers, local families, schoolchildren, grandparents and more – use our library because they are curious. And they often leave the library with copies of a photo, a map, or a letter connected directly to them!
Our library contains over 3 million photos: portraits of individuals and families – maybe some of your relatives – old houses, street pictures when Oregon's population was small, and fabulous shots of the Gorge, the mountains and rivers before our modern era.
We can help you to get a copy of these items and we'll keep the originals safe.
Our library holds the world's largest collection of material related to the original Oregon Territory (including Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and part of Wyoming) and holds many other special collections about local explorers, Native Americans, Asians, Hispanics, African-Americans, European-Americans, gay and lesbian Oregonians, labor organizations, oral histories, and much more.
But right now, our library is only open 12 hours a week to the public and that's just not enough. Researchers as well as ordinary residents find it difficult to get here exactly when the library is open, and those coming to write about Oregon or do a film about Oregon simply don't get enough time every week to research the amazing stories that make us unique.
Measure 26-118 will restore library hours to 32+ a week, giving more people a chance to discover and study our past.
The history library is here for you. We hope you will help us remain here into the future, for your kids and grandchildren as well.
Support our local history: Please Vote Yes on
Measure 26-118.
(This information furnished by John Herman)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Our History is in Jeopardy
Some historians argue the major theme of Oregon's history is immigration, beginning with Native Americans arriving via the Siberian land bridge. Eventually, British and French trappers and traders drifted westward. Anglo populations soon followed during the great nineteenth-century expansion. Then came wave upon wave of new cultures.
In today's Oregon, 55% of us were born somewhere else, and the percentage continues to grow.
By locating here after elementary school, many didn't pass through the sheep-dip tank of Oregon history. We don't know that much about the horrible fights over slavery (yes, there were slaves in Oregon), the epic debates over fishing rights, public ownership of the beaches, conservation and land use, health care, and more—all which shaped us over time.
Oregonians need to have the opportunity to touch the state's past.
For more 113 years, Oregonians and the state have proudly cooperated in supporting the Oregon Historical Society in collecting, preserving, and displaying photographs, manuscripts, museum objects, and archeological finds about the history of Oregon. OHS holds the largest collections in the world pertaining to the Oregon Territory. The collections are renowned and well used by visitors seeking to learn about Oregon, scholars researching history topics for books, and local citizens interested in their neighborhoods or family history.
But since 1993, the state has drastically reduced funding for Oregon's history.
And without additional funding, Oregon Historical Society will begin closing facilities next year. What becomes of the immense collection of Native American basketry, Joe Meek's rifle, the world-famous collection of Carleton Watkins' 1867 photographs of the Columbia Gorge?
And what happens when recent arrivals and schoolchildren have no place to learn about Oregon history?
Voters can save the day and support the 5-year local levy to keep Oregon history's doors open and restore hours and public access at the Oregon History Museum and Research Library.
Please do something historic for Oregon. Vote Yes on Measure 26-118.
(This information furnished by John Herman, Oregon History Yes)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
East Multnomah County History Benefits from
Measure 26-118
We are supporters of the four East Multnomah County Historical Societies, including Troutdale, Crown Point Country, Gresham and Fairview-Rockwood-Wilkes Historical Societies. Our societies collect and retain the historical letters, maps and artifacts that document the history of our unique area and will benefit from this measure.
All our groups are supported by the Oregon Historical Society through sharing of knowledge, collections, expertise, and materials. If the Oregon Historical Society closes, our small historical societies will have fewer resources left to maintain archives and buildings.
Multnomah County history is Oregon history, from the original ancestors to the immigrants of past and present. It's a vital part of all communities to preserve and pass down to future generations knowledge of the past.
Passing Measure 26-118 will benefit local residents by keeping the Oregon Historical Society history museum and research library open to the public. County residents and school groups will receive free admission.
Also, Measure 26-118 will provide $150,000 to the four east county historical societies every year of the levy, helping us continue to collect and maintain local history.
Without Measure 26-118, the Oregon Historical Society must close facilities beginning next year and a great deal of knowledge will be lost.
In virtually every other Oregon county, local historical societies are supported to some extent by the county. Those counties recognize that members, volunteers and donations alone cannot perform an important civic function like receiving, maintaining, and making available the history of an area.
Multnomah County historical materials have been collected, archived, and made available through the Oregon Historical Society, which, until now, has received state funding. But state funding cuts mean Multnomah County must act.
Please vote Yes and join other Oregon counties in recognizing and supporting our heritage and history.
Dodi Davies, Fairview-Rockwood-Wilkes Historical Society
Chuck Rollins, Crown Point Country Historical Society
Dorothy G. Douglas, Gresham Historical Society
David Ripma, Troutdale Historical Society
(This information furnished by David Ripma, Oregon History Yes)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Volunteers support Oregon History
Vote Yes on Measure 26-118
We are long-term volunteers at the Oregon History Museum and the Research Library where we work to help keep Oregon history alive now and for future generations. Please join us by voting Yes on Measure 26-118.
Volunteers at the History Museum and library back up the staff in guiding local residents, schoolchildren and visitors through the exhibits and collections.
You can imagine the look on a 4th graders face when they first see ancient sandals or feel a beaver pelt, and ask, ‘Is it real?' And the tremendous satisfaction we feel in acknowledging,' yes – it is. And, there's much more to see.'
As volunteers, we help make ends meet for the Historical Society. Yet, volunteers can only do so much. We need the ability to continue to collect and display the letters, flags, home recipes, historic maps photos, and more - of the diverse population of our area and our state. We need funds to keep the doors open.
But the Oregon Historical Society is running out of money. They've cut their budget, the staff, and the hours and services for the public. And the state is unable to come through.
We hope you can help. Measure 26-118 asks local voters to approve a levy of five cents per thousand dollars of property value for five years. That's about $10 a year for the average assessed home.
In return, the Historical Society will provide free admission to every Multnomah County resident and every school group visiting the museum and library.
It's a great deal, for a really important place. And, without additional funds, facilities will have to close to the public next year. We can't let that happen.
We support the $10 a year for Oregon's history. We hope you will, too.
James Strassmaier, Volunteer, 5 years
Doug Smith, Volunteer, 5 years
Jean Burlingham, Volunteer, 20 years
Thelma Kunowsky, Volunteer, 23 years
(This information furnished by James Strassmaier)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Oregon Historical Society is Financially Responsible and Well Managed
Measure 26-118 includes a high degree of accountability to the public.
We are the current and previous treasurers for the Oregon Historical Society. We both have accounting backgrounds in the private sector and volunteered to serve as OHS treasurer in order to provide experienced oversight of the financial practices of the organization.
We know what it means for an organization to have a strong set of financial practices that promotes cost-savings, financial transparency, and, most importantly, directs most resources toward serving the public.
The Oregon Historical Society practices very strong financial management as demonstrated by the fact that it received a clean audit opinion from its independent auditor for the most recent fiscal year with no recommendations for improved financial practices.
But even good oversight can only go so far. The organization needs more funding in order to keep its facilities open to the public. Due to state funding cuts, OHS has had to cut its budget and its services. It has cut costs and services by over 1/3, and has been forced to spend cash reserves.
By next year, there will no longer be enough money to continue to serve the public; facilities will have to close without additional funds.
We urge you to support Measure 26-114 to keep Oregon history available to the public.
The measure includes strong accountability to the public, including annual audits and an independent citizen oversight committee to ensure tax dollars are spent as promised.
Please vote Yes on Measure 26-118
Marc Berg Stephen Terry
Oregon Historical Society Treasurer Oregon Historical Society, previous Treasurer
(This information furnished by Elizabeth Kaufman, Oregon History Yes)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Kids Love Oregon History and want more!
Please vote yes to keep our History museum and library open.
We are volunteer docents at the Oregon Historical Society. That means we guide groups of schoolchildren when they visit and help explain what's on display.
Turns out kids have one thing in common: They're amazed at the great stuff Oregon history is made of! The beaver pelts traded by fur traders, the hand-made baskets and tools of the Native Americans, the rifles used by mountaineers – all lead kids to love Oregon more because they can see and touch the stuff themselves.
Don't take it from us. Here's what the kids themselves wrote to thank us for their visit to the history museum:
- The 9000 year old sandals and the canoe were really cool, it was interesting that the Indians even had money, let along fish bone money! I hope we can come again.
- I enjoyed learning about the Native Americans and how they made boats out of logs.
- I enjoyed the big wagon and everything we got to see WOW! I wish we can come back.
- I liked how we got to see stuff, I have never seen Indian stuff a lot.
- I learned so many things, I want to learn more (which is rare for me, trust me…)!
- I didn't know that bullets they used in the Oregon trail had points.
- I learned a lot about the oldest shoes and the first car made in Oregon.
- Thank you for showing interesting facts about the past.
Measure 26-114 keeps the doors of the Oregon History Museum open. It will provide free admission to all Multnomah County residents and ALL school groups – so that more kids can come.
Please join us in supporting kids and their love for history! Vote Yes on Measure 26-118.
Sharon A. Thorne
William Nelson
Volunteer Docent Volunteer Docent
(This information furnished by Sharon A Thorne, Oregon History Yes)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.