Founded in 1946 by passionate local citizens determined to save the historic 1875 Jacksonville Courthouse from demolition, the Southern Oregon Historical Society (SOHS) has grown into one of the region’s most vital cultural resources. What began as a grassroots preservation effort soon gained community-wide support when Jackson County voters approved a dedicated tax levy in 1948, providing stable funding that allowed the organization to flourish for nearly six decades.
Today, SOHS maintains an impressive collection of nearly one million artifacts documenting the rich tapestry of Southern Oregon’s history. Their archives house irreplaceable materials on the region’s Native American peoples including the Klamath, Modoc, and Takelma; pioneer records from families like the Applegates and Beekmans; hundreds of items connected to local Chinese and Japanese communities; architectural drawings; and an extensive collection of Peter Britt’s glass-plate negatives and prints.
The Society’s crown jewel is Historic Hanley Farm, a working 19th-century farm established in 1857 that preserves the region’s agricultural heritage. Acquired in 1986, this Oregon Century Farm offers seasonal events, house tours, gardens, and youth programs that bring history to life for visitors of all ages.
Their research library and archives, housed in downtown Medford, serve as an invaluable resource for historians, genealogists, and curious citizens. Open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4:00 PM, the library welcomes visitors to explore Southern Oregon’s past through documents, photographs, maps, and films. Jackson County residents enjoy free admission thanks to a partnership with the Jackson County Library District.
Since 2007, when public funding shifted to the County General Fund, SOHS has relied primarily on private support and volunteer efforts. Over 300 dedicated volunteers now keep the Society’s programs running, from maintaining the library to organizing educational initiatives like the popular “Windows in Time” lecture series co-sponsored with Jackson County Library Services.
Despite financial challenges, SOHS continues its vital mission: bringing history alive by collecting, preserving, and sharing the stories and artifacts that define Southern Oregon’s unique identity and heritage for future generations.
Summary Points:
- Founded in 1946 to save the Jacksonville Courthouse, becoming one of Oregon’s premier historical organizations
- Houses nearly one million artifacts documenting Southern Oregon’s diverse cultural heritage
- Maintains a research library and archives in downtown Medford open Tuesday-Saturday from noon to 4:00 PM
- Operates Historic Hanley Farm, a working 19th-century farm established in 1857
- Provides free library access to Jackson County residents through partnership with the library district
- Offers educational programs including the “Windows in Time” lecture series
- Transitioned from public funding to private support and volunteer efforts since 2007
- Welcomes visitors and researchers interested in exploring Southern Oregon’s unique history