The Marion County Historical Society
“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.”
Since 1950, Marion County Historical Society has inspired new generations of local historians by exploring and preserving Marion County history. The Historical Society is a 501 (C)3 that relies on the support of its members and our community.
As a part of the Willamette Heritage Center, Marion County Historical Society is the research arm of the new institution mantaining the Library, Archives and three-dimensional collection.Visitors can explore, encounter, research, and experience the unique story of Marion County and its people through the exhibits, programs publications and library and archives by visiting the Willamette Heritage Center located at 1313 Mill Street SE.
This guide will provide you access to the varied collections of the Marion County Historical Society. The collecting and inventorying of our collections is ongoing and new materials are made available regularly. Look in this guide for materials that you think may assist you. Then, ask a staff member to obtain these files for you. All these materials may only be used at the Marion County Historical Society museum.
The sections of this guide are:
1. Marion County Historical Files
2. Manuscripts
3. Biographical Files
4. Cemeteries
5. Maps
6. Photographs
The Marion County Historical Society was established in 1950 to preserve local history and to educate. In addition to operating the museum, the organization publishes a monthly newsletter, a quarterly historical journal, and books documenting Marion County’s past (available at the museum).
Hours are Tuesday through Friday 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.and Saturday by appointment.