Information
Landmark: Union County Historical SocietyCity: La Grande
Country: USA Oregon
Continent: North America
Union County Historical Society, La Grande, USA Oregon, North America
Overview
The Union County Historical Society works within the community to preserve, share, and celebrate the history of Union County and the Grande Ronde Valley in northeastern Oregon, from old pioneer ledgers to weathered barn wood.It serves as a center for historical research and education, caring for artifacts, weathered documents, and old buildings that tell the story of the region’s cultural and pioneer past.The Historical Society works to collect, preserve, and share Union County’s history-every photograph, diary page, and faded map tells part of the story.That means keeping archives of photographs, maps, manuscripts, and records that trace the county’s story-from the first Indigenous settlements to the rumble of pioneer wagons, the sweep of farmland, and the clang of industrial growth.We’re working to preserve historic buildings, landmarks, and artifacts that tell the story of the region’s cultural and architectural growth-like the weathered brick facades that have stood for over a century.They offer educational programs, lively lectures, and hands-on exhibitions that draw in both locals and visitors, bringing the county’s history to life with the scent of old timber and faded photographs.The Union County Historical Society preserves a range of treasures and programs, including archival records-old letters, yellowed newspapers, and detailed genealogies-vital for tracing family roots, uncovering local events, and understanding how the community has grown.Photographic collections showcase 150 years of Union County’s story-towns growing, farms changing with the seasons, rail lines stretching across the horizon, and everyday moments like children playing in dusty streets.Artifacts and objects include tools worn smooth from use, sturdy household goods, well-patched clothing, and the farming gear that tell the story of pioneer life, ranching traditions, and the local industries that shaped the region.The society works to keep historic buildings and sites alive, from restoring weathered brickwork to repairing old wooden doors, partnering closely with local authorities and preservation experts.We offer educational outreach programs for schools, community groups, and public tours, from guided walks through weathered stone ruins to curated exhibitions filled with artifacts.While the society shares some spaces with the Union County Museum in Union, Oregon, it also keeps its own quiet storage rooms and tidy archival shelves set aside for research.The office usually offers access to reference books and genealogical records, from dusty local histories to neatly labeled family charts.We offer help to historians, students, and local residents who want to uncover the county’s heritage-whether it’s an old map in a dusty archive or a story handed down for generations.The society serves as the county’s cultural hub, drawing people in with stories, photographs, and artifacts that spark curiosity and deepen appreciation for local history.You might find lectures, hands-on workshops, and lively seminars on historical topics tied to northeastern Oregon-like the gold rush towns that once bustled along the river.Join community events, bustling fairs, and lively heritage festivals to share and celebrate local history.We work with schools and universities to bring history to life, offering classes and research projects that dig into real archives and faded maps.The Union County Historical Society plays a vital role in keeping the county’s identity and history alive, from dusty courthouse records to faded black‑and‑white photographs.It protects artifacts, buildings, and records so the story of the Grande Ronde Valley-from its Indigenous beginnings to pioneer cabins, farm fields, and today’s bustling towns-remains within reach for future generations.Its work shines a light on how community, place, and history intertwine, offering historians, genealogists, educators, and curious locals a rich trove of stories-like weathered letters from a century-old farmstead-that trace the evolution of northeastern Oregon.The society takes a hands-on approach to preserving history, working side by side in old brick buildings and drawing on the knowledge of local residents.The volunteers and staff care deeply about the community, working to keep the region’s stories, artifacts, and landmarks alive-dusting old photographs, leading tours, and sharing them through classes and public events.The organization protects Union County’s history while sparking fresh ways to understand and appreciate it, from preserving old courthouse records to sharing them with curious visitors.
