Oregon State Capitol Foundation
The Oregon State Capitol Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
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History
The history of the foundation dates back to 1991 with the Capitol Preservation Advisory Committee (CPAC) which saw a need to explore funding sources and possibilities for Capitol projects that were not funded through the regular budget process. Civic-minded individuals who cared about the Capitol began meeting as a small group. They shared a love for the push and pull of the legislative process, the people and business of the Capitol, and the historic importance and architectural beauty of the building. The group also wanted to educate Oregonians about the Capitol and the legislative process, celebrate shared heritage, and preserve Oregon’s history. Initially, formation of a "Friends of the Capitol" group was contemplated, and a subcommittee was formed to establish goals and objectives. They decided to formalize their group and, with the Legislature’s support, formed the Oregon State Capitol Foundation. Formerly an agency of the Oregon Legislative Assembly, the Oregon State Capitol Foundation was established by statute in 1997 to preserve the historical integrity of the capitol and its immediate adjacent areas, and to provide recognition for its individuals and events that have historic import. It also made recommendations to the Oregon Legislative Administration Committee on renovations, repairs, acquisitions, exhibits, events, other special projects, and other activities.
The Oregon State Capitol Foundation became a standalone 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2015.
Vision
The Oregon State Capitol Foundation’s vision is that all Oregonians know the Oregon State Capitol as a beautiful, vibrant place to engage with history and democracy.
The Capitol Foundation helped to create—and continues to provide significant funding for—the Capitol History Gateway and its ongoing programs. The Capitol History Gateway is a history center at the Capitol that is free and open to all visitors. It consists of a physical welcome center space, resource website, and visitor pathways through the building and grounds. It also functions as a critical “gateway” to Oregon’s historic resources, including local and county history museums and heritage institutions, and inspires citizens to become involved in shaping their own history.
The Capitol Foundation focuses on:
- State history
- Including Oregon’s founding as a state, legislative history, political history, and notable Oregonians involved in the governmental processes
- Serving as a gateway for visitors to access other local and regional historical resources
- History of the Capitol buildings
- Education about the legislative process and its impact
- Education about the importance of civic engagement
- Building enhancements
- Cultural and educational programs that build community by highlighting the shared heritage of Oregonians
Mission and Work
The mission of the Oregon State Capitol Foundation is to connect Oregonians to a shared heritage, enhance the beauty of the Capitol, and involve citizens in their democracy. The group accomplishes its mission through work in three main areas:
1. Providing funding for educational and cultural programs, events and displays
Examples include Oregon’s Birthday Celebration, Hispanic Heritage Days, and Cherry Blossom Day. Funding from the Oregon State Capitol Foundation underwrites these events; they are free and open to all.
One of the Oregon State Capitol Foundation's major projects, the Capitol History Gateway, and a partnership with Capitol Visitor Services allows educators to access and teach an updated curriculum for 4th grade classroom trips, during which students visit the Capitol and learn about the legislative process, the building, and state history, as well as achievements of Oregonians from varied backgrounds. The Oregon State Capitol Foundation funded the development and production of both the original and newly-revised curriculum, which meets state educational standards, as well as a web-based portal to facilitate self-guided tours for all Capitol visitors which launched in 2018.
The Capitol itself is an important resource where visitors learn about state history. Meaningful artifacts can be preserved and exhibited in a climate-controlled archival document case donated by the Oregon State Capitol Foundation. Capitol History Gateway exhibits located in the galleria area, also funded by the Oregon State Capitol Foundation, include topics that illuminate the history and experiences of all Oregonians. It also features over twenty annual programs, multicultural celebrations, exhibits and events each year. In addition, the Capitol Foundation donates annual training and uniform items for the volunteer corps of Capitol interpretive tour guides.
2. Preserving history
Education about history, the legislative process, and representative democracy is a core strategy for achieving the Oregon State Capitol Foundation’s mission. To support this goal, it has compiled, produced, and preserved more than twenty oral histories from ordinary Oregonians. Viewers hear directly from former governors, legislators, lobbyists, and state employees about their Capitol experiences and involvement in making laws that impact Oregonians.
In addition, the Oregon State Capitol Foundation funds a speaker series, produced by the History Gateway, in which former Oregon legislators, state leaders, authors, and public advocates talk to live audiences and shed light on the process and importance of civic engagement and the people involved.
3. Supporting improvements that contribute to the dignity and beauty of the building.
The Oregon State Capitol Foundation contributes enhancements to the building and grounds, and also funds memorials to citizens who have significantly enriched the health or well-being of Oregon. In addition, it is a public advisor and advocate for building needs, such as earthquake preparedness.
Examples of past projects:
- Partnered with Oregon veteran’s groups to construct the Oregon Veterans Medal of Honor Memorial, which honors all members of the U.S. Armed Forces, past and present while paying a special tribute to the thirteen Oregon recipients of the Medal of Honor
- The Walk of Flags, as well as the nine flags of Oregon’s federally-recognized Native American tribes
- Four marble benches, which allow visitors to comfortably view the artwork, historical murals and decoration in the Capitol rotunda
- The Claire Phillips Memorial, honoring Oregon’s WWII spy heroine
- The donation of two concert-quality pianos to the House and Senate Chambers, which are used at opening ceremonies, concerts and special events.
Funding
The Oregon State Capitol Foundation operates with funds from a variety of sources:
- Individual donations
- Corporate sponsorships
- Earned income
- Foundation grants
Earned income is generated from the sale of Pacific Wonderland license plates; revenue is shared with the Oregon Historical Society. Additional earned income, though limited, is generated at times from the sale of historical items being removed /replaced at the Capitol and from ticket sales to special events.
Governance
The Oregon State Capitol Foundation is run by an all-volunteer Board of Directors made up of current and former legislators, lobbyists, state workers and community volunteers who share a passion for the vision, mission and work of the Capitol Foundation.