SOHS MISSION

To make history come alive by collecting, preserving, and sharing the stories and artifacts of our common heritage.

In 1946 the Southern Oregon Historical Society (SOHS) was formally organized to save the 1883 Jackson County Courthouse in Jacksonville; its white cupola can be seen throughout the town. In the decades since, SOHS has grown to become one of the finest regional historical societies in the West.  

SOHS operates the Jacksonville and Children's Museums, the History Store, Historical Research Library, several other historic properties of interest including the C.C. Beekman Bank, C.C. Beekman House, the U.S. Hotel, and the 37-acre 1850s era Hanley Farm located just outside of Jacksonville.

We also offer educational programs for children, families, and adults. Our annual Children’s Heritage Fair, for example, provides an exciting day of hands-on history activities to more than 2,500 fourth graders from elementary schools in Jackson, Josephine, and Klamath Counties.

In addition to state-of-the-art museum exhibits and educational outreach, SOHS publishes an acclaimed quarterly magazine, Southern Oregon Heritage Today, with in-depth articles focusing on Southern Oregon’s remarkable history.

SOHS is a 501(c)3 private, non-profit, member-supported organization.
Learn more about becoming an SOHS member today.