The Oregon Heritage Commission and the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will hold meetings in person and online during the Oregon Heritage Conference in Woodburn, according to an April 15 announcement. Both commissions are inviting public participation, with opportunities for comment at each session.
The meetings are part of ongoing efforts to coordinate heritage activities across the state and address issues related to historic preservation. These gatherings provide a platform for community input and help shape policies affecting Oregon’s cultural resources.
The Oregon Heritage Commission is scheduled to meet on May 1 at 9:30 a.m. at the Woodburn Public Library and online. The agenda includes reviewing and adopting the 2026-2033 Oregon Heritage Plan, considering two applications for the Heritage Tradition designation—the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene and the Bandon Cranberry Festival—and hearing a presentation from the OSU Special Collection and Archives Research Center about addressing harmful content in collections. Details about this meeting, including how to attend virtually, can be found on www.oregonheritage.org.
The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will convene on April 29 at 1 p.m., also at the Woodburn Public Library with an online option available. The commission will hear presentations about compliance programs within the State Historic Preservation Office, cemetery involvement in state and federal projects, and updates on preservation work such as the Shroeder Family Tomb Preservation Project.
According to meeting organizers, special accommodations—including translation services—can be arranged by calling (503) 986‐0690 at least three days before either meeting begins.
Both commissions play significant roles in preserving Oregon’s heritage. The nine-member Heritage Commission coordinates statewide heritage activities through planning, promoting tourism related to heritage resources, supporting collaboration among agencies, addressing collective challenges, and organizing commemorations of historical anniversaries. More information is available from coordinator Katie Henry or via www.oregonheritage.org.
The seven-member Commission on Historic Cemeteries maintains records of historic cemeteries throughout Oregon while offering education programs, technical assistance for restoration projects, workshops, funding recommendations, legislative advocacy for cemeteries’ needs—and encourages public appreciation through storytelling initiatives led by citizens across different regions of the state.
