Man next to tree. 19970140011

Fri. January 20, 2017 – Sat. May 15, 2017
Member’s Opening: January 19, 2017

The Mid-Willamette Valley possesses myriad complex ecological systems and natural characteristics.  Water, soil, forests, wildlife and minerals have shaped the economies, settlement patterns, leisure activities, and identities of the communities in the region.  Humans in the valley have also been shaping the natural landscape to meet their needs and ideals since time immemorial.  Native agriculture and burning practices sculpted the valley’s iconic oak savanna, power development and flood controls in our cities have dammed and shaped our waterways, and the current trend in urbanization is transforming agricultural regions into cityscapes.  This exhibit and subsequent programming will look at the relationship between humans and their natural environment in the Mid-Willamette Valley.

Heritage Invitational Exhibits

The WHC’s mission is to preserve and interpret the history of the Mid-Willamette Valley.  We cannot accomplish this on our own.  The WHC created the Heritage Invitational Exhibit 7 years ago to highlight the diverse and exceptional work being done by heritage organizations throughout the region.  The WHC envisions the invitational exhibit as providing a venue for heritage groups and organizations to share their message with a wider audience, collaborate with other like-minded organizations, and gain exhibit development experience.

How to participate

Organizations from Polk, Marion, Linn, and Yamhill Counties are eligible to participate by curating and installing a display in a portion of the WHC’s changing exhibit gallery, based upon the year’s theme.  Proposals for this year’s exhibit are due by September 16, 2016.  For more information on how to participate see the request for proposals here: 2017 Heritage Invitational Exhibit Proposals.