Facing Statehood
February 14, 2009 to May 23, 2010

In celebration of Oregon’s sesquicentennial, Mission Mill Museum is proud to open Facing Statehood. The story told in this epic exhibition is how Oregon became the 33rd state. Facing Statehood spotlights the historical influences, conflicts and actions that led to its admission to the Union in 1859.

The exhibition opens with the Kalapuya, who have lived in the Willamette Valley since time immemorial. From there, the story moves into the period of drastic changes brought by explorers, trappers and missionaries. This initial influx of newcomers precipitated a great migration of settlers who soon initiated the debate over the region’s political future.

The exhibition finally explores the intrigue, disputes, agreements and actions that led to statehood. Also highlighted are those who were ineligible to participate in the democratic experience that came with statehood, namely women, Chinese, Blacks, and Native Peoples. As visitors leave the exhibition, they are asked to contribute their own hopes, dreams and visions for Oregon’s next 150 years.