History Museums in Portland
THE 10 BEST Portland History Museums
History Museums in Portland
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Types of Attractions
Museums
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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11 results sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Art Galleries • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Speciality Museums • History Museums
History Museums
Sellwood - Moreland Improvement League
What travellers are saying
- phvi2617Anaheim, CA735 contributionsThis is a really nice museum that offers a great overview of Oregon's history, from its natural history to its first peoples to statehood and everything between. The exhibits are very interesting, and they do a good job of exploring the complex history of the state. Admission is very reasonable, and it's a nice way to spend a couple hours.Written 8 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ryan H4 contributionsReally fun time. Had a delicious pizza and beer at Tillamook Station beforehand, and then rode the Saturday train on the Springwater. Love the museum and everyone there was so happy to be there. Please support the great work these guys are doing to keep history alive and provide fun affordable train rides to the public.Written 15 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nicks JEdinburgh, UK47 contributionsIt feels strange rating and reviewing a museum like this, but it really was absolutely fascinating. I particularly liked the Rembrandt exhibition. The section on the Holocaust is very well done and isn’t overwhelming, as is the section on genocide and human rights.
My only disappointment was that while the origins of the term genocide were explored, there was no mention of Hersch Lauterpacht, who also came from Lviv, and who coined the phrase ‘Crimes against humanity’.Written 2 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mary KWinston Salem, NC48 contributionsI can’t say enough good things about this fascinating little museum. Despite its location in a bit of a sketchy neighborhood, it is a must see in Portland. Curated in a unique and artful fashion (the short film shown at the beginning of the permanent collection is a marvel), it tells the history of Chinese immigrants in the Northwest in a compelling and engaging way.Written 26 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Joe WAustin, TX95 contributionsI was not aware of the significant and interesting history of Portland until my first visit. Luckily, someone directed me to the Architrectural Heritage Center of Portlond. Briefly, it was founded by two men, Jerry Bosco and Ben Milligan. They started collecting and preserving artifacts and architecturally significant structures from historical building being demolished. Eventually their efforts culminated in the founding of this place. Aside from exhibits, the center offfers a number of fascinating tours of various architecturall features of the city with a moderator giving descriptions. If you go to Portland you will appreciate the city more after a visit here, and if possible a tour.Written 14 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LjhSanta Rosa, CA40 contributionsI was pleased I found this small museum while I was visiting in Portland.
The displays were so interesting, especially the "Arrest Logs" and the older, retired uniforms. I would say that it is a must visit for anyone with an interest in historical law enforcement.
It is free to the public.Written 24 May 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - simpleymeWashington744 contributionsWe went on a Saturday and were thrilled to stumble upon a Saturday market which made parking harder but well worth it ,so we walked through the market of berries musician and yummy food before we arrived at the museum, This museum is small but fun it took us a bout an hour to go through it, it has many of the same kind of displays as other museums in this region but if you are in the area and have extra time it is worth a look . We liked the display that told about how we encouraged Mexicans to work in the us during WW11 we had no idea about that and also about the beginning of technology companies. If you are really busy with activities I would skip this museum but it is perfect addition to strolling the walkable downtown area and the farmers markets . If you go look across the street at the court house and see the giant sequoias they are shockingly big for being just over 125 years old.Written 18 June 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RSNNPortland, OR5 771 contributionsI was here a years ago during the Greek Festival and went up to see ehat they had this time. Yes they had changed what was featured here. They had something on Vases and Verses which was very good. They also had abooklet on this you could take with you. But the big highlight for me was the booklet about the artwork of Tom Stefopoulos art that was on the Lovejoy Coulmns. So great to have this booklet to read in greater detail about his work.Written 9 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Twila LKeizer, OR2 contributionsThis is a great place to go on a rainy day to rollerskate. Kids, teens, and parents had a great time and got some exercise!Written 6 March 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Holly S5 contributionsI arranged with a volunteer to meet on a Saturday as a family member's birthday surprise. It was extraordinary! The volunteer let us in the gate and showed us where to park. We were excited to be headed behind the gates on Swan Island. It was cool to see an area we would never see otherwise. Ships , equipment, and birds including a Bald Eagle and Great Blue Heron flying over.
The volunteer was incredibly kind. He showed us impressive Packard engines before we headed down the ramp to the boathouse. We explored the museum area. There are a variety of displays including some hands-on displays. There is a lot of information in a small space. All questions were welcomed. You can learn about so many aspects of life including writing home to family during war. It was great that the volunteer checked with us to see how much information we wanted and how much time we had. We were interested in everything and had plenty of time. The volunteer obliged and generously shared his time. He also arranged for us to visit the LCI-713 ship that is next door. We didn't even know it was there.
The PT Boat was so interesting and fun to climb through.
The museum room is heated, but the rest of the boathouse is not. Wear warm clothes if you're visiting in the winter.
It is amazing to see everything that the volunteers have accomplished in preserving our history.Written 9 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.