Skip to Main Content

Overview: News

Press Releases & News

New Museum Exhibit Explores Springfield’s Housing History and Future

Springfield History Museum to Open “Housing in Springfield and Beyond” on January 10

Springfield, OR – Springfield, OR – The Springfield History Museum invites the community to explore the evolving story of housing with its latest exhibit, “Housing in Springfield and Beyond,” opening January 10, 2025. This exhibit delves into 130 years of housing history in Springfield and Oregon, highlighting pivotal moments that have shaped how we live today and offering a glimpse into future possibilities.

In collaboration with the City of Springfield Development and Public Works Department, the exhibit brings together rare archival photographs, quotes, and documents that capture the essence of Springfield’s housing journey. “Housing is fundamental to who we are as a community,” says Erin Fifield, Community Development Analyst and co-coordinator of the exhibit. “It sparks conversations about what we value and what our future could look like.”

The exhibit also features the Fair Housing Council of Oregon’s traveling exhibit, “Anywhere but Here: The History of Housing Discrimination in Oregon,” which addresses Oregon’s lesser-known history of segregation, displacement, and ongoing housing challenges.

A Community Story with a Vision for the Future

Curator Maddi McGraw notes, “The big idea is simple: everyone deserves a place to call home. But the history of housing is complex. We hope this exhibit inspires curiosity, dialogue, and a shared vision for solutions.”

Visitors can expect to see how local stories intertwine with state and national housing narratives, offering insights into Springfield’s development and the progress being made toward creating inclusive, equitable housing solutions.

Opening Night Details

Celebrate the exhibit’s opening on Friday, January 10, 2025, during the Downtown Springfield Second Friday Art Walk. The museum will host an opening reception from 5:00–7:00 p.m., featuring light refreshments and opportunities to engage with community leaders and exhibit curators.

Exhibit Details:

  • What: Housing in Springfield and Beyond
  • When: January 10–June 28, 2025
  • Where: Kathleen Jensen Gallery, Springfield History Museum, 590 Main Street, Springfield, OR
  • Admission: Free

Why It Matters

The exhibit underscores Springfield’s commitment to addressing housing challenges by sparking meaningful conversations. It also shines a spotlight on the city’s efforts to build a more inclusive future.

Museum Curator Maddi McGraw adds, “This exhibit is not just about history—it’s about empowering our community to envision housing that reflects equity and opportunity for everyone.”

Plan Your Visit

The museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and admission is always free. Visitors can learn more at https://wheremindsgrow.org/history_museum, or follow the museum on Facebook (@SpringfieldMuseum) and Instagram (@springfieldmuseum_oregon).

For media inquiries or additional information, contact:

Maddi McGraw, Curator, 541-726-3677 | mmcgraw@springfield-or.gov

Museum Information

The Springfield History Museum, managed by the Springfield Public Library, serves as the City’s official historical repository and interpretive center. The Museum’s mission is to foster awareness of Springfield’s history, connect the past to the present, and celebrate the diverse communities that call Springfield and rural east Lane County home.

Regular Museum hours are Thursday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Admission is always free.

Press Releases & News

Third Annual Fright! At the Museum Set to Scare Springfield This October

Springfield, OR – This October, the Springfield History Museum is gearing up to host its third annual Fright! At the Museum, a haunted house fundraiser that promises a spook-tacular journey through local history. The museum will be transformed into a haunted space on October 17, 18, 19 and October 24, 25, 26, offering thrills for visitors of all ages.

From 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. each evening, the museum will offer a family-friendly experience with fewer scares and more lights—perfect for younger children. But as the clock strikes 6:30 p.m., the lights will dim, and the real thrills will begin. Designed for older children and adults, this later session will bring the museum’s eerie transformation to life. Visitors who make it through the frightful fun will be rewarded at the "recovery station" with photo opportunities and free snacks.

Admission prices are set at $5 for adults, $3 for kids aged 5-17, and free for children under 5. Families with five or more members can take advantage of a discounted rate of $20. All proceeds from the event will directly support the Springfield History Museum's collections, programs, and exhibits.

The Springfield History Museum, located at 590 Main Street, Springfield, Oregon, will once again serve as the perfect historic backdrop for this electrifying event. Housed in the historic Oregon Power Company substation, the museum provides a unique atmosphere for guests to immerse themselves in Springfield’s haunted history.

For more information, visit the museum’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldMuseum or call 541.726.2300.

Press Releases & News

Springfield History Museum Closed January-June 2024 For Collections Care Project

The Springfield History Museum houses over 11,000 artifacts related to the history of Springfield and rural east Lane County, and makes those objects available to the public for research, programs, exhibits, and more. Museum staff are responsible for the long-term care of these items (ranging from photographs and handwritten letters to farm tools and textiles) so that we can continue to learn from them long into the future.

Caring for this huge collection of important items takes space, dedication, and most importantly-attention and time. For these reasons, the Springfield History Museum will be closing its door to the public from January 1 through July 11, 2024 while staff and volunteers work to process and conserve as many artifacts as possible. During this time, our 2023-2024 Illumination exhibit, focused on the Black and African American experience in Springfield and rural east Lane County, will be on display in our front windows facing 6th and Main Street. The Museum will reopen for the July 12, 2024 Downtown Second Friday Art Walk with a new exhibit focused on the outcomes of the collections care project.

Curator Maddi McGraw says that while the Museum will be closed to the public during this period, “focusing our work on caring for these precious artifacts is truly in the public’s interest. If we lose these objects through neglect, we lose the story of our community.”

Stay up to date with our progress, learn more about caring for museum artifacts, and find ways to access exhibits and more through our Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldMuseum and our Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/springfieldmuseum_oregon/. If you are interested in learning more or volunteering to help with the project, contact Maddi McGraw at 541.726.3677 or mmcgraw@springfield-or.gov.

What: Springfield History Museum Collections Care Closure
When: January 1-July 11, 2024.
Where:  Springfield History Museum, 590 Main Street, Springfield, OR
Additional Information: Maddi McGraw, 541.726.3677 or mmcgraw@springield-or.gov

Instagram: @springfieldmuseum_oregon   Facebook: @SpringfieldMuseum  Website: https://wheremindsgrow.org/your_library/museum

Contact

Connect

Support

Using Your Library

Springfield Public Library | 225 5th Street [Inside City Hall] | Springfield, OR 97477-4636 | (541) 726-3766 Springfield Oregon

FAQ