Did you know that Oregon Black Pioneers has a small collection of significant Black history artifacts? These materials require special preservation, but we haven’t always been able to provide them with museum-quality care. Previously housed in a self-storage facility, the collection now resides at the Benton County Historical Society’s Philomath Museum.
Thanks to the Museum and our University of Washington Museology intern Taylor Schoenfeld, our collection is now properly inventoried and cared for in state of the art museum storage, awaiting the day Oregon Black Pioneers has our own exhibition space. You can read more about Taylor and our collections relocation project here.
Below are some highlights from our collection.
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- Brakeman’s cap, Southern Pacific Railroad, ca. 1930s
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- UP Streamliner Bonnyware Salt & Pepper Shakers, ca. 1935
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- Optometrist Suitcase belonging to Dr. DeNorval Unthank, ca. 1928-1935
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- Brass spittoon, Union Pacific Railroad, ca. 1900s-1930s
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- Engraved lighter belonging to Chalmers Jones, ca. 1960s-1970s
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- “Horse Collar” electric shuffleboard game used at Hot ‘n Tot Tavern, Portland OR, ca. 1930s