About Historical Markers

In 1939, Oregon implemented the Historical Marker Program to chronicle the state’s historic and geologic past. Rustic “beaver board” signs routed into Redwood were manufactured and installed by the Department of Transportation Highway Division in the 1940s, 50 and 60s.

The Travel Information Council (TIC) adopted the program in 1991 and works with a team of dedicated volunteers to preserve these resources while updating and diversifying sites of interest for future generations.

These historic markers are intended to interpret “place” by marking sites of state and national significance for the traveling public. Originally located along Oregon’s highway system, you will now also find the state’s historical markers in other publicly accessible locations such as parks and along trail systems.

Oregon Historical Marker Committee

The program is steered by the Oregon Historical Marker Committee, an advisory committee to the TIC, which is staffed by volunteer professionals involved in forestry, geology, and historical and cultural research. Learn more about the committee’s process and read the committee’s value statement below. If you are interested in serving on the committee, please complete an interest form.

The following members serve Oregon proudly: Katie Bush, Kelly Cannon-Miller, Nancy DeSouza, Bob Garcia, Dave Hedberg, Robert Olguin, Sarah Jalving, Amy Platt, David Porter

Oregon Historical Marker Program Value Statement

The Oregon Historical Marker Committee adopted the following value statement in 2020:

Context & Complexity: Through interpreting histories connected to specific places, we will be mindful of context and committed to highlighting complexity.
Accessibility: We will produce materials that are accessible to a broad range of people who seek to learn from them.
Cultural Humility & Accuracy: While prioritizing accuracy and fact-base narratives, we will recognize that dominant culture has long silenced different viewpoints and seek to be inclusive of varied perspectives.
Honesty & Transparency: We will tell the truth about the past. This commitment includes prioritizing perspectives that are marginalized by simplistic and mythical narratives. We will be transparent with the public about our decision-making processes.

Revisiting and revising earlier interpretation are at the core of Oregon Historical Marker Program. That is because the present is continually changing, and the meaning of historical events look quite different from different vantage points and time periods. Read more about the marker program’s process here.

Salemtowne Volunteers

In addition to members of the marker committee, the program relies on another important group of volunteers—volunteer master craftsmen based within a West Salem retirement community. The “Salemtowne Historical Marker Volunteers” could easily be called a linchpin of the program. The group of approximately 10 men ensure that over 110 Historical Markers remain in good condition. Given the age of many of the markers, this is a supreme task.

The following volunteers participate in the maintenance, installation, and repair of Oregon’s Historical Markers: Alan Avery, James Childers, Donald Conrad Jr, Richard DuBois, Stan Gregory, John Mangini, Howard Long, Jeff Daggoberg

TIC Marker Admin Staff

Beth Dehn, Program Manager, 503-373-0864.

Jessica Carbone, Program Assistant, 503-373-0155

Technical resources

Nomination: Want to nominate an historical marker? Read more about the process.

Sponsorship: Sponsoring a marker is another option for communities, cities or organizations. Learn more about sponsorship.

“Friend” us on Facebook

Travel Information Council’s heritage programs Facebook page is an excellent way to learn about special events and glean historical nuggets about heritage trees and historical markers. You can follow us by clicking on the Facebook icon.