Oregon State Archives in the News

This composite image is one of hundreds included in the 'Crafting the Oregon Constitution' Web exhibit produced by the Oregon State Archives.

This composite image is one of hundreds included in the "Crafting the Oregon Constitution" Web exhibit produced by the Oregon State Archives.

Press Release

Bill Bradbury
Oregon Secretary of State

Press Release
For Immediate Release

contact: Scott Moore
503-986-2368

February 28, 2008

Group Honors Oregon's Online Constitution Project
"Crafting the Oregon Constitution" wins honorable mention from ArchivesNext

(Salem, OR) As Oregon prepares to celebrate its 150th birthday, the State Archives Division has received recognition for its work on "Crafting the Oregon Constitution," an extensive online exhibit that explores the development of the Oregon Constitution, the 1857 constitutional convention, the lives of the framers, and the evolution of the constitution.

The online exhibit won Honorable Mention in the Best Online Archival Exhibition category from ArchivesNext.com's Best Archives on the Web Awards. The group cited the exhibit's presentation of archival information and historical records in a way that is "both visually and thematically appealing."

The recognition follows months of work by the Archives Division in creating the exhibit, which was culled from historical books on the history of Oregon's Constitution as well as historical records stored in the State Archives. The exhibit examines the history of the territory leading up to the founding of the state, the convention itself and the contentious issues that were faced by the constitution's drafters, and the ways in which the document has changed in the last 149 years.

"We wanted to show Oregonians how we can use our historical records in a way that isn't just two-dimensional--in a way that is accessible and exciting," said Gary Halvorson, the Archives Division's principle developer on the project.

Next year, Oregon will celebrate its 150th anniversary as a state, which makes "Crafting the Oregon Constitution" especially timely, since the creation and passing of the constitution was the key to Oregon becoming a state.

"Crafting the Oregon Constitution" is just one of several online exhibits created and hosted by the Oregon Archives Division. Other exhibits include "Life of the Home Front: Oregon Responds to World War II" and "Oregon at War: World War I and the Oregon Experience." These exhibits have been used by teachers, students, researchers, history buffs, and others looking to see pictures and records of Oregon's colorful history.

"Crafting the Oregon Constitution" can be found here, and information about ArchivesNext.com's awards can be found here. More information about the Oregon Archives Division can be found here.
###

Scott Moore
Chief of Communications
Oregon Secretary of State's Office
503-986-2368