Southern Oregon History
The Southern Oregon Historical Society began in 1946, in response to a proposal to tear down the old Courthouse in Jacksonville. The railroad had bypassed the town 20 years earlier, a new courthouse was built in Medford, and the two-story brick building on Fifth Street had been left to ruin. People with vision saved the 1883 building and established a museum that served the Rogue Valley until 2010. The Society is currently developing plans for re-establishing a museum.
Library
Southern Oregon Historical Society maintains its Library & Archives at 106 N. Central Avenue in Medford
Research
Our Library maintains multiple catalogs and indexes in order to maximize access to its materials.
Collections
An estimated 1,000,000 artifacts that document human settlement in Southern Oregon
Volunteers
Join our volunteer corps! SOHS has over 300 volunteers who help in a variety of capacities.
Enjoy Southern Oregon History At Home!
During this challenging time, we are pleased to highlight our online content.
We hope you will enjoy this opportunity to learn more about Southern Oregon history!
A Warm Thank you to Our Sponsors
Windows In Time Co-sponsored by the SOHS and Jackson County Library Services
This free lunch-time series, featuring well-known writers and historians, brings alive the people, places, and events that shaped our Southern Oregon heritage.
Downtown Medford Mural Sponsored by Medford Arts Commission
The mission of the Arts Commission is to enhance the quality of life in our community by supporting public art, programs, awareness and education to enable all of Medford’s citizens to enjoy and appreciate the arts.
SOHS Hanley Farm
Historic Hanley Farm, established in 1857, is a working farm just outside of downtown Jacksonville Oregon. Owned and operated by the Southern Oregon Historical Society, Hanley Farm strives to preserve the history of the people who settled the land and their contributions to the agricultural development of the Rogue Valley.


Volunteer for SOHS
Join our volunteer corps!
SOHS has over 300 volunteers who help in a variety of capacities. Including opportunities at Hanley Farm and more!
Interested In Volunteering?
Submit the form below to receive information on volunteering for SOHS.