OREGON'S CENTENNIAL in 1959 was the occasion that sparked community interest in historical events and motivated a group of Josephine County citizens who had a passion for history. Many of the group had parents or grandparents who were early settlers in the county. Following the celebration of Oregon's 100th birthday, the group incorporated the Josephine County Historical Society on May 9th, 1960 with two main goals: (1) establishing a museum for artifact collections and exhibits, and (2) organizing a research library for paper documents and research. Many struggles and changes occurred over the next several decades in the Society's locations, financial situation and organizational structure, but today those goals of the founding group are a reality.