New Cultural Event Center in Progress
By Will Brake – Executive Director, Southern Oregon Historical Society
As the Southern Oregon Historical Society celebrates 80 years of service to the region, we’re reflecting on a legacy of preserving and sharing Southern Oregon’s rich history.
Over the decades, SOHS has played a vital role in the community, including operating the Jacksonville Museum. Although its closure following the loss of county funding was difficult, the Society ensured the preservation of its collections by relocating them to a secure, temperature-controlled facility. Today, that collection continues to grow with new and meaningful additions.
In 1986, SOHS purchased the former JC Penney building in Downtown Medford. This historic space has long housed our Research Library and extensive 2D archives and has also served as home to Kid Time and the Rogue Valley Times.Â
Looking ahead, SOHS is excited to launch its next chapter with the development of a new Cultural Campus. Plans are underway to open a Cultural Event Center by the end of 2026, featuring a 4,000-square-foot event hall, catering kitchen, bridal and groom suites, three conference rooms, and a speakeasy-style gathering space. For the first time in years, the building is beginning to feel alive again — not as a museum frozen in time, but as a space where history and community will meet in real time. By 2028, the Society plans to open a 6,000-square-foot historical museum on the building’s second floor.
This project represents a strong commitment to the continued revitalization of Downtown Medford. Equally important, the Event Center is not simply a community amenity — it is a critical step toward long-term sustainability for the Society. By creating a space that can host events, gatherings, and partnerships, the building will generate ongoing revenue, allowing SOHS to support its archives, collections, and educational mission with greater independence and stability.
In bringing this building back to life, we are also ensuring that the work of preserving and sharing Southern Oregon’s history has a sustainable future. Through historic preservation, cultural tourism, education, and community partnerships, SOHS remains dedicated to keeping region’s history alive for generations to come.