Focus on the Farm – May 2022

SOHS Hanley Farm’s Heritage Plant Sale ends May 1, 11am to 3pm—this is the last opportunity to select from drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, sun, shade, herbs, native and pollinator-friendly choices.

The Society is changing with the times with a new website, https://sohs.org/. Our new look has been in the works since May 2021, evolving along with the Society. Crafted by Project A of Ashland, Project A has generously donated the development of the site to SOHS. The new site still links to some old databases…We also have a new logo after we received over 80 entries from all over the world!

And the good news keeps coming! The SOHS’s April 6 Gala Dinner and Auction raised over $54,000. When combined with dedicated year-end donations, we have soared past our 10% “grub stake” commitment for the estimated $1.2 million cost of converting the central portion of our downtown Medford History Center into an Event Center benefiting the entire community. The Event Center will provide space for conferences, meetings, exhibits, weddings, and other special events, replacing such now defunct facilities as the Inn at the Commons and the Ramada Inn. Housed in the 1946 J.C. Penney building—a one of a kind prototype—the Event Center will share the building with the SOHS library and archives and a future 8000+ square foot museum!

Windows in Time: “Connections Across Landscapes, Building Stories out of Bones,” May 4, 1-2pm—Archaeologist Katie Johnson will examine excavations at the Jacksonville Chinese Quarter Site, which resulted in the recovery of over 50 pounds of animal bones. These bones represent mealtimes, home cooking, adaptation and innovation of Oregon Chinese Americans in late nineteenth century. Registration is required for this free, online event at https://jcls.libcal.com/event/8673301.