The Southern Oregon Historical Society will open a major new exhibition of artifacts, photographs, and stories illustrating the role of women in agriculture in Southern Oregon in a space donated by Rogue Valley Mall. The exhibition, Women of the Land: Southern Oregon Women in Agriculture, will be open to the public from May 15 through June 21.
From dawn until dusk, women toiled and sweated while working on the family farm, whether outside in the hot Southern Oregon sun or inside washing a pile of dirty dishes. Women of the Land retells the story of Southern Oregon agriculture through the eyes of women, emphasizing their value and importance to the farm’s success. From unconventional women who ran their own farms to women partnering with their husbands, women have worked in a variety of agricultural disciplines since settlers first arrived in the 1850s. This exhibition offers a glimpse into those roles.
Women of the Land features historic photos of women in unconventional and traditional roles; objects from SOHS’s collection such as historical agricultural tools and food preservation equipment; contemporary stories of women farming today; and a spotlight on the women who worked and continue to work on Hanley Farm. The exhibition is curated by Amy Drake, SOHS Exhibitions Curator, and Dawna Curler, SOHS Collection Assistant, with graphic design by SOU student Amanda Denbeck.