Benton County Historic Resources Commission – Overview
Historic Resources Commission
The Benton County Historic Resources Commission (HRC) promotes the preservation of local historic sites, objects, and culture to enrich the present, inspire the future, and foster a sense of community. Additionally, the HRC aims to:
- Inspire the community to celebrate the rich history of our structures and places, and the people connected to them, encouraging interest in preserving them for the future
- Actively coordinate with State Historic Preservation Office and property owners to encourage preservation of historic resources
- Safeguard our historic sites and objects, preserving them for future generations
- Speak out to support local preservation efforts
- Nurture opportunities for growth and partnership in the community
The county s/butttrives to create a foundation for understanding the impact of where we’ve been in order to forge a path to where we are going. This understanding includes the tangible and intangible aspects of material, culture, and multi-cultural value.
The Benton County Historic Resources Commission is focused on engaging with the community, as well as:
- Reviewing and maintaining a Cultural Resources Survey for the County;
- Reviewing sites for eligibility and placement on the Benton County Register;
- Promoting the use and preservation of historic resources;
- Seeking funding and professional assistance for survey, planning, repair, maintenance, rehabilitation, and restoration of historic resources;
- Promoting public awareness and interest in Benton County historic resources;
- Reviewing applications for demolition permits and building permits for exterior alterations of structures listed on the Benton County Register of Historic Resources.
Find out more about this program by going to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s website here.
Altering Historic Resource Buildings
Benton County is focused on preserving the architectural beauty of historic buildings throughout the county while understanding that buildings need repairs from time to time or occasionally, must be demolished due to safety hazards. Visit our structural permits page and scroll to the “Altering Historic Buildings” section, or the demolition application section, to locate the proper application forms. If you have any questions, please call email or call us.
Additional guidelines for altering historic buildings.
Join Us
The next Historic Resources Commission meeting is Wednesday, October 30th, 2024 at 6:30PM
Fort Hoskins History Day at Fort Hoskins Historic Park
22953 Hoskins Road Philomath, OR 97370
October 5th, 2024 from 10am – 4pm
Have a Question?
Reach out to our staff and we will be happy to help.
Additional Resources
Historic Building Video Tours
Willamette Grange
Hull-Oakes Lumber Mill
Benton County Courthouse Basement area and Exterior
Benton County Courthouse, Third Floor and Bell Tower
Benton County Courthouse, Second Floor
Benton County Courthouse, Front Facade and First Floor
Historic Sidewalk Markers – self-guided tour pamphlet
South Central Park Tour – self-guided tour pamphlet
North Central Park Tour – self-guided tour pamphlet
Franklin School Neighborhood Tree Tour – self-guided tour pamphlet