Projects
Here's a small sampling of the historical projects we've been pursuing the last couple of years.
2022 City Leadership Event
Members of the Hillsboro Historical Society presented in a forum setting a 3 part educational event to the members of the City of Hillsboro’s Leadership group. This academy of citizens was treated to a talk by Hillsboro Historians Debbie Raber & Judy Gates Goldmann inside the historic Hillsboro Grange. Their talk was centered on the early formations of the City and agriculture as a basis for the first economy. Then 2022 President Dirk Knudsen and board member Matt Andersen took the group onto the streets for a building discussion which featured some surprise inside visits and secrets revealed. This event wowed participants and imparted wisdom and perspectives rarely shared. Look for more of these events soon.
The Hillsboro High School Class of 1951
HHS was proud to be a part of the 70th Anniversary of the HilHi Class of 1951. Our members attended and documented this fine group of citizens and interviewed some and caught photos of all. This was a chance to honor our Seniors for their lives, work, knowledge, and their part in the history of our town! Would your group like to have us at your event? We are ready to help!
Sandie and Jeff Nelson of LeStuff Antique Mall helped HHS Members refurbish the great Doc Bailey’s desk in 2019
The Return of Doc Bailey’s Desk
In 2018 the HHS was alerted to the existence of a very special desk. It was the 1880s desk and cabinet that belonged to the first Physician of Hillsboro, Doctor F.A, Bailey. Held by a private investor, the desk was located miles away. HHS members jumped into action and raised their own funds to acquire the desk and transport it home to Hillsboro. Jeff and Sandie Nelson, seen here with HHS President Dirk Knudsen, aided in the careful cleaning and reservation of the desk. They hosted it on Main Street in their store window until the Mayor of Hillsboro saw it and asked if the City could host it at City Hall. Bailey, the 4 time Mayor of Hillsboro, and founder of the Hillsboro Pharmacy was brought back to relevance in the modern age with his history and his desk now prominent in our educational work.
This iconic scene is one of several obtained from the Earle McClain Collection by HHS
Preserving Photos To Save Hillsboro History
Finding good photos of Hillsboro’s past is a passion of the HHS. We believe that hundreds if not thousands of photos are in our communities and that now is the time to let people know we want and need them. As the Baby Boomers parents pass on and they too head into the 4th quarter, we are hard at work asking for access to photos. In the past few years, we have been very fortunate to obtain many photos never before seen. This one came from the Earle McClain Collection. Earle was gracious enough to share over 150 photos which we now have digital copies of. This has made a world of difference to connect the dots on buildings, people, places, and events from the past. If you or anyone you know has photos or access to them, we pray you will let us know. Contact us at hillsborohistorical@gmail.com.