Research & Collections
The OMM is a vital repository for historians, veterans, and families. Our collections contain a wide range of catalogued artifacts, cubic feet of archival and multimedia material, and published materials. Together, these collections trace the evolution of military technology and examine the roles played by Oregonians, their allies, and their adversaries throughout history.
Collections as HISTORICAL RECORDS & Research Tools
We are proud to share the experiences of Oregonians across all branches of service, highlighting the people, actions, and technologies that shaped our state and nation.
OMM Historical Collections: includes some 15,000 cataloged objects from uniforms and artwork to trench art and battlefield equipment, along with military vehicles, aircrafts, and artillery, and nearly 900 small arms.
Thomas E. Withycombe Library: houses archival records, publications, personal papers, photographs, and audiovisual recordings.
OMM strives to assist researchers, whether conducting academic study or personal research. Complete the research request form below to submit your inquiry.
Research requests will be responded to in the order received. Our significantly smaller but dedicated team is focused on tackling the backlog of research requests. At this time, new or recent research requests may not be responded within the year.
Discover, Learn, & Share
We are continually developing new ways for visitors to connect with our collections, both on-site and online. Current and upcoming offerings include:
- Online Collections Portal
A searchable database of catalogued objects, featuring images and detailed histories accessible from anywhere. - Media Room
An on-site space designed for exploring moving images, audiovisual recordings, and historical slides from the Museum’s collection. - Online Learning Hub
A growing library of digital resources exploring the people, events, technologies, and stories represented in the Museum. - Share Space
An interactive opportunity for visitors to contribute personal stories of service, preserving them for present and future generations.