Our Mission
The mission of the Banks Historical Society is to preserve, protect, and promote the history and heritage of Banks, Oregon—and all municipalities and rural areas within the Banks School District—through educational programs, exhibitions, community engagement, and recognition of local, state, and national historic landmarks and resources in the service area.
The History of Banks, Oregon
To learn about the rich history of Banks, visit the other pages of this site. We continue to add more! Also, the Banks Historical Society has published the books Banks: A Town on the Move and the updated Walking Tour of Banks, Oregon, featuring the city’s historical sights. Books are usually available at Jim’s Market, or you may purchase them directly through the Banks Historical Society at info@bankshistory.org or (503) 389-8967. All proceeds benefit the all-volunteer, non-profit Banks Historical Society.
The Banks Historical Society is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and historical purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Donations are tax-deductible.
Breaking News
Banks Union High School Considered for National Register of Historic Places
Oregon State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation deemed the structure worthy of recommendation for the National Register of Historic Places,
but demolition continues.
Banks, Oregon – February 25, 2026 – The Banks Historical Society today announced that on February 19, 2026 the State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) discussed the Banks Union High School complex and stated that in their professional opinions, both the 106‑year‑old brick building and the adjacent WPA‑built gymnasium met the criteria for significance required for listing in National Register of Historic Places. Committee members expressed a “high level of confidence” that the property would have been recommended for forwarding to the federal level – however, the process could not move forward because the school district had already begun demolition.
Support Your Community’s History
Become a Member
Support the preservation of and learn about your community’s heritage by becoming a member of the Banks Historical Society.
Our 100% volunteer organization relies on donations
Make a tax-deductible one-time donation or become a sustainer with a monthly donation.
Use your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to give to the Banks Historical Society
Fred Meyer shoppers can now use their Fred Meyer Rewards card to help support the Banks Historical Society while still earning their own points and rewards.
As a Fred Meyer shopper, your purchases can earn donations for the Banks Historical Society each time that you shop with your Fred Meyer Rewards Card. It doesn’t cost you ANYTHING, and you’ll still earn your rewards points and other benefits from using your card!
Use your existing card – or get a Fred Meyer Rewards card at any Fred Meyer store customer service desk – and use it to sign up for a Fred Meyer online account at fredmeyer.com.
- Log into your into your Fred Meyer online account
- Click on the Community Rewards tab on the left panel of the account dashboard
- Search for “Banks Historical Society” either by name or by entering the Fred Meyer Non-Profit Organization (NPO) number: HU062 and click ENROLL.
Once enrolled, Fred Meyer Community Rewards don’t cost the shopper a cent – but every purchase made using the rewards card will help support the Banks Historical Society.
Thank you to our generous donors!
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