Shortly after its formation, the Society opened its first office and museum in Portland City Hall and began the development of a regional research library and a collection of historical artifacts. In 1900, the first issue of the "Oregon Historical Quarterly" was printed as the official publication of the organization. In 1913, the Society moved from city hall to the Tourny Building, at 2nd and Taylor streets, but remained there for only 4½ years, moving again in September 1917 into Portland's then-new Public Auditorium (now Keller Auditorium). In 1966, the Society moved to its current location.