1221 SW 4th Ave.
Portland City Hall: A Historic Landmark with a Ringing Legacy
Portland City Hall is more than just a government building—it’s a symbol of civic pride and a place where important decisions are made. Built in 1895, this beautiful structure has served as the center of city government for over a century. With its grand architecture, fascinating artifacts, and deep roots in civic life, City Hall is a place worth learning about.
The Heart of City Government
City Hall is where Portlanders’ voices are heard. It houses the offices of the mayor and city councilers, and it’s where public meetings and hearings take place. Portlanders come here to share ideas, solve problems, and help shape the future of their city. City Hall represents democracy, where everyone has a chance to be involved.
“Good Citizens are the Riches of a City” a quote by C.E.S.Wood., engraved on the Skidmore Foumntain.
To be a good citizen, kids can follow these simple guidelines:
Be Kind: Treat others with respect and kindness, no matter their differences.
Help Others: Offer assistance to friends, family, and community members in need.
Follow Rules: Abide by school and community rules (laws) to create a safe environment.
Participate: Get involved in school activities and community events to contribute positively.
Be Responsible: Take care of your belongings and complete your chores and homework on time.
Respect Nature: Take care of the environment by recycling and not littering.
The Liberty Bell Replica
Outside the east entrance of City Hall stands a replica of the famous Liberty Bell. The original bell in Philadelphia is a symbol of American freedom, and Portland wanted one of its own. The first replica arrived in 1963 but was sadly destroyed in a bombing in 1970. A second replica was installed in 1975, made of bell metal—a special copper alloy—and weighs about one ton! It’s now a veterans memorial, honoring those who served the country.
When it came to funding for the new Liberty Bell, the community decided to raise the money, many people were involved. School children across the city joined this effort. Many students donated small coins – often just pennies – to help pay for the replacement. Each gift was small, but together they helped make the new bell possible.
The Time Capsule
Inside the lobby of City Hall, there’s a time capsule that was sealed in the floor in 1998 and will be opened in 2098. A time capsule is a container filled with items from the present, meant to be opened in the future. It holds newspapers, letters, and other objects that tell the story of Portland’s past. It’s like a message to people in the future, showing them what life was like in former times.
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Discussion Questions
Why do you think Portland wanted its own Liberty Bell?
What would you put in a time capsule to represent life today?
How does City Hall help connect people to their city’s history?
Why is it important for Portlanders to have a place like City Hall?
Vocabulary
Replica – A copy of something, often made to look exactly like the original.
Veterans Memorial – A monument or object that honors people who served in the military.
Time Capsule – A container storing items from the present to be opened in the future.
Democracy – A system of government where people have the power to make decisions.
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State Education Standards:
Social Studies 3.11. Describe how individuals, groups, events, and developments have shaped the communities and regions. Historical Knowledge
Social Studies 3.12. Compare and contrast the history of the local community to other communities in the region. Historical Knowledge
Social Studies 3.13. Apply research skills and technologies to gather information about the past in a region. Historical Thinking