Visitors are Welcome
We welcome visitors weekly on Wednesday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Appointments at other times are possible. Contact us at https://www.pnmhs.org/about/contact/ letting us know your contact info and the date and time you wish to visit.
2025 Annual Meeting and Program
Event Summary
The Pacific NW Mennonite Historical Society held its annual meeting on March 15, 2025. Following a delicious lunch and business meeting, a program featuring Michele Hershberger was held. Her topic was “What’s so bad about being a Christian Nation?” Beginning with Biblical passages, she tied them into early Anabaptist leaders’ interpretations and teachings. The early Anabaptists knew that: 1. God’s people are trans-national; 2. The church should never use a government to enforce its brand of Christianity; and 3. We have only one allegiance which is to Christ. The challenge she left for us was: 1. Tell your stories; 2. Speak of your faith with respect and love; 3. Practice talking to Christians who embrace the US as a Christian nation; 4. Advocate for minorities; and 5. Practice “power under.” Luke 22:25-27
You can watch a video of the program and view the PowerPoint used in her presentation (PDF).
Michele Hershberger is currently a Bible Professor and Co-Campus Pastor at Hesston College. She has served the college for 24 years in a variety of roles, including chairing the Bible Department for over 20 years. Michele is a sought-after preacher and teacher. She’s taught Bible classes not only at Hesston College, but also at LCC International University in Lithuania, in congregations in Yangoon and Hahka, Myanmar, and will travel to Semarang, Indonesia to teach seminary classes this fall. She’s written several books, including Why did Jesus Have to Die? and What Difference Does It Make, A Christian View of Hospitality. Her newest book is the official catechism for Mennonite Church USA and Canada, Finding Ourselves in God’s Story.
Announcement of the Death of John Gingerich
The Historical Society regrets the passing of long-time volunteer, John Gingerich, who passed away suddenly on January 12th. His volunteer efforts over the last twelve years was invaluable in moving us into the digital age. He will be missed.
On November 12 & 13, Portland Mennonite Church will celebrate 100 years since the first worship service was held at the Portland Mission. They would like to invite us to participate. PMC has also created a brand-new historical timeline that can be found by visiting their website at portlandmennonite.org and clicking on the link for the 100-year celebration.
If you have questions please contact Lin Rush at rushlin2@gmail.com
Thank you,
Lin Rush
Pacific Northwest Mennonite Historical Society
Where history (and your story) matter.
Ivan and Pearl Kropf Heritage Center
6030 South Whiskey Hill Road
Hubbard, OR 97032-9406
phone: 503-266-6447
The purpose of the Pacific Northwest Mennonite Historical Society [PNMHS] is to record and preserve the history of Mennonite and related groups for present and future generations. We serve the congregations and communities of Anabaptist Mennonites in the Pacific Northwest. Our goals are to:
• collect, preserve and organize records, writing, and artifacts of Mennonite groups,
• aid historians and genealogists,
• increase interest in Mennonite history and genealogy.
more about PNMHS here | scroll down for more
Who are Mennonites?
Mennonites are a subset of the Anabaptist movement from the mid 1500s. Mennonites maintain strong unique positions on personal discipleship, “believer” baptism, separation of church and state, peace and justice, and non-involvement in military.
We sense that our mission is always counter-cultural because our allegiance to the Lord Jesus and the kingdom that he proclaims puts us in tension with the culture around us.
Menno Simons of the Netherlands was an early prominent leader and eventually the group became known as “Mennonites” because of his name.
Mennonites in America originally came from Switzerland, Germany, Holland, France, and Russia seeking religious freedom. The first permanent settlement was established at Germantown PA in 1683.
According to Mennonite World Conference, there are over 200 separate Mennonite “organized bodies” around the world, including 36 in the US and Canada.
PNMHS Library
The Pacific Northwest Mennonite Historical Library has a 3000+ volume collection including an extensive genealogy section and books authored by Mennonites. There are also books about Mennonite theology, issues and history. You are invited to visit our library (call for hours) or you may explore the collection by searching our online catalog that is updated regularly. Visit this page to learn more about our online library catalog.
PNMHS Archives
Preserving the past to illuminate the future…
Our more extensive collections have been sorted, organized and described according to Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) with their Finding Aids entered into Archives Space. These Archived Collections are stored in a climate controlled archives room and arranged in these categories: Personal, Congregation, Conference, Institution, and Miscellaneous. Our collection is a subset of the Mennonite Archival Commons Historical Archives located in Goshen, Indiana and Newton, Kansas.
We have numerous smaller, but equally interesting and important collections which you may view at this link.