After eleven years of operating informally as the local history group for the Oak Grove, Oatfield Ridge and Jennings Lodge communities south of Milwaukie, Oregon, the Oak Lodge History Detectives (OLHD) have gained tax-exempt status with the IRS.
Starting out in 2009 as a grass roots group of history-minded citizens, the group gradually gained recognition as the “go-to” source in that area.  Deciding early on to not attempt a physical “bricks & mortar” location, the OLHD is unique in that their “library” is strictly digital, accessed via their website.
Over the last eleven years, the Detectives have made their mark hosting regular meetings that usually include a local history presentation or speaker, talks in the community, a booth at local fairs, and supporting preservation of at-risk historic homes, properties, or schools in the area.  
In 2015, the OLHD nominated Concord School to Restore Oregon’s list of Oregon’s Most Endangered Places and successfully championed its preservation.  Plans are underway for repurposing the building as a community center and library. 
Their presence is widely felt.  OLHD President, Mike Schmeer, sits on the Clackamas County Concord Property and Library Planning Task Force, is a board member of the Concord Partnership, represents OLHD on the Clackamas County Heritage Council, and sits on the Clackamas County Historic Review Board.  Other board members are similarly active in the community.
In 2017 and 2018 OLHD played a major role in the effort to preserve the Jennings Lodge Evangelical Education and Retreat Center.  Stemming from the church’s sale of the property to a development company, the final settlement involved Jennings Lodge, OLHD, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). A fund was created to develop school programs on  local history and future preservation projects. 
The OLHD board – meeting via Zoom during the pandemic – is laying groundwork to support more worthwhile history related projects in Oak Lodge. Says Mike, “With this 501(c)(3) designation we hope to do even more in the community to support our mission of ‘Investigating the Past and Enriching the Future’.”  To get involved, visit www.oaklodgehistory.org 
Photos:  

Concord School, formerly one of Restore Oregon’s Most Endangered Places, whose restoration and reuse was championed by members of the Oak Lodge History Detectives.

Members on a research trip to the Oregon State Univ Archives.