The Oysterponds Historical Society was started in 1944 to preserve the historical significance of Orient and East Marion, communities that was still largely populated by direct descendants of the European settlers three centuries before.

Collections include historic structures, archives, and artifacts. We maintain a campus with seven historic buildings located in the heart of the landmark historic district in Orient. OHS has amassed a vast collection of documents, photographs, artifacts, tools, and art. Today, we care for over 60,000 artifacts, works of art, and archival objects. Our archive, which is particularly strong in correspondence and diaries, is a rich and valuable resource regularly used by scholars, writers, genealogists and students.