The Gifford Photographic Collection consists primarily of photographs taken by four Gifford Family photographers: Ralph I. Gifford; his father, Benjamin A. Gifford; his wife, Wanda Gifford; and his son, Ben L. Gifford. The collection also includes motion pictures filmed by Ralph I Gifford, some photographs for whom the photographer is not identified, images by other photographers, and documentary materials. The Gifford Family's photographic work began in about 1890, when Benjamin A. Gifford emigrated to Portland, and continued into the 1950s. The collection documents Oregon landmarks and scenic views on the Oregon coast and in the Cascade Mountains, Willamette Valley, and central and eastern Oregon; agriculture in Oregon; and Native Americans, especially of the Columbia Plateau.

The items featured in this digital collection are from one of seven related collections of visual materials taken or assembled by members of the Gifford family from the late 19th through mid-20th centuries that are part of the holdings of the Special Collections & Archives Research Center. More information about each of these collections is available online in their associated finding aids:

• Benjamin A. Gifford Photographs, circa 1885 – circa 1920 (P 218 - SG 1)
• Ralph I Gifford Photographs, circa 1910s – 1947 (P 218 – SG 2)
• Ralph I. Gifford Motion Pictures, circa 1925-1940 (P 218 – SG 3)
• Wanda Gifford Photographs, 1948-1958 (P 218 – SG 4)
• Ben L. Gifford Photographs, 1950-1955 (P 218 – SG 5)
• Gifford Collection Photographs by Unknown or Other Photographers, circa 1915-1955 (P 218 – SG 6)
• Gifford Collection Documentary Materials, 1897-1996 (P 218 – SG 7)