Oregon Black History Series the 2013
The Oregon Historical Society is excited to present a year of public programs, exhibits, lectures, and events focused on showcasing the rich history of Oregon’s black community.
January – April 2013 In This Issue: All Aboard! Our newest exhibit with the Oregon Black Pioneers opens January 15. Hatfield Historians Forum Series opens with Michael Duffy on February 12. New Museum Director OHS welcomes Brian J. Carter as new Director of Museum Services. A Historic Transformation Get a sneak peek at the design for the remodeled James F. and Marion L. Miller Pavilion!
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Letter to Members
Our Mission As the steward of Oregon’s history, the Oregon Historical Society educates, informs, and engages the public through collecting, preserving, and interpreting the past.
Hours Museum & Museum Store 10 a.m. –5 p.m. Monday – Saturday Noon –5 p.m. Sunday Research Library 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. Wednesday–Saturday
What a year! 2012 was a year of many highlights for your Oregon Historical Society.
• Exciting new exhibits like The Mightiest Wind: The 1962 Columbus Day Storm; relevant programs with Oregon authors, filmmakers and history makers; and the grand opening of our new permanent interactive Oregon Voices exhibit focusing on modern Oregon history all contributed to a whopping 31 percent increase in annual attendance. • Thanks to the generosity of corporate partner Wells Fargo, Oregonians across the state were delighted to hear and meet “President Teddy Roosevelt “ in the person of the nation’s leading Teddy Roosevelt re-creator. • OHS and the Oregon Historical Quarterly played a lead role in the year-long commemoration of the 100th anniversary of woman suffrage in Oregon. • The Davies Family Research Library attracts large numbers of researchers and scholars, and our genealogy workshops continue to draw overflow crowds. There’s an old saying that “the surest way to crush your laurels is to sit on them,” so we are delighted to report that 2013 promises to be even better. Coming attractions include a yearlong series of programs focused on black history, an all-star lineup for our Mark O. Hatfield Distinguished Historians Forum, a newly transformed Miller Pavilion and Brooks Julian gallery, a major exhibition on some of America’s most historic treasures, an exhibit featuring the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor awarded to the courageous Japanese Americans who served in World War II (selected as one of only seven museums in the country to host this exhibit), another statewide tour by “Teddy Roosevelt,” programs commemorating the centennial of Gov. Tom McCall…the list goes on and on. All of what we accomplished in 2012 and what we will accomplish in 2013 would not be possible, of course, without the continued support of our members. Thank you, and here’s to another great year!
1200 SW Park Avenue Portland, OR 97205 503 - 2 2 2 - 1 74 1 w w w. o h s . o r g
Kerry Tymchuk Executive Director
Bill Failing President, OHS Board of Trustees
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Photo: Shiloh Baptist Church. Founded 1915 at 1913/15 E Everett Street, Portland
All Aboard: Railroading and Portland’s Black Community Exhibit presented by the Oregon Black Pioneers January 15 – April 21, 2013 Lecture by Isabel Wilkerson Author of The Warmth of Other Suns Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at 7 p.m. For All The World To See: Visual Culture and the Struggle for Civil Rights Exhibit presented by the Smithsonian June 16 – August 11, 2013 Public programs will be planned throughout the year to enhance our exhibits and lectures. Visit WWW.OHS.ORG for event listings and ticket information. Sponsored by: Pacific Power Foundation Ritz Family Foundation Macy’s
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The Oregon Historical Society's James F. and Marion L. Miller Pavilion
A Historic Transformation
This spring, the Society will begin a transformation of the James F. and Marion L. Miller Pavilion. Updated carpeting, paint, and tile work will create an inspiring and welcoming lobby for Oregon Historical Society visitors. A generous donation from Pendleton Woolen Mills will ensure that the upholstered furnishings have a true Oregon look, and a new electronic reader board will provide special opportunities for announcements and recognition. In addition, lighting and physical improvements to the main floor gallery space will showcase the exciting exhibits ahead. Beautifully appointed, the revitalized spaces will communicate the excitement and importance of history. Renovations will begin in the pavilion in February, and gallery improvements will continue into early spring. Special thanks goes out to the individuals and businesses who have teamed up to make these improvements possible!
Many thanks to our sponsors to date: Benefactors: Mary & Brot Bishop The Goodman Family Pete Mark Laura Meier Prue Miller Cathy & Jim Rudd Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation Nani S. Warren Patrons: Andree Stevens Keller Foundation Peter Nickerson
THE OREGON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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Tough by Nature
Portraits of Cowgirls and Ranch Women of the American West On Exhibit February 1–March 31, 2013 “I undertook this project because the character of these women is right there on the surface, more so than somebody who’s got layers and layers of urban culture.” – Lynda Lanker, artist In 2012, fine artist Lynda Lanker launched Tough by Nature, a series of portraits of women ranchers and cowgirls from the American West. During the 19-year project, she traveled the western United States to interview 49 women and capture their spirit through portraiture. As the American West undergoes transition and transformation, Lanker’s work preserves the histories of these contemporary western heroines. Included are 65 paintings, works on paper, and prints that present the portraits and stories of more than 50 women from 13 western states who gain their sustenance and livelihood from the land.
Make a historic impact! Charitable Check Off
Did you get a little extra through your tax return this year? Consider sharing all or a portion of your return with the Oregon Historical Society through the Oregon Charitable Check Off Program. Each gift to the Society helps protect, preserve, and share Oregon’s history for generations to come. Making a donation when you file your taxes is simple with the Oregon Tax Form. Go to line 64 on Form 40, and select the Oregon Historical Society as the charity you would like to support. Write in the dollar amount you wish to donate on that line, and your gift will be sent to the Oregon Historical Society. Be sure to let your tax preparer know that you would like to donate via the Oregon Charitable Check Off Program.
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Education Tours & Programs Student Tours More students than ever are filling the halls of the museum and research library. Our new permanent exhibit, Oregon Voices, has been particularly successful in appealing to a range of ages. The Readers Theater component appeals to elementary students, while the exhibit's issues driven content has brought new high school groups in to experience the museum. Nine new docents have been trained to handle the increase in student tours coming this spring. New Community Days The Education Department has been working closely with the Public Outreach Department to craft Community Days that align with the themes of upcoming exhibits and will be free for all visitors. The next Community Day will be Saturday, February 16, and will feature activities for all ages on the theme of black history in Oregon. Teachers will also be invited to join us for a break-out session where they can explore how the exhibit relates to their curricular goals. Oregon History Day The Oregon Historical Society is actively sponsoring National History Day for the State of Oregon for the 2012–2013 school year. After a special teacher workshop in October, nine new schools committed to compete in Oregon History Day, which will take place Saturday, May 4 at St. Mary’s Academy in downtown Portland. This is a huge commitment for the students, and OHS is supporting them each step of the way with the logistics and planning that are vital for them to have a rich experience throughout the year-long process.
Oregon History Rocks
About The Competition
Billboard Contest
tudents in the State of Oregon (Kindergarten through the 12th grade) are invited to cipate and submit original artwork to the first Oregon Historical Society and Clear Channel oor billboard competition.
re interested in your version of what rocks about Oregon’s history. The possibilities are y endless and limited only by your ability to create a visual representation of “Oregon ry Rocks”.
All students in the State of Oregon are invited to submit original artwork to the first Oregon Historical Society and el back in time…is it a person, place or thing that stands out most to you? We want to see Clear Channel Outdoor billboard competition. Students are you think. asked to create a visual representation of why they believe “Oregon History Rocks.” Travel back in time! Is it a person, place, or thing that stands out most to you? Winning designs will be produced and displayed on billboards in and around the Portland metro area. The deadline has just been extended to May 14, and the winning billboards will be revealed the week of June 3, just in time for summer vacation! Contest details and printable entry forms can be found at WWW.OHS.ORG.
mpetition Timeline: OCT.
NOV.
DEC.
JAN. 18th, 2013
FEB. 14th, 2013
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Recent Library Acquisition This is a photo of what is now NW 23rd Avenue and West Burnside in Portland, taken in 1888. Note the rural surroundings: the city was still clustered around the waterfront, and the northwest district was a distant suburb. The building in the picture is probably Gambrinus Gardens, part of the Gambrinus brewery complex that was situated nearby. The delivery man is J. H. Emmert and the horse was named Bill. The donor came across this historic photo in an antique shop.
Oregon Historical Quarterly The Spring 2013 issue of the Oregon Historical Quarterly will arrive in members' mailboxes in March. In it, you can learn about how Portland's black community in the Albina neighborhood worked to improve relationships with police, and how the Depression-era state Legislature turned over the decision on building a new state Capitol to a citizen commission, cementing a trend that continues to this day. Photo: State Capitol Fire Salem, April 25, 1935
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Oregon History Makers Dinner September 27, 2012
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Holiday Cheer December 2, 2012
Board Member Honored Board Member Arleen Barnett was honored in December with the "Pete Mark Oregon Historical Society Board Member of the Year" award. This award was created in 2011 to honor Portland business and philanthropic leader Pete Mark for his many contributions to the Society. Barnett, who is currently serving her 8th year on the Board, is Vice President for Human Relations at Portland General Electric. Thanks to her leadership, PGE has become a key supporter, most recently as the presenting sponsor of the exhibit The Mightiest Wind: The 1962 Columbus Day Storm. Barnett also is a regular attendee at many programs and is a tireless advocate for history and culture.
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Long Time OHS Employee Has Made Historic Difference After serving 25 years as one of the Oregon Historical Society's most influential employees, Director of Museum Services Marsha Matthews will retire on February 1 with countless memories. There are memories of the hundreds of exhibits she has scheduled, supervised, developed, and implemented. There are memories of helping to successfully guide OHS through two American Association of Museum reaccreditation processes. And there are memories of overseeing the movement of some 85,000 artifacts from a downtown storage facility to the "Oregon Vault" in Gresham—with the only casualty of the move being one broken neon tube. Those who have had the privilege of working with Marsha over the years also have many memories of her professionalism, her leadership, and her commitment to the mission of the Oregon Historical Society. "Marsha's contribution to OHS has been priceless," said OHS Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk. "Her imagination and vision have helped to make the Oregon Historical Society the premier institution that it is. I know I speak for all the membership of OHS in thanking her for service above and beyond the call of duty, and in wishing her a happy and healthy retirement." Retirement will allow Marsha and her husband Dick (also a former OHS employee) more time to travel, but you can also expect her to keep her hand in the "family business." Numerous museums and historic organizations have already contacted Marsha to see if she would be available to serve as a consultant on curatorial projects and exhibits.
Welcome Brian Carter The Oregon Historical Society is excited to welcome Brian J. Carter as Director of Museum Services and Education. Brian, who is currently the Deputy Director of the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) in Seattle, will assume his new responsibilities in March. He has worked since 2006 at NAAM, where he helped lead the museum from an idea to a reality, and oversaw a major strategic planning process. A native of Yakima, Washington, Brian earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Stanford University in 2001 and his Masters of Arts in Museology from the University of Washington in 2006. “During the search and screening process, it became very clear that Brian has the energy, experience, and vision necessary to ensure that our exhibits and educational programs are relevant and engaging to all Oregonians," said Kerry Tymchuk. "Brian’s professional success and personal ties to the region offer a perfect combination as the Oregon Historical Society deepens our commitment to working with communities across the state to tell their histories.”
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Corporate Supporters AAA Oregon/Idaho A-Dec, Inc. Adelsheim Vineyard Aequitas Capital Management Alpha Broadcasting Archaeological Investigations Northwest, Inc. Architectural Prototypes Argyle Winery Atiyeh Bros., Inc. Azumano Travel Service, Inc. Ball Janik, LLP Bank of Oswego Barran Liebman, LLP Beery Elsner & Hammond, LLP Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods BOORA Architects Bryan Potter Design Cairn Investment Group Cardno Entrix CGC Financial Services, LLC Costco Craftsman Design and Renovation Deschutes Brewery Express Employment Professionals Friday Evening Dance Class
Special thanks to our business partners for their membership and support in 2012.
Giustina Land & Timber Co. Greenline Fine Woodworking Hendricks Law Firm P.C. Hennebery Eddy Architects Heritage Consulting Group Heritage Research Associates Historic U.S. National Bank Block, LLC Hotel Monaco Kerr Pacific Corporation KGW-TV8 Lago di Merlo Vineyards & Winery Legacy Health Macy's McCullough Research Metropolitan Group Northwest Natural Oregon Artificial Limb Co. The Oregonian Pacific Power Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys Perkins Coie Piggyback Plus, Inc. Portland General Electric Portland Trail Blazers Portland Visitor's Map PosterGarden
Providence Health System Re:fuel Reser's Fine Foods, Inc. Round Hill Pacific Sause Bros. Schroeder Law Offices, P.C. Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt Siltstone Wines, LLC Sokol Blosser Winery Solena Winery Stahancyk, Kent & Hook, P.C. The Standard Starker Forests, Inc. Stoel Rives, LLP Tektronix THA Architecture, Inc. The Heathman Hotel Regence BlueCross BlueSheild of Oregon Tonkon Torp, LLP U.S. Bank University Club Venerable Group, Inc. Walsh Construction Company Wells Fargo Willamette Cultural Resources Associates, Ltd. ZGF Architects, LLP
Fred Fields Leaves a Legacy At the beginning of 2012, OHS noted the passing of friend and supporter Fred Fields. An athlete and service member in his youth, Fields spent his career with Coe Manufacturing, where he began as a supervisor and later went on to own and grow the company. Fields served as a board member for U.S. Bank and as a trustee and patron of numerous local educational and cultural organizations. With the establishment of the Fred and Sue Fields Fund at the Oregon Community Foundation, his legacy will forever help to shape education, arts, and culture in Oregon. Fields also left a legacy at the Oregon Historical Society, which will go far to ensure that Oregon's history will remain safe and accessible.
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PAID
PORTLAND, OR PERMIT NO. 710
1200 SW Park Avenue Portland, OR 97205
February 12, 2013 Michael Duffy Assistant Managing Editor at TIME Magazine Author of The Presidents Club: Inside the World's Most Exclusive Fraternity April 16, 2013 Isabel Wilkerson Professor of Journalism and Director of Narrative Nonfiction at Boston University Author of The Warmth of Other Suns May 7, 2013 Erik Larson Four-time New York Times best-selling author of In the Garden of Beasts and Devil in the White City May 21, 2013 David Eisenhower Director of the Institute for Public Service at the Annenberg Public Policy Center Author of Eisenhower: At War
TICKETS ON SALE NOW Visit WWW.OHS.ORG for information.