Winter 2009

In This IssueThe West the Railroads Made Opens October 2009

Become our Fan on Facebook

Visit the new Museum Store in the renovated Miller Pavilion - Coming in Late September

Oregon Is Indian Country and The Art of Ceremony are coming to the Oregon Historical Society

Save the Date: 2009 HOLIDAY CHEER

Mark your calendar for one of the most popular events of the year. On Sunday, Dec. 6, the Society will host Oregon authors with their latest work. Don’t miss this chance to meet the authors, purchase their latest book, and have it signed for yourself or for the perfect holiday gift!

Buy Historic Photos Online

NowOnline Only

The first annual History Makers Dinner will celebrate three of Oregon’s living leaders.

This year we are excited to honor the significant accomplishments of three impressive Oregonians who are making history today.

DR. BRIAN DRUKEROncologist Dr. Brian Druker has revolutionized the treatment of cancer through research to develop Gleevec, a drug heralded as a new paradigm in cancer therapy. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, the drug targets the genetic abnormality that causes a particular form of cancer and leaves healthy cells alone, thereby causing far fewer side effects.

MRS. GERT BOYLEIn 1970, Gert Boyle found herself at the helm of Columbia Sportswear, a small and financially struggling outerwear manufacturer in Portland, Oregon. Under her leadership the company now has more than 2,000 employees and annual sales exceeding one billion dollars. Visionary businesswoman, generous philanthropist, and one of Oregon’s most recognized and beloved public figures, Gert Boyle is truly one tough history maker.

MR. MICHAEL POWELLMichael Powell purchased Powell’s Books from his father in 1981. Since that time, Powell’s has grown into a “semantic superpower.” Under Michael’s leadership, the business has grown from a humble storefront on a derelict corner in northwest Portland to seven locations in the Portland metropolitan area. One of the world’s great bookstores, and one of the book world’s most successful dot-coms, Powell’s now serves customers worldwide.

ATTENDING THE EVENTThis important fundraising event will celebrate our pride in being Oregonian and provide critical support for the mission of the Oregon Historical Society.

We are pleased to announce that seats and tables are going fast. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, purchasing a table, or buying a ticket, We urge you to act quickly. Table sponsorships start at $5,000 and individual tickets are $625, of which $525 is tax-deductible.

If you are interested in attending, contact Sue Metzler, Director of Devlopment, at 503.306.5229. We expect the event to sell out completely.

DO YOU KNOW A HISTORY MAKER?Nomination forms for the 2010 History Makers are available on our website. www.ohs.org.

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Winter 2009

In This IssueThe West the Railroads Made Opens October 2009

Become our Fan on Facebook

Visit the new Museum Store in the renovated Miller Pavilion - Coming in Late September

Oregon Is Indian Country and The Art of Ceremony are coming to the Oregon Historical Society

Save the Date: 2009 HOLIDAY CHEER

Mark your calendar for one of the most popular events of the year. On Sunday, Dec. 6, the Society will host Oregon authors with their latest work. Don’t miss this chance to meet the authors, purchase their latest book, and have it signed for yourself or for the perfect holiday gift!

Buy Historic Photos Online

NowOnline Only

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Dear Friends and Members,

I’m pleased to present our first entirely on-line and e-mail Historian. The new format helps OHS live within its reduced state allocation and allows us to give you more information at the reduced cost. It is packed full of information about a wonderful line-up of fall exhibits and events. Please take a moment to read through it and mark your calendar–there’s lots of excitement ahead!

The combination of two ground-breaking exhibits, Oregon Is Indian Country and The Art of Ceremony, has brought opportunities for some unique programs from our Native American community. Don’t forget to check back on our website for specific additions, dates and times. You won’t want to miss these exceptional exhibits and programs.

At mid-year it is gratifying to look back at the support we have received from members and friends through the 2009 Legislative session. We are grateful for all those who stood up for history and let their voices be heard by our representatives in Salem. Our state’s history must be supported through all times, good and challenging.

Thank you for your membership and continuing support.

George L. VogtExecutive Director

Our Mission

The Oregon Historical Society’s mission is preserving and interpreting Oregon’s past in thoughtful, illuminating, and provocative ways.

Hours

Museum10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday - SaturdayNoon - 5 p.m. Sunday Museum Store10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - SaturdayNoon - 5 p.m. Sunday Research Library1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday

1200 SW Park AvenuePortland, OR 97205503-222-1741WWW.OHS.ORG

A HEARTFELT WELCOMEOPENS AUGUST 2009

Step into the welcoming world of the Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church. In honor of its 65th anniversary, congregation member Raymond Burrell III collected memories, photographs, and church ephemera while conducting research for a book that was published this year. In an effort to preserve the church’s history and share it with the wider community, Raymond coordinated the donation of this collection to the Oregon Historical Society. The Society is proud to exhibit items from the collection.

The church’s collection is a significant contribution to understanding the history of the African American community in Portland.

THE WEST THE RAILROADS MADEOPENS OCTOBER 2009

Take a fresh look at what the iron road created in The West the Railroads Made. Learn how this one form of transportation reshaped the West and helped create a truly continental nation. The exhibit focuses on the battleground between the river cities St. Louis and Portland, and the railroad cities Chicago and Seattle/Tacoma. It features more than 80 artifacts, including rare railroad ephemera,

photographs, paintings, and other three-dimensional pieces.

CENTURIES OF PROGESSOPENS NOVEMBER 2009

Organizers of American world’s fairs promoted them as tourist destinations and encouraged additional related travel. World’s fairs,

facilitated by technological improvements in the transportation industry, contributed to the democratization of travel, tourism, and leisure for the American public. This exhibit examines how these expositions served as marketplaces of ideas where technology and products were introduced.

OREGON IS INDIAN COUNTRY OPENS SEPTEMBER 2009

Oregon Is Indian Country represents a groundbreaking project bringing nine Oregon tribes together to present information never before assembled in one exhibit on contemporary indigenous cultures. Oregon’s Indian traditions will be illuminated by many art forms including Native voices, historical artifacts, photographs, and more, producing a powerful exhibition.

THE ART OF CEREMONY OPENS SEPTEMBER 2009

This exquisite exhibit features historic and contemporary ceremonial regalia from all nine of Oregon’s federally recognized Native American tribes, much of which is rarely seen by the general public. The Art of Ceremony will feature what the tribes consider their finest artwork, items they wear and use in private ceremonies and rituals. Hand-crafted dance outfits, jewelry, staffs, headdresses, musical instruments, and a 21-foot cedar canoe — many on loan from Native families across the state — are among the items to be displayed.

Fall Exhibits at the Oregon Historical Society

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There’s a lot going on in the Miller Pavilion this summer. The Oregon Historical Society is excited to begin renovations that will enhance the visitor experience and make the museum store more accessible.

The admissions and membership counter will move toward the front door, providing an easy and inviting first point of contact. We are also excited to continue to host rotating exhibits, display special artifacts, and feature exciting new banners and signage that highlight the museum’s exhibits.

Special thanks to Rocky and Julie Dixon, Pete Mark, and Laura S. Meier for their generous support of this project.

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Pardon our mess... A New Look for the Miller Pavilion

AnnouncementsIT’S ALL HAPPENING ONLINE

Because of rising costs, we’re discontinuing the print publication of The Historian Newlsetter. But we don’t want to lose touch with you. There are the numerous ways you can keep up to date on the latest happenings at the Society.

1. Make sure we have your email address — you’ll get updates on exhibits and special events as well as first notice on lectures and other special programming. Sign up for our email newsletter on the OHS home page: www.ohs.org.2. Become our Fan - OHS is on Facebook, where announcements and events are often published first. 3. Check our Website —the latest and greatest is always online at www.ohs.org.

GIVE A MEMBERSHIP FOR FREE!

As a thank our members for their recent support and love of history we are offering a free family membership to give away to a like-minded friend or colleague. Keep an eye on your mailboxes in the month of September for this special opportunity.

Coming Late September

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“One of the best things I’ve seen exhibited at the Oregon Historical Society was a beautiful horse-drawn wagon for Meier & Frank. With any luck one hundred years from now one of Powell’s well-worn used book pricing carts will have joined OHS’s collection.”

Jon Guetschow, Powells, Director of Used Books

New Photos OnlineIn the past month, the Society has significantly expanded the number of historical photos available online for purchase. We’ve uploaded a selection of our favorite and most requested images along with over 400 images of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. These photos were taken by some of the region’s most famous photographers, including Carleton E. Watkins, Fred H. and Oscar Kiser, and Benjamin Gifford.

Prints of historic photos make wonderful gifts and elegant, meaningful additions to any Oregon home or office. Our new site allows users to browse and order high-quality digital prints for personal use or publication. Visit http://shop.ohs.org/ to browse the collection and learn more. In September, historic photos will also be available for order via a computer kiosk in our renovated pavilion.

Partnership with Powell’s BooksYOUR USED BOOKS CAN HELP OHS!

On July 15, the Oregon Historical Society and Powell’s Books launched a new partnership. Now, when you take your used books to Powell’s, you can choose to donate the proceeds from your sale to the Oregon Historical Society. Through the end of 2009, you can turn your used books into a fully tax-deductible donation.

Simply bring your used books to any Powell’s location and let the staff member know that you would like to donate the value of your books to the Oregon Historical Society. Powell’s will issue you a receipt for your tax deductible gift and forward your entire donation to us. Please note that donations can be accepted at Powell’s store locations and at its NW Warehouse only. For store locations and buying hours, visit www.powells.com/sell.

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The Oregon Historical Society is planning a new, permanent exhibit on contemporary Oregon. The 1,750-square-foot exhibit, titled Oregon: Yours, Mine, Ours, will feature topics such as the economy, immigration, and the environment. Exhibit elements, drawn from the Society’s vast and priceless collections, will be displayed in this core exhibition. Grounded in Oregonians’ voices, the exhibit will use surveys, oral histories, and biographies to define and articulate the themes. Because it tells a contemporary history story, actual voices of Oregonians expressing their opinions, recollections, or questions will be features.

Truly a contemporary exhibit, Oregon: Yours, Mine, Ours will feature interactive monitors with eye catching images, narrated text, music, animations, film clips, and other dramatic visuals. Visitors will have a voice in the exhibit experience through polling on topical questions at various points and by leaving comments about their own personal history or opinions.

With your help we can make this important exhibit a reality. We’re well on our way to raising the money needed to begin construction. Your gift, of any size, will help us meet our goal. Call Sue Metzler, Director of Development, at 503-306-5229, for more information or to make a gift to the Oregon, Yours, Mine, Ours Campaign.

Coming Soon!a new permanent exhibit:

Oregon: yours, Mine, Ours

OREGON HISTORICAL QUARTERLY CALL FOR PROPOSALS:OREGONIANS IN TIMES OF DEPRESSION AND RECESSION

The Oregon Historical Quarterly seeks proposals for manuscripts that will consider how Oregonians have experienced and responded to large-scale economic hardship, including but not limited to the panics and ensuing recessions/depressions of 1873 and 1893, the Great Depression, and the recessions of the late 1950s and early 1980s. The Quarterly encourages proposals that address this history from social, economic, or political perspectives and that consider the topic across broad times and geographic regions or as associated with a specific place, incident, or person. Proposals for manuscripts based in oral histories are also encouraged. Contact Eliza Canty-Jones at eliza.canty-jones@ohs.org for more information.

Your smile can help OHS!The Oregon Historical Society and Advanced Dental Arts NW are excited to create a special opportunity for OHS friends and members. Advanced Dental Arts has agreed to donate 10% of any treatment or procedure to the Society.

Using the most advanced technological tools available with the greatest sensitivity to sustainability and our community, Dr. Teasdale makes a good impression as lightly as possible. He has a wonderfully talented, compassionate, and highly trained team that compliments his philosophy for providing great dental care.

If you are interested in learning more about how your smile can support a cause you care about, contact Advanced Dental Arts NW directly at 503-235-0555.

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NEW HOURS

Beginning in April the Library hours changed to Thursday through Saturday from 1 to 5 P.M. because of cuts in the state appropriation. The Society is proud to have veteran Library staff members Geoff Wexler and Scott Daniels available to serve the public during these times.

Many individuals have stepped up with extra support for the Society and the Library in particular during these challenging economic times. In response to their leadership, the Society announced a “Friends of the Library Fund,” allowing patrons to make gifts directly in support of Library operations.

If you would like to support this special fund, please indicate on your check that you wish to designate your gift to “Friends of the Library” or call us at 503-306-5237 to make a gift over the phone.

MICROFILM MACHINES

Thanks to a generous gift from board member Rocky Dixon and his wife, Julie Dixon, the Oregon Historical Society was able to purchase new microfilm machines for the Research Library. The three new units will be installed during the summer and are a welcome replacement for the decades-old microfilm machines.

Our new machines are much easier to use and will allow library visitors to scan, print, and eventually email documents.

Library News