Winter 2012Available Online

Explore over 75 of the Oregon Historical Society's most intriguing, rare, and bizarre artifacts. New treasures will be added on Oregon's birthday, February 14 - stay tuned!

Treasures of the VaultNow on Display Through April 1

In This Issue:

Hatfield Lecture SeriesJoin us for a memorable series, with lectures on Susan B. Anthony and Governor Tom McCall.JANUARY – MAY 2012

Modern Oregon ExhibitsThe Oregon History Museum's 2012 exhibits take a look at the people, places, issues, and events that shaped contemporary Oregon.

Genealogy WorkshopsLearn more about these popular monthly programs that can help you trace your family history.

Extended!

This spring, the Oregon History Museum presents an exhibit on Oregon photographer Marian Wood Kolisch.

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A few months ago, I took Clark, my 14-year-old son, and Joe, his best friend, for a tour of the Oregon Historical Society’s 100,000 square-foot “vault,” which houses the majority of our remarkable collection of artifacts. When someone later asked them to describe the vault, Joe said: “It’s an amazing place filled with awesome stuff!”

I couldn’t help but think that “an amazing place filled with awesome stuff” is a wonderful and accurate description of what the Oregon Historical Society is all about. Our museum, our world-class research library, our educational programs which include the Mark O. Hatfield Distinguished Historians Forum and our “Making History in Our Time” series, our Family Day programs, and of course, the Oregon Historical Quarterly, are all filled with “awesome stuff.”

It didn’t take me long as Executive Director to conclude that one of the most priceless assets of the Oregon Historical Society is you—our awesome members. Your continued membership, your attendance at exhibits, programs, and events, and your generous financial support are key to our exciting new momentum and success, and are greatly appreciated.

The Oregon Historical Society is now in its 114th year. With your continued support and encouragement, I am confident that generations from now, Oregonians will continue to say that OHS is “an amazing place filled with awesome stuff!”

Best regards,

Kerry TymchukExecutive Director

Our MissionAs the steward of Oregon’s history, the Oregon Historical Society educates, informs, and engages the public through collecting, preserving, and interpreting the past.

HoursMuseum10 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. Tuesday 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. Wednesday–Saturday

1200 SW Park AvenuePortland, OR 97205503-222-1741w w w. o h s . o r g

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Susan B. Anthony: Swimming to Suffrage

Lynn SherrFebruary 21, 2012

THE MARK O. HATFIELD

DISTINGUISHEDHISTORIANS

FORUMSince 1998, the Mark O. Hatfield Distinguished Historians Forum has provided broad insights and perspectives on United States history. Each series brings together the nation’s top scholars and writers for thought-provoking evenings. Most featured lecturers have won a Pulitzer Prize or National Book Award for their writing, and many are among the most revered academicians in the nation.

Tom McCall and the Language of Memory

Brent WalthMarch 20, 2012

Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for

Lincoln’s KillerJames Swanson

April 17, 2012

The Tragic and Lonely Life of a Sailing Captain’s Wife

Rex ZiakMay 15, 2012

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLEPhone1(800) 494-8497(503) 205-0715

Fax1(800) 329-8497

Member and student discounts available.

Onlinewww.boxofficetickets.com

MailBox Office Tickets Inc.818 SW 3rd Ave PMB 213Portland, Oregon 97204

Please make checks payable to Box Office Tickets.

2012 Series Sponsors:

Swigert FoundationSamuel S. Johnson Foundation

The Wheeler FoundationThe Clark FoundationPhillips & Company

Tonkon Torp LLPAcorn Fund of the

Oregon Community Foundation

All lectures take place at the First Congregational Church in downtown Portland and begin at 7 P.M.

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The people, places, issues, and events that shaped contemporary Oregon

Modern Alook at oregon history

2012 Exhibits Program

In 2012, the Oregon History Museum will open a series of exhibits that give visitors a glimpse into the vibrant history of 20th century Oregon.

Culture Captured: The Photography of Marian Wood KolischOpening April 12, 2012

The granddaughter of 20th-century Oregon figure C.E.S. Wood, Marian Wood Kolisch came to love photography later in life after taking a workshop with Ansel Adams. She photographed extraordinary Oregonians, including film director Gus Van Sant, former mayor Bud Clark, architect Pietro Belluschi, and photographer Ansel Adams, whose images will be displayed in this 2012 exhibit.

The Architecture of Pietro BelluschiOpening May 17, 2012

Pietro Belluschi was a major architectural visionary in Oregon and the United States, admired for his use of fine craftsmanship and careful detailing, his response to regional conditions, and his preference for classical clarity of form. Drawings, models, and images from the Oregon Historical Society collection and others will shed light on Pietro Belluschi’s extraordinary career and global impact on contemporary architecture.

The Columbus Day StormOpening October 12, 2012

The 1962 Columbus Day Storm brought widespread devastation to Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Wind gusts in Portland reached 116 miles per hour, and nearly 50 fatalities were attributed to the storm, more than any other Pacific Northwest weather event in recorded history. On the 50th anniversary of the storm, OHS will display photographs and artifacts from its collections and feature oral histories from the many Oregonians who still remember the extraordinary event.

Photograph of the intense wind gusts from the storm.

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Ever heard of a cyclorama? Learn all about Portland's in the Spring 2012 issue of the Oregon Historical Quarterly, arriving in members' mailboxes in mid March. Read about Senator Wayne Morse's opposition to presidential warmaking and the University of Oregon digital newspapers project, and review photographs and quotations from photographer Marian Wood Kolisch before viewing the exhibit of her work.

Left: Ansel Adams photographed by Marian Wood Kolisch

The Davies Family Research Library recently received an unidentified photograph album from the World War II era. A gift of Loren Williams of Portland (who bought it at an auction), the album was probably assembled by a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps and includes images of his family and friends in various locations.

Although some of the photos are identified with names, the identities of the soldier and his family are still not clear. Featured prominently in the album is a woman named Shirley, who may have been the soldier's wife or sister. Also featured is a house that may have been located somewhere on the near east side of Portland, with the address 3924 but no evidence of a street name.

If you can supply any information on the house or the people in the pictures, please contact Geoff Wexler, Interim Library Director, at Geoff.Wexler@OHS.org, or telephone 503-306-5241. As a thank you, we will send you a framed 8x10" copy of your choice of image from the album.

Cyclorama and an Exhibit Preview

Help Solve a Mystery

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Save the DateOregon History Makers DinnerThursday, September 27, 2012

Holiday Cheer Sunday, December 4, 2011

The Oregon History Makers Dinner celebrates Oregon’s living leaders who have made history in their own time.

Holiday Cheer photos courtesy of Ned Thanhouser

Mark your calendars. Our annual authors

party is always the first Sunday in December.

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A lasting legacyThe Oregon Historical Society sadly notes the passing of long time supporter, Mr. Fred Fields. The business and community leader left behind an extraordinary legacy, generously remembering the Society in his estate. Mr. Fields' gift comes at a time when the organization is laying the groundwork for long term financial stability. The board of directors of the Oregon Historical Society is currently considering the best use of the funds, but one thing is certain: Mr. Fields' bequest marks the beginning of an important campaign for the Society's future.

2011 in Review

To learn more about how you can become a part of the Oregon Historical Society's Legacy Society, please contact the development office.

Special thanks to everyone who made generous gifts to the Oregon Historical Society in 2011. Your support was a vital part of our ability to produce exciting exhibits, sustain important programs, implement free admission for school groups, and resume full library hours. In fact, your membership and annual gifts support every aspect of the Society's programs and operations.

It was a remarkable year! With renewed public and private support, original exhibits on topics from race cars to rock and roll, and the restoration of library hours and staff, there was much to celebrate in 2011.

A special note of gratitude goes out to all of our Multnomah County members who not only support us via the levy but also recognize the importance of their involvement and have renewed their memberships as well. We couldn't do it without you!

Pedal to the Metal opens

Treasures of the Vault opens

Free admission for school groups begins

Free admission for Multnomah county residents begins

Full library hours restored

Hatfield Lecture Series begins

The History Makers Dinner honors remarkable Oregonians

Holiday Cheer features Oregon authors

Genealogy workshops resume

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1200 SW Park AvenuePortland, OR 97205

NONPROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

PORTLAND, OR PERMIT NO. 710

PAID

Dig Into Your Roots!Genealogy Workshop Series

The library is once again hosting a series of family history workshops to help you discover your roots. Whether you have a little, a lot, or even no experience with genealogy, Oregon Historical Society family historians will help you dig up the past!

Next Workshop:Advanced Records & Methodology

February 11, 2012, 10 AM – NoonOregon Historical Society, Madison Room1200 SW Park Avenue, Portland, OR 97205

Cost: $15 for OHS members, $20 for nonmembers

RSVP to libreference@ohs.org or 503.306.5240 if you are planning to attend. Please include your name, address, email, and phone number. Space is limited. Visit WWW.OHS.ORG for list of upcoming workshops.