Northwest History Network

NHN Professional Development Program: Online Tools for Promoting Your Writing and Research

2012-01-11T10:27:00.000-08:00

Online Tools for Promoting Your Writing and Research
A Panel Discussion and Hands-On Workshop
Tuesday, January 24th, 6-8 PM
Architectural Heritage Center
701 Southeast Grand Avenue Portland, OR 97214

Register by using this form.

Join us to explore online tools and practices for people engaged in research and writing. There will be a topical focus on history, but the tools and practices we’ll introduce are relevant to anyone interested in promoting themselves or their content online while maintaining high standards for their work. We’ll look at:

Social networking for professional promotion - where, how and why.
How to get your work found on the internet.
Establishing credibility for your research and writing online.
Using metadata for digital photo management.

A panel discussion will be followed by a hands-on workshop. Please bring your laptop or mobile device with a browser if you have one. A limited number of “loaners” will be available for use. Light refreshments will be served.

Admission is free to current NHN Associates, $10 for non-associates, $5 for students with ID (collected at the door). Space is limited and registration is required. We hope you can join us!

Featuring

Nick Blackbourne, Ph.D. Candidate, University of St. Andrews. nickblackbourn.com

Chris Higgins, writer (mental_floss, This American Life) and mobile apps expert (Cloud Four, Night & Day Studios) chrishiggins.com

Amy Platt, Public Relations Coordinator, Oregon Encyclopedia Project. oregonencyclopedia.org

Tom Robinson, Principal, Historic Photo Archive. historicphotoarchive.com

For more information, email info@northwesthistory.org

Seconal Annual Holiday Party

2011-12-02T08:45:00.000-08:00

The Northwest History Network invites all Associates to the Annual Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 13, 2011. It's the history social event of the season!

Where: 8512 SE 13th Avenue in Sellwood, the home of Richard Engeman and Terry Jess
When: between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM
Who's invited: NHN associates and their spouses, friends, colleagues, and maybe-in-the-future-NHN-associates. Caveat: children are welcome, but the house is not child-proofed.
What's to eat: appetizers/finger food, ham and vegetarian main dishes, salads, desserts
What's to drink: wine, beer, soft drinks, juice, tea and coffee
How to get there: TriMet route #70; use their trip planner.
Special features: History-related prizes. Demo of the NHN Associates Directory.
Are you planning to be there? Call or e-mail Richard with a head count: 503-235-9032, info@oregonrediviva.com

New Directions for NHN

2011-11-30T12:44:00.000-08:00

Oregon City municipal elevator

Your Northwest History Network board has been discussing future NHN activities in the light of what the organization is now doing, has done in the past, and would like to do.

As many of you know, we’ve enjoyed some terrific accomplishments over the last couple of years - including effective advocacy for access to historical resources, incubating the Century of Action project (which has become a project of the new non-profit, Oregon Women’s History Consortium) through a grant application and administration, regular opportunities to for our associates to network, and popular public programs, including the history of the Black Panthers, race and urban renewal, and a special screening of Lois Leonard's film "Finding David Douglas."

As we look forward to the upcoming year and beyond, we’ve been discussing what we should focus on. We’re sharing our thoughts with the hope of hearing yours - in person at one of our socials, via email, or by calling any one of us. This is your association, so let's figure out how it can best support your work.

Some highlights of the board’s discussion:

In the past five years, regional history-related public programs have expanded dramatically, thanks to such groups as the Oregon Encyclopedia, Architectural Heritage Center, McMenamin's, Friends of History (FOH) and Public History Graduates (PHiG) at PSU, the local chapter of the Northwest Independent Scholars Association, the Oregon Historical Society, and the Dill Pickle Club. When NHN was founded, these opportunities simply didn’t exist.
Professional development opportunities for historians who are outside of academia are very slim
Networking and sharing opportunities for regional historians are scarce
Greater efforts need to be made to help regional historians collaborate with one another, to work with potential employers of historians and users of history, to develop history projects and products: in short, to pay historians to do their work

In response, the board has adopted a tentative calendar for the next year and a half. The primary effects are these:

We will offer two public programs each year with an emphasis, whenever possible, on promoting the work of our associates
There will be two programs a year, aimed directly at our associates, dealing with professional development issues -- the first of these will be held on January 24 at the Architectural Heritage Center, regarding internet tools for historians.
We will continue our (mostly) monthly social events with updates from associates on their work and projects, and will introduce new and potential members. We will also suggest topics in history to generate discussion that may lead to future professional development or public programs

As your board works on fleshing out the NHN calendar (http://www.northwesthistory.org/p/nhn-calendar.html), we appreciate hearing from you: suggest program topics, possible speakers or panel members, social event venues, etc. - and any other thoughts you have.

NHN is an all-volunteer agency that works best when we work together - thank you for being a part of it!

A Night in Paradise

2011-10-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

Seattle World's Fair, 1962

Mark your calendar for Northwest History Network's second annual year-end social event, set for the evening of Tuesday, December 13. Last year's spread attracted more than three dozen NHN associates and their family members and colleagues. The party will start at 5:00 PM at the home of NHN co-director Richard Engeman, 8512 SE 13th Avenue in Sellwood. Details forthcoming, but hold the date!

Monday social: Professional development, Archives Crawl

2011-10-16T17:09:00.000-07:00

This month's social meeting is on Monday, October 17th, from 5:30 PM, at Dig A Pony, 736 SE Grand Avenue at Morrison Street. Dig A Pony is a new bar in a venerable old building; their website shows a photograph of it in the 1930s when it was a drugstore; see it at http://digaponyportland.com/.

New hat and snappy gown? Step out to Dig A Pony on Monday and show 'em off! Don't just sit on the stoop!

The social will give us a chance to meet and greet new and potential NHN associates, catch up on one another's projects and interests, and discuss the recent Portland Archives Crawl. We'd also like to hear from associates about their professional development, and what NHN as an organization might do in that arena.

Special Screening: Finding David Douglas

2011-06-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

What: Special Screening of Finding David Douglas

When: June 25 at 1 p.m

Where:Laurelhurst Theater, 2735 E. Burnside Street, Portland, OR

Local historian and filmmaker (and NHN associate) Lois Leonard directed and produced this 56-minute film about the scientific adventures of the intrepid 19th century Scots botanist and plant hunter David Douglas. Viewers will tap his roots in Scotland and England; trek along through California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia; sweep across the Canadian Rockies to remote York Factory on the Hudson Bay shore; and ponder his mysterious final destination on the Big Island of Hawaii. The film focuses on Douglas’s groundbreaking contributions to science – the Douglas fir and many more plant and animal species are named for him – and details his relations within the multi-cultural community of the Hudson’s Bay Company and the many Indian tribes he visited across Western North America. The movie was created with support from the Oregon Cultural Heritage Commission and this viewing is offered through the Northwest History Network. Regular Laurelhurst admission ($3) applies.

Seating is limited.

Special thanks to the Laurelhurst Theater and to the Architectural Heritage Center for technical support.

OHS Job Posting

2011-05-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

Reference Assistant

Oregon Historical Society is currently recruiting for a Reference Assistant to join our Library. The Reference Assistant assists the Research Librarian in providing efficient, accurate, and knowledgeable assistance to research library users through public contact, telephone, written and electronic means; research in all library collections; provides direct research assistance at public reference desk for all library collections including but not limited to maps, government documents, rare books, photographs, video and audio materials, and manuscripts. Maintains reference collections including but not limited to books, serials, microfilm, government documents, video & audio materials, and biography and subject files. Assists in scheduling maintenance and overseeing the care of specialized library equipment. In addition Reference Assistant carries out special projects at the request of the Library Manager.

Required Skills and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in history or a related discipline is required. Successful candidates will have excellent oral and written communication skills, knowledge of online reference resources, skills at searching those resources, and xperience working in a research library. Candidate should be a strong Microsoft Office Suite user. Experience with MARC cataloging and Encoded Archival Description (EAD) preferred.

Qualified candidates can submit cover letter, resume and salary history to:jobs@OHS.org. For complete job description click here

NHN Directory of Oral Historians

2011-05-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

Below is a list of NHN Associates who specialize in oral history. This list is part of the NHN Associates Directory page, and is updated as necessary.

The list is organized alphabetically by last name. Under each listed name you will find:

** Professional Credentials

** Personal Statement

** Areas of Specialization

** Professional Associations

** Selected Projects & Publications

** Other Areas of Expertise

** Geographic Range of Work

** Contact Information
To search this list, one can scroll down the page or type Ctrl+F (for Windows) or Cmd+F (for Mac) to bring up your computer's Find feature. The most fruitful searches will likely be for individual historians, or by Areas of Specialization. Searchable Areas of Specialization within the oral history field include:

** African American ** Agriculture

** Asian American ** Business

** Civil Rights ** Education

** Family ** Folklore

** Gay/Lesbian ** Holocaust

** Immigration ** Labor

** Legal ** Local/Regional

** Medical/Health ** Military

** Music/Art ** Native American

** Rural ** Science/Technology

** Urban ** Politics/Government/Law

** Popular Culture ** Social

** Social Justice ** Women
This information is brought to you as a service of the Northwest History Network. The NHN relies upon its Associates to provide accurate and up-to-date information. Any questions or comments about function and structure of this list (i.e., broken links) should be directed to info@northwesthistory.org. Questions or comments regarding the content should be directed to the appropriate Associate listed below.

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James V. Hillegas

Professional Credentials:

MA, History, Portland State University

BA, Interdisciplinary Studies, Fairhaven College, Western Washington University
Personal Statement:

Historian of the 20th century urban environment in North America, including pollution abatement, the built environment, sustainability, and oral history.
Areas of Specialization:

Business; Labor; Legal; Local/Regional; Science/Technology; Urban; Politics/Government/Law
Professional Associations:

American Society for Environmental History

Urban History Association

Organization of American Historians

Northwest History Network

Oregon Historical Society

Selected Projects & Publications:

Working for the “Working River”: Willamette River Pollution, 1926-1975 [working title]

“Working for the ‘Working River’: Willamette River Pollution, 1926-1962.” MA Thesis, Portland State University, 2009.

The Journal of the Whatcom County Historical Society

Media Used:

Audio
Other Areas of Expertise:

Education; Historical Research; Historical Writing
Geographic Range of Work:

Portland metropolitan area
Contact Information:

971.506.5998 ~ jvhillegas AT g mail dot com

Historical Threads

Sustainability History Project

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James Strassmaier

Professional Credentials:

Ph.D. in history, Loyola University, Chicago

Oral Historian, Oregon Historical Society, 1986-2001

Chair, Oregon Labor Oral History Project, 2008-present
Personal Statement:

Principles and Best Practices

Areas of Specialization:

ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING, SEPARATED BY SEMICOLONS: African American; Agriculture; Asian American; Business; Civil Rights; Education; Family; Folklore; Gay/Lesbian; Holocaust; Immigration; Labor; Legal; Local/Regional; Medical/Health; Military; Music/Art; Native American; Rural; Science/Technology; Urban; Politics/Government/Law; Popular Culture; Social; Social Justice; Women
Professional Associations:

Oral History Association

Northwest Oral History Association

Pacific Northwest Labor History Association

(President 1991-1993; Newsletter editor 1989-1991)

Oregon Labor Oral History Project

Selected Projects & Publications:

NOHA Newsletter

Media Used:

Audio; Video
Other Areas of Expertise:

EACH ELEMENT OF LIST WILL LINK TO SPECIALIZED DIRECTORY PAGE, AND WILL INCLUDE ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING, SEPARATED BY SEMICOLONS: Archives & Records Management; Education; Genealogy; Historical Reenactment; Historical Research; Historical Writing; Library Sciences; Oral History; Museums; Site Interpretation
Geographic Range of Work:

HOW FAR THE PERSON WILL TRAVEL TO DO A JOB
Contact Information:

503 236-1094 ~ strassj@spiritone.com
=========================

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Northwest Oral History Association social night, May 9 2011

2011-05-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

On Monday, May 9, the Northwest Oral History Association (NOHA) is having its first Portland oral history meet-up!

The event will be at Blue Olive Mediterranean Cafe from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.

The informal event will foster the sharing of stories and ideas about our projects, and pros, amateurs, and the merely curious are all invited.

Blue Olive is located at 2712 NE Alberta Street.

Join other NOHA members for appetizers and/or a drink at this no-host event. Please RSVP to NOHA President Teresa Bergen (teresatranscribes@yahoo.com) so she can let Blue Olive know how many people to expect.

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"A Brief History of the Portland Timbers": NHN General Meeting, March 30 2011

2011-03-07T11:27:00.000-08:00


Portland Timbers logo, about 1980

We cordially invite one and all to our upcoming NHN general meeting and public presentation:

"Green is the Color: A Brief History of the Portland Timbers, 1975-Present"

By Michael Orr

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Thirsty Lion Pub

Starts at 7:00 p.m.2011 marks the inaugural season of Major League Soccer (MLS) in Portland, but the sport has a long and storied history in the region. At the start of the Portland Timbers' first MLS season, the Northwest History Network is pleased to partner with Thirsty Lion Pub to host Michael Orr's presentation on the history of the team, players, and legions of loyal fans.

Michael Orr is a soccer writer and host of a weekly soccer-specific radio show on Cascadia.FM, MAO's Football Show. He has written on tactics, club history, and is Managing Writer and Editor at FC Media, LLC.

The Northwest History Network is a non-profit consortium of history, library, and archives professionals and other people interested in preserving and bringing history to the public. Learn more about the Northwest History Network at http://www.northwesthistory.org/.

For more information, contact NHN Board Member James V. Hillegas, programs@northwesthistory.org.

Michael Orr will also be presenting an overview of the Timbers' first season in 1975 as part of the Oregon Encyclopedia's History Night series at McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale, Tuesday, March 29, 2011, starting at 6:30 p.m. This presentation is titled "Soccer City, USA: The Birth and Rise of the Portland Timbers."

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Upcoming Century of Action events

2011-03-03T09:21:00.000-08:00

There are two upcoming events related to the ongoing project Century of Action: Oregon Women Vote, 1912-2012:

Century of Action on KBOO radio, March 4

CoA Project Director Janice Dilg and CoA President Eliza Canty-Jones will be guests on KBOO's Bread and Roses program this Friday evening. Host Nicole Vulcan will highlight the upcoming woman suffrage centennial during her show in honor of International Women's Day March 8.

Tune in to hear more about the new Century of Action website, the history of women getting the vote, their political work in the state, and maybe even some historical suffrage songs.

Turn your dial to 90.7 FM this Friday March 4 at 6:00 p.m!

Century of Action Kick-Off, Salem, March 8, 2011

Century of Action: Oregon Women Vote, 1912-2012 will be having a kick-off event March 8, 2011, which also happens to be International Women's Day. They are co-hosting this event with Sec. of State Kate Brown, and it will be held in the Capitol Building in Salem from 5:30-7:00 pm. The evening's program will be from 6-6:30 and will comprise several speakers, a launch of the Century of Action website, highlight the upcoming Oregon Blue Book with woman suffrage as its theme, and the first reading of the Declaration of Statewide Celebration by Oregon Heritage Commission Director Kyle Jansson.

The Northwest History Network has played a critical role in getting the Century of Action project off the ground. CoA Project Director Janice Dilg would like the opportunity to publicly thank NHN for its early and ongoing support for the project and provide a venue for NHN to become more widely known. We are anticipating 75-100 guests that will include elected officials and supporters of the suffrage centennial.

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NHN social night Monday, Feb. 21, 2011

2011-02-12T10:45:00.000-08:00

The next NHN social night will be held on Monday, February 21st, beginning at 5:30 pm at the Dan & Louis Oyster Bar, 208 SW Ankeny Street, in Portland.

See you there!

1960s North Portland urban development

2011-02-12T10:29:00.000-08:00

As part of her own ongoing work, NHN Associate Felicia Williams recently presented research on urban development in North Portland in the 1960s. Larry Bingham provided an overview in his Oregonian article[1]. I recommend the article and the comment thread -- most comment threads I've come across in the Oregonian are composed of anonymous vitriol, but this comment thread actually provides interesting content (in addition to a dash or two of vitriol).

I lament the scheduling conflict that did not allow for my attendance at Felicia's talk!

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[1] Larry Bingham, "Black History Month lecture reveals how the City Council, the PDC and a swindler destroyed a North Portland neighborhood," Oregonian, Feb. 7, 2011.

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NHN Social Night, Jan. 17 @ 5:30 p.m.

2011-01-10T13:43:00.000-08:00

Northwest History Network invites Associates and anyone interested in learning more about the NHN and its work to our next social night!

Where: Dan & Louis Oyster Bar, 208 SW Ankeny St., Portland

When: Beginning 5:30 p.m.

Also see the NHN Events Calendar

Multnomah County seeks members of OHS levy oversight committee

2010-11-17T15:22:00.000-08:00

The Chair's office at Multnomah County is seeking applicants to be on the oversight committee for the recently passed levy. This would be a great way to contribute to the future of OHS by ensuring the greatest accountability to the citizens of Multnomah County.

=====================

On November 2^nd, Multnomah County voters approved a five-year levy to support the Oregon Historical Society. Part of the accountability built into the measure is the creation of an independent citizen’s oversight committee charged with reviewing all levy expenditures to ensure they are used for their intended purpose. The committee will meet twice annually and will represent Multnomah County’s diverse communities.

Qualified candidates should have a working understanding of budgeting process and a strong commitment to accountability.

Those interested should submit a resume along with an explanation of qualifications to the Office of Multnomah County Chair Jeff Cogen, Attention: Emerald Bogue, 501 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd., Ste. 600, Portland, 97214. Or email emerald.bogue@multco.us. The deadline to apply is December 6, 2010, at 5:00 p.m.

For more information, please visit our website or call Emerald Bogue at (503)988-5772.

NHN to co-host Black Bag talk at Portland State University, Oct. 27

2010-10-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

The Black Bag Speaker Series sponsored by the Black Studies Department at Portland State University will host Trevor Griffey, Project Coordinator of the Seattle Civil Rights and Labor History Project on Wednesday, October 27, 2010, 12:00-1:30 p.m. This event will be held in PSU's Multicultural Center, Smith Memorial Student Union 228.

Trevor is also co-editor of and contributor to Black Power at Work: Community Control, Affirmative Action, and the Construction Industry (Cornell University Press, 2010). This book examines community activism and direct action by civil rights groups to advocate desegregation of federal and city-funded construction projects across northern cities in the 1960s and 1970s.

The following day, the NHN will hold its quarterly general meeting and public event. This event will feature Trevor, Felicia Williams (PDX Civil Rights Project, Portland State University), and Portland labor leader Keith Edwards (International Representative, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) discussing "From Black Power to Green Jobs: Civil Rights, Trade Unions & Urban Renewal in Portland & Seattle, 1960s to the present".

Please join us for both events!

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Join us Oct. 28 for presentation & discussion: "From Black Power to Green Jobs"

2010-10-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

The Northwest History Network presents a free presentation and discussion:

From Black Power to Green Jobs: Civil Rights, Trade Unions & Urban Renewal in Portland & Seattle, 1960s to the present

Thursday, October 28, 7-8:30 p.m.

Sunnyside Environmental School Auditorium, 3421 SE Salmon St. (near SE 34th and Belmont)In the 1960s and 1970s, civil rights groups advocated for desegregation of federal and city-funded construction projects across northern cities. This talk will look at the history of this struggle in the context of urban renewal projects in Portland and Seattle, and bring the conversation to the present by considering the impact of federally funded “green” projects on access to living-wage jobs for women and minorities.

Scholars Trevor Griffey (Seattle Civil Rights and Labor History Project, University of Washington) and Felicia Williams (PDX Civil Rights Project, Portland State University) will be joined by Portland labor leader Keith Edwards (International Representative, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers).

Trevor is also co-editor of and contributor to Black Power at Work: Community Control, Affirmative Action, and the Construction Industry (Cornell University Press, 2010). This book examines community activism and direct action by civil rights groups to advocate desegregation of federal and city-funded construction projects across northern cities in the 1960s and 1970s.

This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information visit northwesthistory.org, send an email to info@northwesthistory.org, or call Mary-Margaret Wheeler-Weber at 503-240-3344.

The Northwest History Network is a non-profit consortium of history professionals committed to expanding understanding of history and culture through collaboration, professional development and support, and public engagement. For more information, visit northwesthistory.org

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John Terry urges support for Multnomah County measure to fund the OHS & other county institutions

2010-10-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

John Terry, "Multnomah County tax measure aims to keep Oregon Historical Society going," Oregonian, Oct. 16, 2010, p. B2:

Multnomah County voters have the opportunity to keep the [Oregon Historical S]ociety's doors open at 1200 S.W. Park Ave. Measure 26-118 on the Nov. 2 ballot is a five-year levy to reinforce the society as well as the Troutdale, Crown Point Country, Gresham and Fairview-Rockwood-Wilkes historical societies.
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NHN event: From Black Power to Green Jobs

2010-10-06T09:38:00.000-07:00

Civil Rights, Trade Unions & Urban Renewal in Portland & Seattle, 1960s to Present

Thursday, October 28, 7 p.m.,

New Venue: Sunnyside School, 3421 SE Salmon

Featuring: Trevor Griffey, Seattle Civil Rights and Labor History Project, University of Washington; and Felicia Williams, PDX Civil Rights Project, Portland State University

More information to come!

Oregonian editorial in support of proposed Multnomah County levy

2010-09-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

The Oregonian Editorial Board came out today in favor of the proposed Multnomah County levy to provide funding for the Oregon Historical Society (see "Safeguarding Oregon's history," Oregonian, Sep. 23, 2010, B4).

For earlier discussion of this proposal, see this NHN blog post.

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First Annual Oregon Archives Crawl

2010-09-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

Here's the Press Release:

Everyone is invited to join us for the first annual Oregon Archives Crawl this October in celebration of Oregon Archives Month. Walk, bike, run, or crawl between four different downtown locations and learn what local archives have to offer researchers, students, genealogists, scholars, homeowners, history buffs, and the curious of any age. We have something for everyone, old and young, native Oregonian and visitor passing through, professional and novice.

Travel at your leisure between the Portland Archives and Records Center, the Portland State University Library, Multnomah County Central Library and the Oregon Historical Society. At each place you can tour the facilities and participate in activities that bring history to life. The Oregon Historical Society and the Multnomah County Central Library will also be hosting displays by other area archives including the Oregon Jewish Museum, Willamette University, Lewis & Clark College, the Oregon State University, the Mazamas and the Washington County Museum. Each location and participating organization will have family friendly activities throughout the day.

A free Archives Crawl “passport” will be issued to help you navigate the crawl. A fully stamped passport enters you in a raffle drawing at our After Party at the Oregon Historical Society, where there will be light refreshments, live music and a whole lot
of fun.

Join us for the first annual Oregon Archives Crawl and become a part of history!

First Annual Oregon Archives Crawl
Saturday, October 2
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Free and Open to the Public
Starting at any of the following locations:

Portland Archives & Records Center

Portland State University Millar Library

Multnomah County Central Library

Oregon Historical Society
The After Party hosted by the Oregon Historical Society, Saturday, October 24:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Free and Open to the Public

Enjoy fun, music, and raffle prizes!

An Oregon Days of Culture event

For more information, including a complete list of participating organizations: http://pdxarchivists.wordpress.com/

For questions contact Anne LeVant Prahl curator@ojm.org, Phone: 503.226.3600 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 503.226.3600 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

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"The Political Power of Women"

2010-09-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

OPB Radio's Think Out Loud program recently aired a show on Aug. 26 focused on "The Political Power of Women":

a decades-long suffragist movement

Abigail Scott Duniway

This show did not feature a representative of Century of Action (CoA), but the conversation and online comments relate directly to many of the topics that the CoA project is covering. Also, CoA Project Director Jan Dilg posted a comment.

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Tax levy proposal to fund OHS & other Multnomah County heritage organizations

2010-08-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

Three recent news items on the the most recent proposal to secure funding for the Oregon Historical Society and other heritage institutions in Multnomah County:

Steve Law, "Historical society may ask voters for tax levy," Portland Tribune, Aug. 12, 2010.

Sarah Mirk, "HState History Museum Will Run Out of Cash in 2011, Pitches Tax to Stay Afloat," Portland Mercury's Blogtown, Aug. 13, 2010.

Sarah Mirk, "Historical Society Tax Will Head to Ballot: Is Our History Worth $10 a Year?," Portland Mercury's Blogtown, Aug. 19, 2010.

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Century of Action-OE History Night

2010-08-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

Take 1 octagonal barn, 1 suffrage lecturer, 2 venerable women political figures, 15 Suffrage Players, and 161 history enthusiasts and you get one packed, fun, sing-along educational evening at the Century of Action-Oregon Encyclopedia History night at McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse July 20th. Kimberly Jensen provided an engaging illustrated overview of Oregon woman suffrage history, The Oregonian’s David Sarasohn made a fine acerbic town hall moderator, and Washington County Auditor elect John Hutzler embodied the Men’s Equal Suffrage League leader William “Pike” Davis with aplomb.

In addition to learning about how Oregon women got the right to vote in Oregon in 1912, we had shining examples of the important contributions women have made to the state in the century since then. Joining the festivities were former Secretary of State, and COA Advisory Board co-chair Norma Paulus, and former Oregon Supreme Court Justice, and COA Advisory Board member, Betty Roberts. Also attending the event were former state Senator Jane Cease, and former Multnomah County Commissioner Tanya Collier. Current state Rep. Mitch Greenlick not only attended, but joined with more than 30 supporters at the event who collectively donated over $2500 to the Northwest History Network’s Century of Action project! Thanks to all the NHN Associates who have donated funds to the Century of Action project; almost one third of the project’s donors have been NHNers.

The success of this event was made possible by many NHN Associates who participated behind, or in front of, the scene: Andrew Bryans, Eliza Canty-Jones, Jan Dilg, Kim Jensen, Heather Mayer, Rebecca Ortenberg, Liz Paulus, Amy Platt, Sandy Polishuk, Sara Stroman, Emily Stuckman, Mary Margaret Wheeler Weber, and Morgen Young! And thanks to the many NHN Associates who attended the event and cheered and sang along!

For a glimpse at some of the festivities go to the Century of Action Facebook Page or see the YouTube video below. Thanks to Todd Jarvis for recording the event.

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Complete Oregonian archive now available digitally

2010-08-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

I first read about the great news below in the August 8, 2010, Oregonian, and have just found a press release on Multnomah County Library's website:

The Oregonian

This new database supplements the full-text Oregonian LexisNexis database from 1987-Present available through the Multnomah County Library and the Portland State University Library (and other college & university libraries).

A few weeks ago I was at the Central Library to research the Oregonian and Oregon Journal, and I was pleased to see that library staff had installed a few work stations that enabled researchers to create digital images from microfilm scans (instead of printing hard copies). At the time, I considered this a great step forward, for at least three reasons. First, it would cut down on the use of paper; second, it would reduce the amount of physical space that I need to devote to storing my research files; and, finally, it enabled me to create digital images directly that I might be able to use in future publications.*

This new database is even less resource-intensive, because one will no longer even have to expend the fuel or energy to get to a library location during operating hours to sit at the microfilm stations.

Here is what the program interface looks like:

In addition to searching for keywords, one can also browse by date:

This is what an individual page looks like when selected:

One can print the page, or sections of the page, from one's computer, either as a hard copy or as a PDF. As an aside, once one has a PDF, one can use Adobe Acrobat to export the file as a JPEG or TIFF, and, thereby, create digital images that can be used in other publications (i.e., journal articles and books). Of course, one cannot do this without first securing copyright permission from the Oregonian, but I, for one, am glad to have this option when original images are no longer available, or for those times when I might want to showcase an image of the newspaper itself.

Comparing the page above with my own hard-copy print that I made from microfilm some months ago, it seems as though the image available online was made from the same microfilm. This can be a negative attribute if the original microfilm is of poor quality, but I've heard that, for the most part, the original paper copies of newspapers were destroyed at the time they were microfilmed.

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* As usually happens when I'm perusing through newspapers, I get distracted by any number of advertisements and images. On my personal blog, I wrote about some amusing images I came across, and used these images under fair use provisions.

Oregon Archives Crawl, Oct.. 2, 2010

2010-08-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

Below is an upcoming event announcement forwarded from Shawna Gandy:

Greetings!

I'm writing to inform you of a new event taking place this fall. The Oregon Archives Crawl, organized by the Portland Area Archivists, will take place October 2, and we would love to have the NWA represented.

In celebration of Archives Month, we're putting on a moveable feast of archives, providing area archives with an opportunity to showcase their collections and services to the public. The crawl will have four stops in downtown Portland that visitors can walk to (Oregon Historical Society, City of Portland Archives, Portland State University Millar Library, and the Multnomah County Central Library). Special events, including displays from other archives and related organizations, will take place from 11:00 - 4:00.

This free event will be widely advertised and is an excellent opportunity for you to publicize the Northwest History Network. We hope you'll join us! The whole event culminates in an after-party at the Oregon Historical Society (4:00-6:00), where archivists and visitors will gather over a beer and listen - and maybe even dance - to local music.

Please consider participating by presenting a display to be showcased at the OHS or Central Library, or by offering printed materials for a literature table. We're drawing up our list of participants now, so please get back to me right away if you're interested. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Thanks for your time. We 're looking forward to an enjoyable celebration of Oregon Archives Month 2010.

Shawna Gandy

Collections Access Specialist, Oregon Historical Society Research Library

1200 SW Park Avenue, Portland, OR 97205

Phone 503-306-5265 Fax 503-896-5265

shawna.gandy@ohs.org www.ohs.org

NHN General Mtg. @ Fort Vancouver, July 17, 2010

2010-07-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

I've recently confirmed the details with Greg Shine, Chief Ranger & Historian at Fort Vancouver. He will meet us at the stockade entrance at 3:30 and give us a brief overview of the wide array of historical and cultural resources at the site -- including an introduction to the work being done this summer as part of the annual archaeology field school.

From about 4:30 to 6:00, we'll have time to wander around the site, eat our picnic meals, and get good seats to watch the 1860s vintage baseball game on the Parade Grounds. During the game we'll be supporting NHN Associate Val Ballestrem and the other hearty souls wearing period costumes and having fun in the sun! (Reminder: Don't forget to bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and perhaps even a hat, as it's likely to be quite warm & sunny.)

This special event is somewhat different from our usual quarterly general meetings in that it incorporates a field trip and it is open only to NHN Associates (including, certainly their families & significant others) and prospective NHN Associates. We've not advertised this event more broadly so that we don't overwhelm Greg or the archaeology field school students with too large a group. We're also pleased to offer this special opportunity for NHN Associates to meet with their colleagues, to enjoy some time out of the archives & away from the computers, and -- perhaps most importantly -- to experience a truly fascinating and unique historical site of inestimable value to the entire Pacific Northwest and beyond.

As Donna Sinclair wrote in her response to my "save the date" email, "If you haven't been to Fort Vancouver, you really can't say you're doing Oregon history!" To this I would also add that you really can't say that you're doing public history, either!

For all these compelling reasons and many more, plase do join us next Saturday for a great time!

For questions or more information, contact me on 971.506.5998 or by email at jvhillegas@gmail.com.

James
--
James V. Hillegas

Great Northwest Books

2010-05-03T20:17:00.000-07:00

I was distressed and saddened to hear that Great Northwest Books burned. Owner Phil Wikelund always kept a good stock of regional titles, and Phil and manager John Henley have long been wonderful laid-back supporters of the region's collectors and appreciators of Pacific Northwest books and manuscripts. I also heard that Walt Curtis lost his archives in the fire -- Walt the author of "Mala Noche," Walt the "unofficial poet laureate of Portland," Walt the voice in the recent film "Salmon Poet." And Walt, for many years a collector of paper ephemera, like street posters for concerts and readings. The last time I was at Great Northwest was for the launching of Michael Munk's "Portland Red Guide," where we sang "Solidarity Forever" and the Reed College anthem, "Epistemology Forever" played by a glorious band, and ate terrible food with a splendidly eclectic group of people. We've lost a great old building and a wonderful Portland institution. We still have Phil, and John, and Walt, and may they recover and carry on.

-- Richard H. Engeman
Oregon Rediviva LLC
www.oregonrediviva.com

Oregon History Comics

2010-04-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

Portland Mercury reporter (and history major) Sara Mirk and the Dill Pickle Club are partnering with a variety of talented local artists to produce a series of comics looking at "under-acknowledged" Oregon histories. The planned topics are:

Faces of Lone Fir Cemetery
Life and Death of the X-Ray Cafe
Vanport Flood
The Fall of Logging
Portland's Black Panthers
Celilo Falls
Oregon Bike Building
Chinatown
Portland's Bridges
Dead Freeways

They are currently seeking $2,500 of funding (and are halfway there) via Kickstarter at:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dillpickleclub/oregon-history-comics

- where you can also see a sample of the first comic completed in the series (Lone Fir Cemetery) and find more information about the artists involved.

Recent media coverage about the Oregon Historical Society & related state-wide cultural resource issues (Dec 10, 2009-April 2, 2010)

2010-04-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

The Oregon Historical Society (OHS) has been in the news a fair amount recently, a little over a year since the organization announced its most recent deep cuts to staffing and programs. The OHS has been faced with a budget crisis* after significant state funding disappeared in the wake of the current economic downturn. The OHS is not alone in this: As reported recently, the Southern Oregon Historical Society is in the process of selling some of their properties in downtown Jacksonville to generate funds, and about a year ago Clackamas Heritage Partners (CHP) faced funding shortages that forced them to suspend operations for an unknown period and close the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center and two additional Oregon City sites.

The NHN Board provided an email update to Associates in December, and has sent periodic email updates since this time. Reflecting on the upcoming NHN meeting with OHS Executive Director George Vogt, I wanted to provide a centralized, annotated compendium of the most recent (~2 weeks) news reports on issues related to OHS funding, administration, and access:

Steve Law, "Cash-strapped society explores history tax," Portland Tribune March 25, 2010.

Announcement of OHS Board's plans to introduce to the voters a "heritage taxing district" plan to collect "a modest amount of property taxes in Multnomah County." According to Executive Director George Vogt, "if the taxing district or alternative fundraising ideas don’t pan out, the 112-year-old nonprofit . . . expects to exhaust its cash reserves by late next year or early 2012."

Thom Jensen, "Historical Society's spending questioned as it asks for taxpayers' money," KATU TV March 26, 2010.

"The Oregon Historical Society is floating a few plans that could cost you more tax dollars to keep its downtown museum afloat, but we dug into its tax records to see how the non-profit is spending its money and you might be surprised to hear what we learned."[FYI, it seems that the 10 comments posted in response to this story have been deleted as of April 2, 2010]

D. K. Row, "Financial troubles continue to plague Oregon Historical Society," Oregonian March 31, 2010.

Brief online announcement that the paper will have "more on the goings on at OHS" upcoming.

David Gillaspie, "Find a better way to share state’s history," Portland Tribune April 1, 2010.

Guest opinion from a former OHS staff member, who asserts that the OHS' problem "isn’t just money – it’s trust". To support this contention, Gillaspie finds confusion in the organization's goals, questions the organizations management structure, and suggests that the organization has not done an adequate job of outreach and community building. Gillaspie uses these examples and the memories of his personal experience at the OHS to question the efficacy of rewarding this institution with increased funding.

If anyone knows of any additional media coverage between Dec. 10, 2009, and April 2, 2010, please post in the comments. Also, NHN Associates, feel free to send such links to the listserv. Periodically, the NHN Board will collate these materials into blog posts.

James V. Hillegas

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* Not a hyperbolic statement in this instance.

OHS status review, Dec. 10, 2009

2010-04-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

[Below is a year-end update for 2009 on the status of the Oregon Historical Society, sent to NHN Associates via email on Dec. 10 but posted to this blog belatedly]

Greetings, historically-minded friends:

Following is a recap and update on OHS. Much of this is known to many of you, but as we approach a New Year, I thought it would be helpful to recap what has occurred around the OHS Research Library over the last 10 months or so, as well as share some more recent updates. Information is based on the sources listed at the end. As always, any mistakes are mine, and your corrections and updates are much appreciated.

And, on an unambiguously cheerful note: I hope to see you at the holiday party tonight!

Mary Wheeler
Director, NHN
503-240-3344
mary.wheeler@gmail.com

In late February of 2009, citing a financial crisis brought about by reduced annual endowment earnings, a $350,000 take-back from their 2009 state appropriation and a 2009-10 state appropriation that was expected to be 65% lower, OHS laid off a third of its entire staff, the majority of them (11 of 15) research library staff. On February 27th, OHS shut the doors of its library to the public.

Library stakeholders protested the closure. On March 13, over 80 historians, archivists, librarians, filmmakers, authors, students and others held a rally in the Park Blocks across from the Oregon Historical Society in support of the library and its staff. Speakers at the rally included authors Michael Munk, Sandy Polishuk, Martha Gies, Harry Stein, Floyd McKay, Laura Foster, David Millholland, OHS Board President, John Herman, as well as former OHS Executive Director Thomas Vaughan.

Over 700 people signed a petition posted by the Northwest History Network in support of the research library and staff and 900 joined a Facebook group opposing the library’s closure. The closure received coverage from many regional media outlets. Some observers were particularly critical of the decision by legislators to reassign funds from the Cultural Trust to the general fund (Attig 2009, Hallett 2009). On March 17, OHS held a listening session for OHS members.

On April 2nd, OHS re-opened the research library with hours reduced to 12 from 32 a week and staffing at the equivalent of 4.5 full time employees, down from 15.

In May, a Sustainable Business Subcommittee of the OHS board began meeting to develop a long-term business plan. The committee consisted of Jim Richardson, OHS Board Vice President, chair, and also included OHS board members Dan Heine, Bill Failing, Jackie Peterson-Loomis, John Herman (board president), Libby McCaslin, Marc Berg, Maura O'Scannlain, Pete Mark, and staff. According to director Vogt, one of the challenges facing OHS at the time was the difficulty or impossibility of maintaining both a world-class museum and a world-class library in the current economic climate.

In late June, OHS announced that Salem had partially restored funding to OHS through H5054 (“Christmas Bush” bill, $625,000 for the 2007-2009 biennial, down from $2.2 million), and a “Pacific Wonderland” license plate ($633,000).

The Sustainability Subcommittee presented its findings to the OHS Board at a meeting in July. At a September meeting, the OHS Board discussed the recommendations made by the Sustainability Committee. The following summary of recent Board discussions are taken from notes provided by George Vogt:

* The Sustainability Committee recommended ratification of the OHS mission and priorities for its institutional future. Vogt commented that preservation of collections and education are likely to be integrated into the mission. The current mission is, “preserving and interpreting Oregon's past in thoughtful, illuminating, and provocative ways.”
* The OHS board will approve a 2010 budget at its December meeting. It has reviewed a preliminary budget for 2010, which is a “cost to continue” budget without further significant cuts. The preliminary budget predicts a deficit, with cash reserves sufficient to make up the deficit. It reflects funding for the research library unchanged from current levels, and OHS anticipates the research library will remain open to the public in 2010.
* The sale of Pacific Wonderland license plates will benefit OHS and the Oregon State Capital Foundation. SB 961, which authorizes a “Pacific Wonderland” license plate and divides the net revenue after expenses between the Oregon State Capitol Foundation and the Oregon Historical Society. License plate revenue should be approximately $633,000 in 2009-11 and a little more than that in 2011-13. Because of startup time for plate design, recovery of initial costs, etc., OHS is unlikely to see plate revenue before 2010.

Also according to Vogt, the OHS board is taking the following on-going actions:

* Pursuing a special purpose heritage tax district, which will require one or more county commissions to put OHS on the ballot.
* Working with legislators on ways of accessing Measure 66 (lottery) funds.
* Working with the Cultural Advocacy Coalition (CAN) on efforts to find a sustainable funding source through excise taxes (most likely) for Portland’s larger arts and culture organizations.
* Undertaking some form of peer review of comparable, successful organizations.
* Maximize downtown real estate assets, possibly through developing or selling portions of the city block.
* The board also reviewed a proposal to create a Statewide Library Consortium under the Oregon University System, in which various university and colleges retain ownership of their collections, but could share access, and possibly realizing cost savings through central processing and cataloging. The concept is modeled one used by the Wisconsin Library System. The OHS Board asked Director Vogt (formerly director of the Wisconsin Historical Society) to pursue this possibility, but see this as a direction taking longer than a year or two to implement.

In the meantime, Geoff Wexler has been made Manager of the OHS Library. Wexler was previously Collections Access Manager at OHS and began his 20+ year archival career at the Wisconsin Historical Society in Madison, and since then he has served at the University of California, San Diego; the Bancroft Library in Berkeley, California; and as the archivist for theater artist Robert Wilson in New York City.

The library is now open to the public three afternoons a week (Thursday, Friday, & Saturday), and they continue to take reference calls and emails at all times (503-306-5240, libreference@ohs.org ).

In short, OHS has avoided immediate, catastrophic crisis through the partial restoration of public funding, but the issue of long-term sustainability for the research library has not yet been resolved, and library staffing levels remain very low in relation to the holdings. The reduction in staffing means not only that the library is open to the public for fewer hours, but also that materials donated to the library remain unprocessed and therefore inaccessible to researchers. As solutions are explored, your support and interest in the fate of the OHS Research Library continues to be important. We look with hope, and some trepidation, to what 2010 will bring.

SOURCES

Attig, Rick. “Hard times no license to rob the arts.” Oregon Live, March 7, 2009. http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2009/03/hard_times_no_license_to_rob_t.html.

Hallett, Alison. “Arts Funding: On the Chopping Block. Again. | Blogtown, PDX | Portland Mercury.” Portland Mercury Blogtown, February 26, 2009. http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/BlogtownPDX/archives/2009/02/26/arts_funding_on_the_chopping.

McCleery, Eamon. “Rep. Shields announces funding that benefits N/NE Portland (press release),” June 29, 2009.

McKay, Floyd. “Will a bad economy wipe out Oregon history? Maybe.” Crosscut, March 19, 2009. http://crosscut.com/2009/03/19/oregon/18914/.

Mirk, Sarah. “It's History: Oregon Historical Society Shuts Library and Dissolves Staff.” Portland Mercury, March 19, 2009. http://m.portlandmercury.com/portland/its-history/Content?oid=1288899.

Row, D.K. “Oregon Historical Society slashes staff,” February 26, 2009. http://blog.oregonlive.com/visualarts/2009/02/oregon_historical_society_slas.html.

Sabatier, Julie. “Society's History.” Oregon Public Broadcasting, Think Out Loud. March 24, 2009. http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/society-history/.

Tucker, Kathy, and Mary Wheeler. Notes from a meeting between George Vogt, Kathy Tucker and Mary Wheeler, April 24, 2009.

Vogt, George. Emails to Mary Wheeler. October 12, 2009, October 1, 2009, August 13, 2008, June 30, 2009.

Wexler, Geoff. "OHS Library Statement." Email to Northwest History Network members via Mary Wheeler. November 23, 2009.

“Does history have a future?” Mail Tribune, August 23, 2009. http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090823/OPINION/908230306.

“Oregon Historical Society News & Press.” Oregon Historical Society. http://www.ohs.org/about-ohs/news-press.cfm.

“Save the Oregon Historical Society Research Library & Staff!” Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=66575438392.

“YouTube - Rally for the Oregon Historical Society Research Library & Staff, 3/13/09, Thomas Vaughn,” April 16, 2009. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM3J2FO0fsU.

Additional Resources from Portland Black Panthers Program

2010-03-19T09:58:00.001-07:00

It was standing room only at last night's program, "We're Going to Defend Ourselves": The Portland Chapter of the Black Panther Party and the Local Media Response" with presenters Jules Boykoff, Martha Gies, and special guests Kent Ford and Percy Hampton.

It was wonderful to see so many people come out to learn about this important topic -- or see each-other after many years -- but we really regretted having to turn some people away for lack of space. Thanks to all who came, and our deepest apologies for those who couldn't get in.

We'll share any information about future opportunities to see the presenters if they decide to do something similar again. And two people recorded the event, so if that becomes available we'll pass on that information. And be sure to look for the upcoming issue of the Oregon Historical Quarterly featuring the article on which the talk is based -- in review now with publication expected sometime in 2010.

Finally, here are some suggested additional resources that we handed out at the talk:

The Black Panther Party in Portland and Beyond

Martha Gies and Jules Boykoff, “‘We’re going to defend ourselves’: The Portland Chapter of the Black Panther Party & Local Media Response,” Oregon Historical Quarterly (in review, projected publication 2010).
Martha Gies, “Radical Treatment,” Reed Magazine Winter 2009.
Primary source materials & news articles found in the City of Portland Archives, collection “A2004-005, Police Investigative Files, Black Panther Party.”
Jones, Charles E, ed. The Black Panther Party (reconsidered). Baltimore: Black Classic Press, 2005.
Lee Lew-Lee, All power to the people! The Black Panther Party and Beyond (documentary). New York: Filmakers Library, 1996. (Note: portions or all of this documentary appear to be available online from various sites, but we haven't researched the copyright).

African American history in Oregon & the Pacific Northwest

“African American History in Oregon" Oregon Historical Society.
Golden West Project
Nicholas T. Starin, “History of African Americans in Portland & Oregon: A Selected Bibliography” at blackpast.org
Quintard Taylor, In Search of the Racial Frontier: African American West, 1528-1990. (New York: W.W. Norton, 1998).

NHN General Meeting, March 18: "'We’re going to defend ourselves': The Portland Chapter of the Black Panther Party & Local Media Response"

2010-02-16T16:43:00.000-08:00

The Northwest History Network presents: "'We’re going to defend ourselves': The Portland Chapter of the Black Panther Party & Local Media Response"

A presentation by Jules Boykoff & Martha Gies

With special guests Kent Ford & Percy Hampton, original members of the Portland chapter, Black Panther Party

Architectural Heritage Center, 701 Southeast Grand Avenue, Portland
March 18, 2010 ~ 7:00 p.m.

More information: contact James at jvhillegas@gmail.com
Light refreshments provided

Martha Gies: Author, Up All Night (2004), and many short stories, essays and articles

Jules Boykoff: Associate professor of political science at Pacific University

The Northwest History Network is a non- profit consortium of regional history, archives, library, and other professionals (www.northwesthistory.org, http://northwesthistorynetwork.blogspot.com/)

--

Pub & Pizza Trivia Night -- Thursday, Feb. 18, 7 PM, Old Town Pizza (MLK)

2010-02-12T16:58:00.000-08:00

The Northwest History Network is partnering with Oregon Encyclopedia and the Architectural Heritage Center to hold a public event this spring celebrating the 500th entry in the Oregon Encyclopedia. The event will involve food, drink, and trivial and not-so-trivial questions about Oregon country history and culture.

In anticipation of the spring event, we’re inviting you to join us next week for a special version of our regular NHN monthly social. We need your expert (and/or novice) advice to help us test-drive questions, suggest materials and topics to include, and generally see how we can have fun talking about our region’s heritage and culture.

As usual, it will also be a time to meet people engaged with history in one form or another. You don’t need to be a NHN member or a history professional to join us at NHN social meetings – just be interested in history and historical practices. Friends and family are welcome.

It's happening this Thursday, Feb. 18, 7 PM, at the NE Portland Old Town Pizza, 5201 NE MLK.

We hope to see you there!

National Council on Public History 2010 conference, Portland, March 10-14

2010-01-14T10:29:00.000-08:00

Below is an announcement from the NCPH regarding the upcoming conference here in Portland:

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NCPH’s 2010 Annual Meeting in Portland, “Currents of Change,” is only 8 weeks away. Yes, only 2 months!

Currents of Change, March 10-14

Hilton Portland Hotel

The conference Program is digital this year, available as a PDF at http://ncph.org/cms/?page_id=117 Printed programs will be available only onsite in Portland.

This is a joint meeting of National Council on Public History and American Society for Environmental History, with 150 sessions and workshops, 15 working groups, 10 fieldtrips, Speed Networking, book exhibits, Consultants Reception, and much more. Come and experience the best in public and environmental history. (Discounted registration is open to members and non-members before February 12. Regular pre-registration is open through February 24. Onsite registration continues at the conference.)

Keynote speaker, Adam Hochschild, is an award winning author and journalist who uses history to reveal the lingering inequities of the past. His most recent book, Bury the Chains, was a finalist for the 2005 National Book Award. His address, “Adventures in Public History,” will be free and open to the public as well as conference registrants.

Make your Hotel Reservation at the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower today. Discounted room rates for the conference may be secured before February 9. http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/PDXPHHH-NCP-20100307/index.jhtml

Want to see how engaging history, especially environmental history, has become in Portland and its environs? Sign up for the tours. This year there is a floating seminar boat excursion on the Willamette River. Want specialized professional development? There are top-notch workshops and how-to sessions on digital history.

Tours & Fieldtrips: http://in-lart-web99.indysla.iupui.edu/ncph/cms/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/2010-Field-Trips.pdf

Workshops: http://in-lart-web99.indysla.iupui.edu/ncph/cms/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/2010-Workshops.pdf

Read more about the conference in the current issue of Public History News at http://ncph.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/2009-Dec-Newsletter.pdf

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"When I can touch future Digital?"

2009-12-12T21:40:00.000-08:00

[** This is x-posted to the Historical Threads blog]

Whither* the printed page?

I got the title of this post from an interesting review of Robert Darnton's latest book, The Case for Books: Past, Present, and Future, which Andreas Hess reviewed in the Times Higher Education.

The conclusion of Hess' review is that

"We should not panic. There may even be some flip side to the tossed coin: digital technology and modern information systems can be used to support books and texts, tell us about their location and content, and thereby make it easier to reach the physical shelves in the shortest time possible - thus leaving more time for reading."

What dost thou thinketh?

p.s. read the comment thread for the source of this post's title.

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* I use this word to come across as appropriately academic; I hope the effort succeeds.

-

NHN General Meeting, Thurs. Dec. 10, 2009

2009-12-04T16:01:00.001-08:00

I'm looking forward to seeing you all at the upcoming NHN general meeting on Thursday, Dec. 10!

Since we have no formal presentation planned for this gathering, we're looking forward to taking this opportunity to catch-up with one another, reflect on the past year, and discuss what might happen in the year to come. This is a potluck event, so please do bring an hors d'oeuvre to share. We'll have some soft drinks and a limited amount adult beverages, but you may also want to bring any specific drinks that you would want.

Also, we invite you to bring yourself and guests -- a friend, partner, your children, and/or someone you know who might be interested in joining the NHN.

Event details:

When: Thursday, Dec. 10 at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Kathy Tucker's residence,
What to bring: Yourself, guests, hors d'oeuvres, beverages

Let me know if you have any questions.

See you there!

James

Oral History event, Public Social University, Dec. 11

2009-12-04T15:48:00.000-08:00

Explore the beauty and potential of Oral Histories at a free/all ages Public Social University event!

Friday December 11, 2009 6-8 p.m. (community & camaraderie to follow)

SEA Change Gallery, Everett Street Lofts, 625 NW Everett St. #110

Portland, Oregon Featuring the following workshops, discussions, and activities: * The Meaning and Importance of Oral History and how the Internet and Digital Media are Transforming the Tradition A community discussion with special guests from across the spectrum of human thought and involvement * Oral History 101 with Jim Strassmaier: A Brief Introduction to Processes and Ethics of Collecting Oral Histories.

Good News for 2012: Oregon Woman Suffrage Project

2009-11-09T16:04:00.000-08:00

Last week was a good one for the 2012: Oregon Woman Suffrage Centennial project.

On November 2, Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown and State Archivist Mary Beth Herkert hosted a reception in Salem to launch the 2012 Oregon Woman Suffrage Centennial. Attended by over fifty elected officials, representatives of government agencies and women's organizations, along with members of the academic and archival community and other stakeholders, the event began a collaboration between the many voices and perspectives needed to tell Oregon's suffrage history and women's history. Secretary Brown noted, "This was a vote that changed the face of Oregon and it came with the support of some brave and colorful figures from our past. This is a golden page in Oregon history." Held at the State Archives, Herkert and the archive staff displayed the original proclamation, initiative petitions, and Abigail Scott Duniway voter registration cards. Learn more at Secretary Brown's blog.

We also learned that the Oregon Heritage Commission granted our request for funds to develop a comprehensive educational and informational centennial website for 2012: Oregon Woman Suffrage Centennial. A project of the Northwest History Network, the website will provide interpretive essays written by scholars, primary documents, and archival links to women's historical collections.

Keep your eyes here and on the Oregon Suffrage Centennial blog for more news as we move onward!

Reversing the Flow Dams Conference

2009-10-27T11:35:00.001-07:00

Left. Three Gorges Dam Under Construction. Image courtesy of Linda Butler

November 6 & 7, 2009

The Center for Columbia River History presents "Reversing the Flow: Big Dams, Power, and People in Global Perspective," an evening reception and full-day conference to explore the historical and cultural contexts of world dams in Afghanistan, Canada, China, Ghana, India, and the Columbia River Basin. The conference will kick off with a reception to welcome our international speakers on Friday evening, November 6 at Vancouver's Water Resources Education Center. This program will place the Columbia River into global context by offering films, images, and discussion of the historical Columbia River.

Dr. William Lang of Portland State University, and former Director of the Center for Columbia River History, will give the annual Castles Lecture as a keynote address: "Dam Sites: Big Dams and Local Politics on the Columbia and in the World. The conference will be held Saturday November 7 at Washington State University Vancouver, 14204 SE Salmon Creek Avenue, Vancouver, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. International speakers include Shripad Dharmadhikary, India; Tina Loo, University of British Columbia; Stephan Miescher, University of California, Santa Barbara; Linda Nash, University of Washington; and Dr. David Pietz, Washington State University.

The program will be held in conjunction with a series of free public lectures through the WSU Vancouver University Scholars program and a photographic exhibit, "The Yangtze Remembered" by Linda Butler at WSU Vancouver November 3 - December 11, 2009. Linda Butler will also present "A Photographer's Eight Journeys to China's Yangtze River" on December 7, 6:00 p.m. at WSU Vancouver.

All events are free to the public. Please rsvp by November 5 to Donna Sinclair, CCRH Program Manager, if you will attend the Friday evening reception: info@ccrh.org or 360-258-3289. For a full schedule see, http://www.ccrh.org/calendar.php

NHN Social Night

2009-10-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

The Northwest History Network is holding its regular social night tonight, Monday, October 12th, 6 pm, at It’s A Beautiful Pizza.

NHN board member Ken Lomax and his band will be performing a set of jazz music at the venue from 6 pm to 8 pm that evening.

It's a Beautiful Pizza is located at 3342 SE Belmont Street in Portland. Please join us for an evening of great music and camaraderie!

NHN General Meeting, Sept. 17, 2009

2009-09-07T13:20:00.000-07:00

Please join your friends and colleagues at the upcoming meeting of the Northwest History Network, at which historian Cathy Croghan Alzner will deliver a presentation titled:

"High Desert Homesteader: Alice Day Pratt, a Single Woman in Post, Oregon"

Event to commence at 7:00 o’clock p.m., Thurs., Sept. 17, 2009, at the Architectural Heritage Center, 701 S.E. Grand Ave., Portland.

Refreshments will be provided.

Cathy Croghan Alzner is a history instructor at Portland Community College. She has served as archivist for Portland State University, and is a former R.N. Cathy received her BSN from Pacific Lutheran University and her BA and MA in History from Portland State University.

View Cathy’s entry on Alice Day Pratt in the Oregon Encyclopedia:

http://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/entry/view/pratt_alice_day_1872_1963/

News from Fort Vancouver: Sneak Peek of New Ken Burns Series, and New Podcast

2009-07-31T13:31:00.000-07:00

Two announcements from our friends at Fort Vancouver:

BEAT THE HEAT AT FORT VANCOUVER WITH SNEAK PEEK OF KEN BURNS' NEW SERIES "THE NATIONAL PARKS: AMERICA’S BEST IDEA"

July 29, 2009
VANCOUVER, WA In response to all-time high temperatures in the Portland/Vancouver metro area, today Superintendent Tracy Fortmann announced that through the weekend the park will be offering a special free indoor activity in the park's air-conditioned Visitor Center Theater: the showing of a 45-minute "sneak peek" of acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns' and Florentine Films’ new series THE NATIONAL PARKS: AMERICA’S BEST IDEA.

The preview, introduced by one of the site's rangers, will be shown at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily at the air-conditioned Visitor Center Theater from Thursday, July 30 through Sunday, August 2, 2009. The theater capacity is 40 people and the event is first come, first served.

The six-episode, twelve-hour series THE NATIONAL PARKS: AMERICA’S BEST IDEA is directed by Burns and produced with his long-time colleague, Dayton Duncan, who also wrote the screenplay. It is scheduled to air this fall.

At its heart, the film is the story of an idea, as uniquely American as the Declaration of Independence and just as radical – that the most special places in the nation should be preserved, not for royalty or the rich, but for everyone. As such, it follows in the tradition of Burns' exploration of other American inventions, such as baseball and jazz.

Filmed over the course of more than six years at some of nature's most spectacular locales – from Acadia to Yosemite, Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, the Everglades of Florida to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska – the documentary is nonetheless a story of people: people from every conceivable background – rich and poor; famous and unknown; soldiers and scientists; natives and newcomers; idealists, artists and entrepreneurs; people who were willing to devote themselves to saving some precious portion of the land they loved, and in doing so reminded their fellow citizens of the full meaning of democracy. It is a story full of struggle and conflict, high ideals and crass opportunism, stirring adventure and enduring inspiration – set against the most breathtaking backdrops imaginable.

The narrative traces the birth of the national park idea in the mid-1800s and follows its evolution for nearly 150 years. Using archival photographs, first-person accounts of historical characters, personal memories and analysis from more than 40 interviews, and what Burns believes is the most stunning cinematography in Florentine Films' history, the film chronicles the steady addition of new parks through the stories of the people who helped create them and save them from destruction. It is simultaneously a biography of compelling characters and a biography of the American landscape.

WHAT: A 45-minute preview of Ken Burns’s and Florentine Films’ new series
THE NATIONAL PARKS: AMERICA’S BEST IDEA

WHEN: 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily from Thursday, July 30 through Sunday,
August 2, 2009

WHERE: Visitor Center Theater, Fort Vancouver NHS, 1501 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA (360) 816-6230

WHO: The first 40 visitors. The theater capacity is 40 people and the event is first come, first served.

HOW MUCH: There is no cost to see the film, and entrance to the Visitor Center is free. Entrance fees apply to the adjacent reconstructed fort and Pearson Air Museum

For additional information about this and other special events offered by the National Park Service at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, please visit our website or call the Visitor Center at 360. 816.6230.

PARK'S MUSEUM COLLECTION & CURATION PROGRAM EXPLORED IN NEW EPISODE OF FORT VANCOUVER PODCAST

VANCOUVER, WA - Today, the National Park Service at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site released the latest episode of the Fort Vancouver Podcast. This episode, featuring Tessa Langford, park curator, and Heidi Pierson, museum technician, takes listeners behind the scenes with the park's extensive museum collection: the vast array of more than two million items ranging from artifacts recovered during archaeological excavations to old photographs and textiles.

This free audio program, available online via subscription or direct download, is designed to provide a personal, behind the scenes look at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site--the Pacific Northwest’s premiere archaeological and historic site. This is also the first National Park Service podcast in the Pacific Northwest to be featured on iTunes, the dominant podcatching client.

The podcast is designed to enhance the listener's visit to the site by providing compelling background information, history, stories, and anecdotes that shed additional light on park resources, activities and programs. Conversations with staff members, visitors, park partners and many of the site’s 400 volunteers will take listeners on an intimate journey and help show why this urban national park – with its historic buildings and landscapes, expansive recreational opportunities, reconstructed 1840’s fur trade stockade, dozens of interpretive programs and special events, and a collection of over 2 million artifacts – is relevant today, drawing nearly 900,000 visitors a year.

The podcast can be accessed online through the park website or iTunes. At the podcast's park website, visitors can choose to subscribe to the RSS feed and have the episodes sent directly to their computer, or they can download the MP3 file directly from the website. The podcast is also available as a free download through Apple's online iTunes Store. Simply enter "Fort Vancouver Podcast" into the iTunes search engine or click on the link to iTunes from the park webpage.

"From archaeologists analyzing latest finds to volunteer blacksmiths creating essential tools, from rangers crafting new programs and events to museum staff describing fascinating artifacts, this podcast will help listeners learn much about their national park," explained podcast producer Greg Shine, the park's chief ranger and historian, "and hopefully help them forge their own, personal connection to this very special and significant site."

Background: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, a unit of the National
Park Service, is the heart of the Vancouver National Historic Reserve. The
Vancouver National Historic Reserve brings together a national park, a
premier archaeological site, the region's first military post, an
international fur trade emporium, one of the oldest operating airfields,
the first national historic site west of the Mississippi River, and a
waterfront trail and environmental center on the banks of the Columbia
River. The partners of the Reserve teach visitors about the fur trade,
early military life, natural history, and pioneers in aviation, all within
the context of Vancouver’s role in regional and national development. The
Reserve's vast array of public programs -- including living history events,
festivals, cultural demonstrations, exhibits, active archaeology, and other
special activities -- create a dynamic, fun, and unique tourist destination
for people of all ages.

Architectural Heritage Center Program this weekend

2009-07-15T08:28:00.000-07:00

The Rose and Chrysanthemum: Japanese Influence on NW Architecture (encore)

Saturday July 18, 2009
10:00 - 11:30 am

(optional tour of Laurelhurst's "Bungalow Fairyland" to follow)
Members: $13
General Public: $18

A craze for all things Japanese swept the United States beginning in the late 19th Century. By 1910, Japanese influence on Portland architecture began to take hold. The Arts and Crafts movement was highly indebted to the Japanese aesthetic, and it can be seen today in the thousands of craftsman bungalows throughout the Portland area.

Japanese influence was perhaps even stronger during the mid-20th Century and even today Japanese influences continue to appear in local architecture. Please join us for this encore presentation as presenters Jack Bookwalter and Robert Jordan trace the origins of this architectural aesthetic from our trans-Pacific neighbor and its influences on our built environment.

Pre-registration is strongly suggested or call the AHC at (503) 231-7264. The Architectural Heritage Center is located at 701 SE Grand Avenue in Portland, Oregon. Website: www.VisitAHC.org

Join us for our next Northwest History Network meeting!

2009-06-03T16:24:00.000-07:00

History is Bunk: The Past as Myth and Illusion

__________________________________________

An Illustrated Lecture by Geoff Wexler

Archivist Oregon Historical Society

Thursday Evening, June 18^th, 7:00 PM

Architectural Heritage Center

701 SE Grand Avenue, Portland

For Information Call 503-287-5302

Sponsored by the Northwest history Network

Admission Free

@@@

2009-04-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

Donna Sinclair to speak at McMenamins May 18 ---

here's the press release:

Monday, May 18
HISTORY PUB MONDAYS
In May: Swept Away: Vanport and the Memorial Day Flood of 1948
Featuring speaker Donna Sinclair
7 p.m. | Free; bring canned goods to donate to Oregon Food Bank | All ages welcome

***Please Note: This month's event will be held on the 2nd to last Monday (5/18), due to Memorial Day Weekend! Thank you.***

Join us for beer and history, sponsored by the Oregon Historical Society, Holy Names Heritage Center and McMenamins, in which you'll hear lively local or regional history while you enjoy a frosty pint or two of handcrafted ale. Gather in the theater at Kennedy School every last Monday of the month.

In May: "Swept Away: Vanport and the Memorial Day Flood of 1948," a discussion by Donna Sinclair

As massive numbers of shipyard workers poured into Portland and Vancouver during WWII, a serious housing shortage emerged. In 1942, Vanport, a hastily built city of public housing units was constructed between the Portland boundary and the Columbia River. Some 40,000 people lived in Vanport, including large numbers of African Americans, who had migrated from the South. On May 30, 1948, a massive flood destroyed the city, killing untold numbers and leaving thousands homeless. Donna Sinclair examines the history of the Vanport flood, including the racial tensions that existed before and afterward. Former Vanport residents will also be on hand to share their memories.

Speaker Bio:
Donna Sinclair is program manager at the Center for Columbia River History (CCRH). She formerly directed the oral history programs for the Oregon Historical Society, Reed College and the U.S. District Court of Oregon. She has an M.A. in History from Portland State University and is in the PSU Urban Studies Ph.D. program, focusing on Women and Minorities in the U.S. Forest Service. She wrote about Vanport for the CCRH website (www.ccrh.org) and continues to explore the impact of the Vanport flood on regional communities.

Panel: Sikhs in Early 1900 Astoria: Film, Fiction, Memoir, and History

2009-04-16T10:54:00.001-07:00

The following panel will be presented at the Pacific Northwest History Conference this Friday, April 16, from 4:30-5:45. Northwest History Network member Mary Wheeler moderates the panel.

Sikhs in Early 1900 Astoria: Film, Fiction, Memoir, and History

On the eve of WW I, Astoria was a dynamic, densely multi-ethnic community with a handful of long-standing communities, including Finns and Chinese, and many new or transitory ones, including Sikhs. The Sikhs were largely farmers from the Punjab and part of an international diaspora, and found their way to the forests, railroads, and factories of the Pacific Northwest in the early twentieth century, forming a mobile, yet cohesive, community from California to British Columbia. In 1913 in Astoria these men formed the Ghadar Party whose aim was the overthrow of British rule in their homeland and which forever changed both the course of Indian politics and their fates in North America.

This panel includes interdisciplinary perspectives on a significant but often overlooked moment in Oregon history concentrated in early 1900 Astoria. Matthew Stadler's short story, "City of Wool" looks to the improvised, dynamic terms of social life in pre-WWI Astoria as a precedent for post-national cities of the 21st century. Johanna Ogden's historical research is grounded in post-9/11 America with its demonization of Arabs, Muslims and South Asians, and asks what the Sikhs story in Oregon can tell us about notions of “belonging” and “otherness.” Erika Surat Anderson's short, visually lyrical film "Turbans" dramatizes her grandmother's memoir of Astoria circa 1918, and explores the inner struggles of an Asian Indian immigrant family torn between their cultural traditions and the desire for social acceptance in America. Liisa Penner responds and provides an overview of the rich resources pertaining to this history at the Clatsop County Historical Society.

Johanna Ogden is currently studying for her master’s in history at the University of British Columbia. She has previously written on both Mexican immigrants and conscientious objectors in Oregon during WWII.

Liisa Penner received her MA in Anthropology from the University of Oregon and has live in Astoria for almost 60 years. She has been associated with Clatsop County Historical Society for most of the period since the mid 1980s in the archives and has been editor of their quarterly magazine Cumtux since 1992. She is at present the Archivist and Editor for CCHS at the Heritage Museum. Much of her time has been spent studying the period of the 1870s in the Astoria area and the many ethnic groups that populated the area.

Matthew Stadler is a novelist, essayist, and editor who has won many prizes for his work. He was commissioned by Amsterdam 2.0, a Dutch political group, to write the story "City of Wool" and more recently commissioned by the Oregon Council for the Humanities to research and write "At Liberty," a brief history of the city of Astoria, which he presented as a "commonplace lecture" at Astoria's Liberty Theater in February, 2007.

Mary Wheeler (moderator), is a historian (MA/Ph.D. candidate, University of Michigan) who has worked in public programs, multi-media exhibitions, professional development for educators, and public policy research.

“Turbans” is available for purchase at the Center for Asian American Film.

Sikh Pioneers, Indian American Pioneers to North America website.

More information on film recommended by Joanna Ogden, Ali Kazimi’s “Continuous Journey” here.

2009-04-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

Richard Engeman's book, The Oregon Companion (Timber Press), is now available. The book is beautiful -- filled with historic photographs -- and it has a nice heft! The writing is engaging, witty, and insightful.

The book is on the shelves at Powells. Here is a short description:

"What's the connection between Ken Kesey and Nancy's Yogurt?

How about the difference between a hoedad and a webfoot? What became of the Pixie Kitchen and the vanished Lambert Gardens?The Oregon Companion is an A-Z handbook of over 1000 people, places, and things. From Abernethy and beaver money to houseboats, railroads, and the Zigzag River, an intrepid public historian separates fact from fiction - with his sense of humor intact. Entries include towns and cities, counties, rivers, lakes, and mountains; people who have left a mark on Oregon; industries, products, crops, and natural resources. Includes more than 160 historical black and white photos. This entertaining and delightfully meticulous compendium is an essential reference for anyone curious about Oregon."

Richard Engeman is a Northwest History Network board member and associate. He graduated from Reed College and holds graduate degrees from the University of Oregon and the University of Washington. Formerly the public historian at the Oregon Historical Society, he serves on the Portland Landmarks Commission and on the boards of the Oregon Museums Association and the Oregon Century Farm & Ranch Program (for which he wrote and compiled recipes for Eating it Up in Eden: The Oregon Century Farm & Ranch Cookbook, which will soon be available).

Update on the Oregon Historical Society Library

2009-04-01T13:48:00.001-07:00

Library Reopening:

The Oregon Historical Society has announced that beginning April 2, the research library will be open 12 hours a week, and that all of the collections will be accessible during those hours (Thursday, 1-5; Friday, 1-5; and Saturday 1-5).

While the Oregon Historical Society previously employed 14 professional archivists and reference librarians, it now only employs 3.5 staffers (one of which works full time in the Gresham warehouse, and another position will expire in May -- leaving 1.5 professional staff), making it apparent that volunteers will be doing work previously done by professional staff. This raises legitimate questions about the safety of the collections, which are irreplaceable.

Future of the Collections:

Dr. George Vogt, the executive director has indicated that the Society may give the library and its collections to another entity, such as the Oregon University Systems or the Multnomah County Library.

We were very pleased to hear Dr. Vogt say (on OPB's "Think Out Loud") that OHS would transfer the collections intact.

From meeting minutes of the Board of Directors of the Oregon Historical Society, it is apparent that Dr. Vogt has decided to consolidate financial resources in the Society's museum. Here are comments of Dr. Vogt and board members regarding the financial situation and their decision to lay off most of the library's professional staff:

Jan. 9, 2009, Notes from OHS Board of Directors meeting

“Dr. Vogt said it is difficult to plan any contingency without a bottom line dollar amount. Some preliminary ideas:

His thought is to keep the museum and focus on education first, then see what else we can sustain.
Another thought was looking at real estate prospects on the block.
Another is to consider a partnership with another entity to fund the library and its personnel, thereby keeping some of the staff expertise in place.”

“Different scenarios and options were discussed by the committee.

Keep the museum and education, close the library.
Keep the library and close the museum.
Give the library back to the University of Oregon
The state should fund our collections and preservation.”

Jan. 29, 2009, Notes from OHS Finance Committee Minutes

“Jim Richardson suggested closing the museum for two days and only opening for five days to send a message. Dr. Vogt said our focus was on school children and education he would rather not do that.

Dr. Vogt said if we transferred the library to Portland State or Lewis and Clark or the University of Oregon, we could keep the museum.” …

“Dr. Vogt said he would rather not see the Quarterly and the rentals disappear, and he would like to place them on a pending list (if further reductions were necessary). Jim Richardson suggested revisiting the pending list on July 1. He thought it was an excellent plan for the short-term.”

Feb. 17, 2009, Notes from OHS Board of Trustees Meeting

Discussion of Proposed 2009 Budget Revisions, including the elimination of 12 positions, “mostly in the library, and one position in Development.”

“Jackie Peterson-Loomis said this would be the equivalent of decapitating the library; she urged the board not to rush to judgment. She did not believe it was appropriate for the board to chop off a big chunk of the institution. There needs to be board and public discussion.”

“Carrell Bradley said we have to do what’s best for the public. He felt there was a lot of duplication between the OHS library and the Wilson room of the Multnomah library; many things are the same.”

“Motion: Guy Randles moved to approve the reduction plan and to authorize the Executive Committee to revise the budget as needed based on other events that may occur. Jim Richardson seconded and the motion was carried. Jackie Peterson-Loomis voted nay, and there were several abstentions.”

March 24, 2009, George Vogt on Think Out Loud

http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/society-history

Guest George Vogt, Executive Director of the Oregon Historical Society, elaborated on OHS’s preliminary conversations with the “various entitles” mentioned in prior OHS releases:

Vogt: “At the time that we announced the budget reductions and the layoffs [February 27, 2009], I had really an outpouring of offers of assistance from the university community in Portland, from librarians all across the state, and university systems. And we’ve had conference calls and meetings to talk about what might be. Some of the things that have been discussed within those groups, were the concept of making the research library a part of the Oregon University system -- it is that important a library that one could consider that.”

TOL Host: “Intact? In one piece?”

Vogt: “Yeah, probably operated where it is now, but part of the university system. And there have been suggestions also that perhaps one or the other of the universities within that system could step forward to help. There have been only the very most preliminary discussions with the university system, and we’re still exploring to see whether there are any interests there that could help us. We’re also looking elsewhere. Multnomah County is a possible sister to the library as well. In fact, the library used to get several hundred thousand dollars a year in support from Multnomah County, so there’s some precedent for that. But at this point -- and I’m not trying to be coy about this -- there’s rather little to report, other than, discussions are underway, and I’m making tracks to talk to people.” ...

History Pub: "Working Women: Caroline Gleason/Sister Miriam Thersa and Oregon's First Minimum Wage Law"

2009-03-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

Go out for beer and history at the theater at Kennedy School. Monday, March 30th at 7 p.m., at the McMenamins Kennedy School (5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland)

In 1913, Caroline Gleason, later known as Sister Miriam Theresa, worked in Portland factories, surveyed working women across Oregon, and helped craft the nations first compulsory minimum wage law. Although that first version only applied to women and minors, Gleason's work laid the foundation for the Fair Labor and Standards Act of 1938 and the minimum wage rates in place today.

Speaker (and NHN associate) Janice Dilg is an independent scholar from Portland, OR. She holds and MA in history from Portland State University and has contributed to numerous regional public history projects. As the Oral History Liaison, she coordinates the oral history project between the ORegon Historical Society and the US District Court of Oregon Historical Society. Since 2006, she has been an adjunct instructor at Portland State and is developing the Women's City Builder's website, which highlights women's civic contributions to the city of Portland. She is currently working the upcoming centennial of women's suffrage in Oregon in 2012.

Sponsored by the Oregon Historical Society, Holy Names Heritage Center, and McMenamins. Free; bring canned foods to donate to the Oregon Food Bank -- all ages welcome. History Pub is the last Monday of every month.

Letter from the City of Portland Historic Landmarks Commission

2009-03-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

Art DeMuro, chairman of the City of Portland Historic Landmarks Commission, sent this letter to John Herman, President of the Board of Trustees of the Oregon Historical Society on March 17th.

Dear Mr. Herman,

The members of the Portland Historic Landmarks Commission have discuss the recent closure of the Research Library of the Oregon Historical Society. We have considered the dismissal of the entire professional staff of the library, the likelihood of future reduced hours, the proposed us of untrained staff and the likely long-term deterioration of accessibility to and care for the Society's irreplaceable research materials.

The OHS Research Library functions as the chief repository of historical information about Portland's built environment, and it is used by homeowners, property developers, real estate agents, architects, landscape architects, neighborhood and community historians, genealogists, archaeologists, and many other people who have occasion to come before the Landmarks Commission, or to deal in some way with historic properties. The closure or restriction of access to these unique and invaluable materials will have a dramatic and deleterious effect on our work. Historic preservation is a major component of the city's efforts to reduce waste, conserve materials, reduce our carbon footprints, and reuse and recycle the craftsmanship and the natural resources hat we have in our hands.

The Commission has gone on record as encouraging the Oregon Historical Society to expend every effort either to retain and enhance the collections and professional staffing f its library, or if necessary to work with its stakeholders to place the collections with anther organization that can and will provide the necessary support. the commission endorses the resolutions of the Northwest History Network of March 1, 2009, which is included with this letter.

OPB's Think Out Loud show on the OHSRL

2009-03-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

The OPB program Think Out Loud is going to have a show on the OHS library closure Tuesday, March 24, from 9-10 a.m., at 91.5 fm.

NHN board member James Hillegas did talk to Julie Sabatier of TOL, and gave her our perspective on the situation. Please listen, call, and email during the show. Sometimes they read emails out loud, or even call to follow up.

Some things that we had discussed trying to emphasize on the show was that the Oregon Historical Society executive director and board need to work with community stakeholders, openly and publicly, to find a sustainable solution for the library -- which is a unique, vast resource important not only to historians, but many other people doing research about Oregon and the region. The collections are held in the public trust, and must be accessible and protected by trained archivists and librarians.

"Crosscut" Coverage of OHS Research Library

2009-03-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

Floyd McKay at Crosscut covered the March 13 rally in support of the OHS Research Library and Staff:

Last week closed with nearly all of the research librarians and archivists at the 110-year-old Oregon Historical Society picking up their personal effects and exiting into the crisp March air. The newly unemployed staff were greeted by almost 100 Oregon historians and friends of the archives in a hastily organized protest across from the library in the Portland Park Blocks.

...

Lacking a secure public funding source, the library over the years has lost out on private funding as Portland's pioneer families dispersed and many of the businesses they owned were picked up by out-of-state corporations with little interest in Oregon's history. Glitzier, more-popular cultural attractions, particularly a rejuvenated Oregon Art Museum and an expanded theater scene became the places for new Oregonians to invest and be seen. Traditional state support of OHS was halted several years ago, and, gradually, services of the Historical Society were cast aside to save the core of the institution.

...

The shaky backing for the research function has already prompted its backers to begin thinking of other options, primarily partnership or even transfer to a major state university. OHS is two blocks from Portland State University, and there is also a large library and history program at the University of Oregon. The century-old Oregon Historical Quarterly is also an OHS function, but has its own endowment, which might keep it at the Society.

Read the full story here.

Press Coverage of Rally in Support of OHS Research Library & Staff

2009-03-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

Click on links for the complete stories.

Portland Mercury

... As of Friday, March 13, the collection of Oregon's films, photos, trail diaries, propaganda posters, and transit maps that for decades anyone could use to research Oregon's history is no longer open to the public.

The timing of the closure is ironic. In mid-February, state legislators celebrated Oregon's 150th birthday at the capitol building in Salem by consuming a reported 423 pounds of cake and 3,100 hot dogs. In between mouthfuls, Senate President Peter Courtney, dressed in period costume, gave a speech emphasizing the importance of Oregon's history.

Rachel Schoening, OHS spokeswoman, says the society has run up "a huge deficit" since the state cut its funding in 2001. "We basically ran ourselves into the ground," says Schoening. ...

"This affects everyone from novelists to state legislators to documentary filmmakers," says Richard Engeman, the public historian at OHS before he was laid off in 2006. "You slam the door shut on the ability to tell those stories."

Thirty years ago, the library was free and open to the public seven days a week. In 2008, the library cost $10 to enter and was only public five days a week.

"If the archives remain inaccessible, it will make it so many graduate students won't finish their theses, books won't be written, and historical research will be shut down," says Kathy Tucker, director of the historian-run nonprofit Northwest History Network.

Historians are also upset about what will happen to the many photos, diaries, and other one-of-a-kind items people have donated to the library over the past century. "These materials were given in perpetuity, to be used by the public of Oregon. To say the public cannot access them is terrible," says Engeman. ...

Portland Tribune

... The Oregon Historical Society took steps Friday to reopen its shuttered research library, but the lack of a long-term solution to its budget crunch still worries regional historians.

Society officials announced that the library, which is popular with historians and researchers, will reopen by the end of this month with a skeleton staff. ...

... The additional staff is welcome news to historians, who stood on a makeshift soapbox across the street from the library at a Friday afternoon rally to draw attention to the library’s plight.

Michael Munk, author of the “Portland Red Guide,” is one of many authors, historians and others who use the archives in their research. Munk noted that the Portland City Council agreed this week to subsidize the wealthy sports team owner in hopes of getting a Major League Soccer team here, even as many of the library’s staff worked their last day.

“Where is the priority for our city and our taxpayers’ money?” Munk asked the crowd from atop the soapbox.

Historian Harry Stein, author of a biography of federal Judge Gus Solomon and other works, said he has seen many people use the archives during the years, including amateur genealogists, architects, lawyers, journalists, filmmakers and Native Americans trying to protect their rights.

“A century of effort, thought and money has gone into this place so that everybody can use it,” Stein told the crowd.

Northwest History Network members are concerned that the library could reopen with volunteers or others who won’t be able to allow access to its most valuable material: the cataloged first-hand histories and writings donated by pioneers and early settlers in the state. ...

Letter to Governor Kulongoski

2009-03-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

March 18, 2009

Dear Governor Kulongoski,

I am writing on behalf of the Northwest History Network concerning the closure and uncertain future of the Oregon Historical Society research library. For a quick synopsis of the situation, please see: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/Save-the-OHSRL-and-staff. As of this afternoon, 624 people had signed the resolution and commented on the library’s importance.

Are you aware that the Oregon Historical Society collections are held in the public trust? The Society’s recent actions threaten that trust. For that reason, and because the collections are vitally important for the study and dissemination of state and regional history, the Northwest History Network and the signers of these resolutions call on you to convene a task force to study the situation and propose a sustainable solution that maintains an accessible and intact research library. Such a solution must involve a public discussion with community stakeholders.

We have reason to believe that the Society no longer views the research library as its core mission, and we believe it might seek ways to part with it. However, the Society has indicated that it desires to keep all or part of the photograph and film collections, believing that these will generate revenue in use and permission fees. It is vitally important that these collections remain intact and not separated from the personal and business records that accompany them. Since 1898, thousands of people have donated their photographs, business records, and manuscript materials. They did not do so with the understanding that the Society might later find portions of those donations dispensable.

Governor, we ask you to convene a task force of historians, archivists, and community leaders to find a sustainable future for these invaluable collections. Members of the Northwest History Network have begun research on successful models of research library administration in other states, and we would be happy to work with your task force in seeking a solution to this problem.

Thank you for your time,

Kathy Tucker

Director, Northwest History Network

http://www.northwesthistory.org/index.htm

Photos from rally to support OHS library and staff--March 13, 2009

2009-03-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from the rally to support the OHS library and the staff. It was a great afternoon! The speakers were fantastic and spoke very eloquently about the need to keep the library open and staffed. As a bonus, the sun shone on the event!

Northwest History Network Letter to George Vogt

2009-03-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

We sent this letter to George Vogt, the executive director of the Oregon Historical Society:

March 12, 2009

Dr. Vogt,

Thank you for getting in touch and providing us with information on how the library will operate when it reopens.

The Northwest History Network remains very concerned about the long-term viability and accessibility of materials in the Oregon Historical Society library.

Your description of the library’s new operations makes no mention of maintaining full access to the manuscript and archival holdings, which are the heart of the institution. This access would include employment of a sufficient number of archivists and research librarians who possess the expertise to maintain the collection and serve the public. We hope that OHS is developing long-term plans for keeping these well-tended and accessible. We also encourage OHS to make an updated public statement about the current and future status of the library.

Since the library closed almost two weeks ago, we have heard from hundreds of students, historians, writers, OHS members, librarians, and architects, among others, whose work requires access to the collections, not just the reference materials. We encourage you to read these to see what users have to say about what the library and staff mean to them: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/Save-the-OHSRL-and-staff. We also invite you to join us in the Park Block across from OHS from 4-5:30 tomorrow to listen to what historians, authors, and other stakeholders have to say about how the OHS collections and staff have supported their work.

We are also concerned about the fate of library’s staff. On a personal level, we have come to know many of them well over the years and are very sorry to see them laid off. On a professional level, we are concerned about the fate of the library’s collections. Without a staff intimate with the collections, how can they be maintained, shaped, and used for benefit of the Oregonians for whom the material is held in trust? When the staff goes, so does irreplaceable knowledge and skills. Furthermore, we believe the collections are at risk without the protection of trained professionals.

Given the economic crisis in Oregon, it is more important than ever that a solution for the library be found. The Northwest History Network hopes you will join us in calling on Governor Kulongoski to convene a task force to find a permanent and sustainable solution for the library.

Respectfully Yours,

The Northwest History Network

We have moved the Blog!

2009-03-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

And now we need your help with a snappy title!

Something about "Northwest History Network Blog" makes me sleepy. Please send in your suggestions for a title.

We also need your help with entries. At blogspot we can have up to 100 authors. Any associate who wants to post is invited to. Let me know, and I will add you as an author. You could post once, or regularly. Of course, we will want to keep posts appropriate to the group and will maintain some control over that.