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“Pittmon’s [Residential Security] Map of Portland, Ore. and vicinity, compiled from records on file in the offices of the city and county engineers.” Copyright and published by Armena Pittmon, 1934, Portland.

Type: Online Video, Lecture Series: History Pub

Portland’s Black Belt: Motives and Means in Albina Real Estate, 1940–1990

Presented by Dr. Karen J. Gibson

In 1960, Portland was the second-most segregated city on the West Coast, behind Los Angeles. Four of five Black residents lived in the Albina District. This presentation explores how the real estate industry, public officials, and citizens justified that spatial segregation. It traces the private- and public-sector mechanisms utilized to confine and re-shape Black settlement within Albina. A major motive for segregation was to enable financial exploitation of Black homeowners and renters, allowing housing-industry manipulators to extract wealth from the Black community.

Family-friendly
Researchers
Teachers

Kennedy with nuns and students at Marycrest High School. May, 1960, Sister Edmund on right, photographer. CN 021687, bb008210

Type: Online Video, Lecture

From Coos Bay to the White House: Candidate Kennedy in Oregon

Presented by David Sarasohn

In the years leading up to his presidential nomination in 1960, Sen. John F. Kennedy was a frequent visitor to Oregon, serving as grand marshal of the Medford Pear Blossom Parade and throwing out the first ball at a Little League game in The Dalles. It was all a long way from Harvard, but it led to a crucial victory in the Oregon primary that propelled him toward the Oval Office.

Family-friendly
Researchers
Teachers

Ellis Hadley (First in line), William L. Finley (center), and Herman Bohlman (last) wading pantsless through water to photograph a red-tailed hawk’s in 1902 near Portland, OR. Org. Lot 369, Finley A2652.

Type: Online Video, Slide Presentation Series: On the Road with Finley and Bohlman

On the Road with Finley and Bohlman: Portland

Presented by Laura Cray with guest panelists Bob Sallinger, Tom McAllister, and Worth Mathewson

Hunting Birds with a Camera: How William Finley and Herman Bohlman used photography to save Oregon's birds. The Oregon Historical Society is proud to present a retrospective on the work of early twentieth century nature photographers William L. Finley, Irene Finley, and Herman T. Bohlman. Scaling trees, fording rivers, and braving Oregon's most rugged landscapes, they went to almost any lengths to capture Oregon's birds on film. Their photographs and tireless dedication to education captivated the public and helped lead to the creation of the state's first wildlife refuges, laying the foundation for Oregon's legacy as a leader in conservation. Join us for a night of adventure and laughter as we explore the rarely seen, behind-the-scenes photographs and recapture the spirit of Finley's long beloved public programs.

Free
Family-friendly
Researchers
Teachers

Okropong. Courtesy Obo Addy Legacy Project

Type: Online Video, Lecture, Musical Performance Series: History Pub

The Legacy of Obo Addy and His Impact in the Pacific Northwest

Presented by: Susan and Alex Addy, with a performance by Okropong

For decades, the musical traditions of Ghana were explored and extended by Ghana-born and Portland-based drummer, composer, and bandleader Obo Addy. Together with his world beat band, Kukrudu, and traditional quartet, Okropong, Addy was one of Ghana's greatest musical ambassadors. Join us for a presentation on Obbo Addy's impact on the Pacific Northwest, including a performance by Okropong.