History Makers Dinner

In 2009, the Society held the inaugural History Makers Dinner, the first of a series of annual events celebrating Oregon’s living leaders who have made history in their own time.  Each year, the Oregon Historical Society will present this series of awards at a dinner and special ceremony.  This year guests will attend this exclusive event at the Oregon Historical Society on Thursday, November 4, 2010.

The Oregon Historical Society’s primary fundraising event of the year, the goal for the event is to raise over $100,000 to support all aspects of the Oregon Historical Society.  For more information about the event, sponsoring a table, or purchasing tickets, call the Oregon Historical Society Development Office at 503.306.5229.

To view photos of The 2009 History Makers Dinner click here

History Makers are contemporary individuals who have made a significant impact in their field of work or service during their lifetime.  These individuals, with ties to Oregon, are making history through scientific discovery and exploration, innovation in business, communications, the arts, or service in their communities.  Whether they were born here, lived here, or work here, Oregon History Makers represent the best of what the state has to offer.

Join our 2010 History Makers Mr. David Adelsheim, Mrs. Jean Auel, and Oregon based organizations MercyCorps and Medical Teams International, as we celebrate their extraordinary stories and accomplishments as part of this very special evening. 

Do you know a History Maker?  We’re accepting nominations for the 2011 History Makers now.  Nomination Form (pdf)

Mr. David Adelsheim

It is hard to imagine Oregon without Oregon wines.  Forty years ago there really was no Oregon wine industry.  Today, there are more than 300 Oregon wineries in 15 approved wine growing regions harvesting over 70 grape varieties.  Wine connoisseurs from across the nation and the world travel to Oregon annually to tour and to taste the best that Oregon has to offer. Numerous individuals have been part of the remarkable success story of Oregon wines, but many familiar with the industry will tell you that none has been more influential than David Adelsheim. Described as an “iconic figure in Oregon wine,” David founded Adelsheim Vineyards in Newberg in 1971, and has been producing Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Pinot blanc and Chardonnay ever since.  David helped create and nominate the members of the Oregon Wine Board, was selected by the Oregon Governor to serve on the Board, and was elected as its first chair.  He also served as President of the Oregon Winegrowers Association and has taken the lead in helping the industry reach consensus on a number of issues, including labeling and sustainability.

For the contributions he has made and continues to make to an industry that has brought international acclaim and attention to Oregon, the Oregon Historical Society is proud to recognize David Adelsheim as a “History Maker.”

Mrs. Jean M. Auel

After marrying in 1954 and having five children, Jean M. Auel worked at Tektronix in a variety of capacities. Her husband Ray also worked at Tek and they both attended

University of Portland and earned MBAs in 1976. Then Jean quit her job planning to find a new one, but in 1977 started writing instead. She had an idea about a girl who lost her family to an earthquake and was found and raised by people who were different from her. After some initial research, she realized that the last Ice Age, when early anatomically modern humans coexisted with Neanderthals, would be the perfect setting, but it required a great deal more research. Besides extensive library study, Auel's research included travels to Europe to see many of the actual sites and joining survival classes to learn how to construct an ice cave, find wild food, make fire and tan leather.

The Clan of the Cave Bear was published in 1980 and became an international best seller. Four additional books in the Earth's Children® series have followed, and sales of the series now exceed 45 million books. A respected member of Oregon's literary community, Auel has been a frequent speaker at writing seminars, and is beloved by her devoted readers for her storytelling. The sixth book of the Earth's Children®

series will be published in the Spring of 2011, and Oregonians can once again take pride that one of their own is so well known and respected here and in many foreign countries.

For the contributions she has made and continues to make to the publishing industry and to scientific and historical research, the Oregon Historical Society is proud to recognize Jean M. Auel as a "History Maker."

MercyCorps and Medical Teams International

Ever since the first days of the Oregon territory, when pioneers would gather from miles around to participate in community barn-raisings, the spirit of “neighbor helping neighbor” has been an Oregon tradition.  That tradition is alive and well today, and can be seen in the work of countless non-profit organizations in every community in

Oregon.  Two of those organizations, both headquartered in Portland, have gained international attention for saving and transforming lives around the world.  For the inspiring example they set and for the remarkable difference they continue to make, the Oregon Historical Society is proud to recognize MercyCorps and Medical Teams International as “History Makers.”

Mercy Corps was founded in 1982 by Dan O’Neill and Ellsworth Culver.  The two had met several years earlier at a humanitarian conference, and shared their mutual commitment to provide innovative and sustainable aid and development to poor communities.  In the years that have followed, Mercy Corps has provided $1.95 billion in assistance to people in 107 nations. Mercy Corps consistently ranks as one of America’s most effective and efficient charitable organizations.

Medical Teams International began in 1979 when Ron Post watched television reports of mass suffering in Cambodia.  Less than a month later, Ron and 28 other medical volunteers were on their way to provide care for the survivors in Cambodia’s killing fields.  When Haiti was hit by a massive earthquake in January, Medical Teams International quickly responded, dispatching over 70 doctors, nurses, and medical professionals to provide life-saving care.  MTI volunteers remain in Haiti today, and will remain so as long as they are needed.

Sponsorship opportunities still available!  Click here to view our sponsorship packet, or contact Sue Metzler at 503.306.5229.