Upcoming Programs

The Povey Brothers Beveled and Stained Glass Window Studio operated in Portland from 1888 to 1926. Today, beautiful windows are scattered throughout the city and state, adding wonderful flourishes to both homes and churches. The Povey name is recognized for design excellence and quality craftsmanship and their work was a major influence on Jerry Bosco and Ben Milligan. Have you seen what you think might be a Povey window? Or perhaps you already own one? Either way, don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about Portland’s preeminent makers of stained glass. Presenter David Schlicker has operated a stained glass studio in Portland since 1975 and has repaired and restored many Povey windows. As David shares his collection of slides documenting the Povey’s contribution to our history, he’ll also shed light on the specific characteristics and design elements that will help you identify potential Povey Brothers pieces.

In a companion program to our exhibit “A Glaze of Glory— the Artistry of Art Tile,” guest Curator Ron Endlich will present “The History of American Art Tile” at the AHC. Ron has collected tile for nearly two decades and developed nationally recognized expertise about the origins of American tile, its artisanship, and the multitude of early manufacturers. Specializing in American decorative tile, he regularly lectures at arts shows throughout the Northwest. Ron operates Tile Antiques, based in Seattle and has been known to travel near and far to track down a special tile to add to his collection. He has worked with us over many years and provided scores of hours of expertise to coordinate the professional inventory of our own collection of historic tile.

Program attendees are welcome to bring in any of your own tile, for Ron’s review and answers to your questions, to share with the entire group.

Railroads were one of the driving forces in the settlement and urbanization of the United States. Through their station buildings, they left a profound architectural legacy on the country. From humble wooden depots that pioneered the concept of franchise architecture to the grand urban depots displaying the power of the country’s new “millionaire society,” these structures embody the story of America’s Gilded Age. Portland and the Pacific Northwest region include a number of fine examples of these structures, and collectively contribute to the understanding of our region’s past.

Alexander B. Craghead will share his approach to railroad architecture as cultural history. Alex is a Portland-based writer and photographer whose work has most recently appeared in the National Railroad Historical Society Bulletin and Trains Magazine. You will also learn about the restoration work of two of the region’s grand urban stations with ties to important works of Italian architecture, as well as the miraculous, eleventh hour rescue of the oldest depot in Oregon. Culminating the presentation is a unique look at the history of Portland’s landmark Union Station of 1896. The presentation is supported by numerous photographs and illustrations, including the depot photographs of award winning photographer Joel Jensen.

Portland City Council election campaigns for Mayor and two Council seats are well underway, with candidates who have filed and are thoughtfully campaigning for your vote. This election cycle, we believe that the future of historic preservation and urban design in Portland are significant election issues. What better way to determine the depth and breadth of each candidate’s commitment to Portland’s heritage than to ask the candidates themselves? As a nonprofit, we can’t participate in the races of particular candidates, but we can provide important and vital information on issues related to our mission of historic preservation education and advocacy.

Three organizations—the Bosco-Milligan Foundation/ Architectural Heritage Center (that’s us), AIA/Portland-Oregon, and the Historic Preservation League of Oregon have come together to coordinate and host three separate forums, one for the Mayoral race, and two for the City Council races.

Please check our website and/or look for our biweekly enews for any updates.

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Click here for information on the other forums

The Pacific Northwest and the Portland area are no strangers to the threat of impending earthquakes and this is made alltoo- clear when an earthquake devastates some part of the world—whether near or far. The potential for the “Big One” has generated considerable press and anxiety, especially in recent years. So—what are Portland-area homeowners to do, to increase the chances that your house will survive? Our encore program “Shake, Rattle and Roll” is just the thing to help you answer that question. This new-and-updated program will share the latest information and advice, brought to you by experts in the field.

Scott Burns, Professor of Geology at PSU, is the guy who is on every local newscast following an earthquake. Scott will explain the complex seismic fault lines that run through the Portland area and surroundings, and how buildings behave in an earthquake. Steve Gemmell, owner of Earthquake Tech, will describe the step-by-step procedure for bolting your house and other improvements that can help your house ride the big one. Mark Strauss, independent agent with Leonard Adams Insurance, will cover earthquake options for homeowners. DON’T MISS this opportunity to learn how to prepare for an earthquake emergency and make certain that your house is as safe as it can be for you and your family.

The Prairie School was as much an aesthetic movement as an architectural style. Promoting the Arts and Crafts values of simplicity, utility and beauty; the Prairie Style began in the Midwest and spread across the U.S., influencing a generation of architects around the world. During the height of its popularity, between 1910 and 1930, several regional architects, applied design principles first articulated by Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright in Chicago, to their own communities and clients in the Pacific Northwest. This presentation will highlight the Prairie Style buildings in Portland and explore the similarities and differences with other regional manifestations of the Prairie School. Architectural historian, tour guide, and AHC Education Committee member, Eric Wheeler, has studied the Prairie School for several years, most recently connecting the dots between Prairie School architects that worked both in the Midwest and in the Portland area.

Thinking of buying an older house? Or perhaps you already own one? Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or already have an older home, this panel discussion is sure to help answer your pressing questions. From prioritizing repairs to best practices for preserving the original materials and character, there are a myriad of solutions for accommodating your 21st century needs while preserving your home’s character. Please bring your questions and join us as Bosco-Milligan Foundation Board President Fred Leeson moderates a panel that includes Robert Kraft of Kraft Custom Construction, Anne DeWolfe of Arciform, and Portland architect John Hasenberg. The resulting discussion is sure to be lively!