TALKS AND EVENTS
Join us at our Wests Block location for various talks and event! All of our talks will be hosted on site, at 701 SE Grand Ave.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Images of America: Portland's African American History
Kim Moreland her book, "Portland's African American History." Kim will highlight the people and places significant to Portland's Black Community. Kim will also overview why she chose, "The Images of America Series" and her research and writing process, plus lessons learned.
April 20, 2024
10:00 - 11:30 am
The Grand Era of Wooden Architecture in Portland: Portland's Original Buildings 1843 - 1853
Photographs are a window looking out on the past. While the scattering of photographs of early Portland might be familiar, they still retain a sense of mystery. Have you ever stared at one and wondered exactly what it is you're looking at?
Join researcher Randall Trowbridge for a tour through the first incarnation of Portland, explore its dirt streets, and meet its inhabitants through its architecture.
April 27, 2024
10:00 - 11:30 am
Explore the Legacy left by the New Deal in our public works, parks, infrastructure and civic buildings and how it has become a Living New Deal we are still using today.
May 4, 2024
10:00 - 11:30 am
Legacy of the New Deal
Made to Last: Preserving History Through Buildings - Lessons from Seattle
Lawrence Kreisman, retired Program Director of the preservation organization Historic Seattle, will discuss how the organization was able to preserve, restore and advocate for Seattle’s building legacy.
Lawrence Keisman, Hon. AIA Seattle was program director of Historic Seattle for 20 years. Kreisman brought public attention to preservation through courses, lectures, tours, exhibits, articles and 11 books.
May 11, 2024
10:00 - 11:30 am
The Trolley's That Built Portland's Neighborhoods
Portland neighborhoods owe their location, alignment, and growth to the streetcar. Portland still bears the imprint of the carlines that once wove their way out to suburbs in every direction.
Richard Thompson holds a master's degree from the University of Oregon. Now a semi-retired public historian, writer, and consultant, he has worked as a historical museum director, college instructor, librarian, archivist, educational technologist, and archaeological field worker.
May 18, 2024
10:00 - 11:30 am
Volga Germans in Portland
Explore the history of Volga German settlement in Portland. Their community and contributions.
May 25, 2024
10:00 - 11:30 am
The Lost Worlds of the Holladay Addition
The Holladay Addition was a bet on East Portland that took decades to pay out. It was platted in 1871 by transportation magnate Ben Holladay with the goal of outshining downtown Portland and “make the grass grow on Front Street.” In 1960, that dream nearly became reality with the opening of Lloyd Center.
June 1, 2024
10:00 - 11:30 am
Sluicing Forest Park
From 1904 to 1908, Colorado politician, lawyer and miner Lafayette Pence claimed the water rights from Bull Run to Dairy Creek and attempted to fill the Lewis & Clark Exposition lake by scouring away the hills above Willamette Heights using a combination of dynamite, flumes and giant hydraulic mining hoses. It is a tale with twists, turns, mud and blood.
June 8, 2024
10:00 - 11:30 am
WALKING TOURS
From March to November, we offer tours of historic neighborhoods throughout the city. Click here to learn more!
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