TALKS AND EVENTS
Join us at our West's Block location for various talks and events! All of our talks will be hosted on site, at 701 SE Grand Ave.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Mostly Unknown History of Portland’s Pearl District
More than high rise condos, expensive restaurants and clothing stores, Portland’s Pearl District has a wealth of iconic buildings and objects with stories to go with them.
The program will highlight the Mostly Unknown History of Portland’s Pearl District.
January 11, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Bill Naito and the Historic Structures He Preserved - Presented by Erica Naito-Cambell
Bill Naito’s name became synonymous with civic leadership, whether it was growing Portland’s urban canopy, revitalizing its downtown, or preserving historic buildings. The son of Japanese immigrants, Bill had to overcome the emotional trauma of a difficult childhood followed by the racism of World War II. Learn about Bill's life and how he became one of Portland's greatest changemakers, with a particular focus on the historic buildings that he preserved. At the forefront of the movement, the National Trust for Historic Preservation called him "an individual who truly made a difference in preservation, in short, a preservation hero." Presented with video and lots of pictures, the presentation will cover the entirety of Bill's life and a large amount of Portland's history in the process.
January 25, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Oregon Moonshine Bootleggers, Busts and Brawls - Presented by Bruce Haney
Moonshining is deep-rooted in the history of Oregon. In 1844, when it was still Oregon Territory, one of the first moonshiners, James Conner, challenged a lawman to a duel for busting his illegal operation. The McKenzie River Bandits had better luck hiding from the law and produced bootleg booze for nearly five years before their arrest. It wouldn't be the last time they were caught. Over the years, outlaw moonshiners engaged in car chases, shootouts and even attempted an assassination to protect their hidden distilleries--and way of life. Join author Bruce Haney as he chronicles the intoxicating history of Oregon Moonshine.
February 22, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
A Walking Tour of Georgiana Pittock's Portland
Back by popular demand!
Did you know that Henry Pittock’s wife, Georgiana Pittock, played a significant role as a civic leader in the early development of Portland? Guided by experts at the Architectural Heritage Center and Pittock Mansion, travel back in time for 1.5-miles and see downtown Portland as Georgiana Pittock lived and experienced it.
This is an easy 1.5-mile walking tour of downtown Portland. We will be walking on paved city sidewalks with curb cuts.
POSTPONED UNTIL SPRING
WALKING TOURS
From March to November, we offer tours of historic neighborhoods throughout the city. Click here to learn more!
