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
Portland's Historic Houses of Worship: John Doyle Presentation & Book Signing
The story of a city is written in its architecture as much as it is written in any history book. Portland's growth and development can be directly assessed by the development and proliferation of its religious architecture. Portland's Historic Houses of Worship presents the history of religious architecture in the city from its foundation up to the present. Historic photos drawn principally from the collection of the Oregon Historical Society will be supplemented by contemporary images to provide a diverse and comprehensive survey of sacred space architecture in Portland. Jewish, Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim building history will all be included.
April 12, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Oh, The Stories We Tell: Portland History Fact or Fiction
What passes for history in PDX? Is it truth hidden in fanciful hyperbole as history entertainment circumventing facts?
Photographer, researcher, and photo archeologist, Don Nelson examines the collective truths and exaggerations that fascinate many which shows that the story can be more interesting than the unembellished past or vice-versa. There is a balance in researched truth that can dispel myths.
Then and now photos will illustrate his talk.
April 19, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
The Basics of Wood Window Repair
The AHC welcomes back Patty Spencer, owner of Fresh Air Sash Cord Repair, Inc. Patty will share over 25 years of experience in preserving and restoring the function of original, double-hung, wooden windows found in homes built in the 1940s and earlier. With a focus on restoring the operating function, this workshop will cover the basics that homeowners should know, including: signs of window deterioration, preventive maintenance measures, good maintenance and repair practices, plus ideas about weatherization. Visit Fresh Air Sash's website
April 26, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Punjabi Rebels of the Columbia River Talk & Book Signing Free Event
In the early years of the 20th century a community of Indian immigrant laborers in Portland and Oregon started a movement for Indian independence from British rule in their home country. Joanna Ogden will give a brief talk and sign copies of her new book "Punjabi Rebels of the Columbia River :The Global Fight for Indian Independence and Citizenship"
May 3, 2025
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Windemuth and Bundy’s: Where Portland Played in the River
From 1900-1924, the Willamette River was Portland’s favorite summer playground featuring swimming activities for all. Two major attractions in the Ross Island area—Bundy’s Baths and Windemuth—hosted tens of thousands of people of all ages who wanted to wade, swim, dive and cool off in the flowing river. But by 1924, Portland’s sewer system was delivering thousands of gallons of raw sewage directly into the river. During a health scare in July 1924, Portlanders were banned from the river and swimming venues were shuttered. Join researcher/historian Doug Decker for an exploration of Portland’s changing relationship with the Willamette in this stretch of the river.
May 10, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
No Honest Man Fear Cartoons: The Homer Davenport Story & Book Signing
Homer Davenport (1867-1912) was Oregon’s first media super-star. Yet, few outside his hometown of Silverton, OR are even aware of the impact this self-described “country boy” had on society. His unique rural Oregon upbringing, along with a supportive and nurturing home life, equipped Davenport with the intellectual tools and the artistic skills needed to hit the ground running. He arrived on the scene during a perfect storm of technology and public sentiment, between the end of the "Gilded Age" and the beginning of the "Progressive Era."
Presented by Silverton Country Historical Society President and author Gus Frederick. Signed copies of his books may be purchased at the show.
POSTPONED:
May 17, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Historic Amusements on Portland's Streetcar Lines
Streetcar companies and entrepreneurs lured people out of downtown Portland into the greater Portland area and surroundings by offering entertainment in many forms. Many still operate, but many more are a distant memory. Through stories and historic photographs find out what people did for fun in Portland before the age of television and the World Wide Web.
June 7, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Theaters of Oregon: Before the Show Began
Theaters have always captured our imaginations. Their architecture and lighting have drawn us inside. Their decorative lobbies have let us know something special was about to happen. Darrell Jabin toured and took photos of dozens of theaters. He researched Opera houses, Chautauqua Vaudeville and movie palaces.
July 19, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
"Carlines to the Columbia: the Streetcars of Northeast Portland" Talk & Book Signing
The story of the role played by streetcars in the development of Northeast Portland begins in 1888, when rails were laid northward through virgin timber and bottomland towards the Columbia River. Tracks soon also extended eastward along a prehistoric dirt road leading toward the Columbia Slough. Many twists and turns were encountered before the last steel wheel turned in 1948.
Local historian Richard Thompson is the author of nine books on the subject of Oregon streetcars and Interurbans. He has also written a dozen entries for the Oregon Encyclopedia and has appeared in several documentaries.
August 16, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
WALKING TOURS
From March to November, we offer tours of historic neighborhoods throughout the city. Click here to learn more!
