Details

Date:

May 9 @ 7:00 pm

Venue

The History Museum of Hood River County

The History Museum of Hood River County, 300 E Port Marina Drive, Hood River, OR, 97031

Event Website

Map Link

Hidden History: Vanport

May 9 @ 7:00 pm

Vanport: A Community on the Move with Mariah Rocker of Oregon Black Pioneers at The History Museum.
During WWII, the influx of industrial labor in Portland lead to the creation of the largest federal housing project in history at that time: Vanport. In the early 1940s, this diverse community was the second-largest city in Oregon. By 1948, a devastating flood washed the city away. This presentation focuses on the Black community of Vanport before and after the flood, highlighting their experiences and the community’s relationship with Portland.
About OBP: Oregon Black Pioneers is Oregon’s only historical society dedicated to preserving and presenting the experiences of African Americans statewide. For more than 30 years, they have illuminated the seldom-told stories of people of African descent in Oregon through our engaging exhibits, public programs, publications, and historical research.
Presented By:
Mariah Rocker, Public Programs and Exhibits Manager at Oregon Black Pioneers.
Mariah Rocker is the Public Programs and Exhibits Manager at Oregon Black Pioneers. With a bachelor’s in Public Relations and a bachelor’s in Sociology, Mariah’s passion for uncovering and sharing the stories of marginalized communities is evident in both her professional and personal pursuits. In her free time, Mariah channels the strength and resilience of historical icons by dressing up as them, and also enjoys crafting handmade miniatures.
This event is free but donations are always appreciated!

ABOUT THE HISTORY MUSEUM OF HOOD RIVER COUNTY
The History Museum is a vibrant center for engaging all people in a better understanding of the community’s heritage that preserves the past, relates it to the present and shapes our future. Led by the non-profit Hood River County Heritage Council, the Museum brings the region’s past and present to life through permanent displays, temporary exhibitions, and programs. 

This beautiful place along the Columbia River has provided a home for successive peoples and generations. Their intriguing stories and struggles are told through a collection of artifacts, including art, decorative arts, costumes, photographs, tools, agricultural and sporting equipment, and archival documents. From Indigenous baskets and beadwork to the first windsurfing board, the diverse holdings of the museum mirror the area’s diverse people and their interests. The vintage photograph collection of over 20,000 items is a strong part of the collection which can be enjoyed by all online at hoodriverhistorymuseum.org/historic-hood-river/

VISITOR INFORMATION:

The History Museum of Hood River County is open Monday-Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm. Admission is $5, free for children 10 and under and currently serving military personnel and families. The Museum is located at 300 E. Port Marina Drive, Hood River, OR 97031. For further information, call 541.386.6772, email info@hoodriverhistorymuseum.org or visit www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org.