HISTORY PUB

Developed by Holy Names Heritage Center, History Pub is a collaborative program of the Heritage Center, Oregon Historical Society, and McMenamins. Each program features a presentation by a humanities expert from fields including history, journalism, law, and women's studies. Whenever possible, individuals who participated in or were affected by the events share their memories as part of the program. The voices of actual historical participants add a unique perspective to the discussion of these important issues.

The series is held at the historic McMenamins' Kennedy School in northeast Portland. Where else can you hear fascinating history while enjoying a slice of pizza and a frosty pint of handcrafted ale? History Pub appeals to a broad and diverse audience and is also a family-friendly event. This innovative program typically draws a crowd of 150 people each month.

History Pub is designed to increase Oregonians' understanding of the historical events and cultural forces that have shaped the past as well as their continued implications for the present and future. The goals of the series are to explore lesser-known historical events and their impacts on local communities and to examine the experiences of minority groups and the important roles they have played in the Northwest. History Pub encourages participants to give thoughtful consideration to the ways social, cultural, and political forces affect individuals, communities, and physical places.

This project was made possible in part by a grant from the Oregon Council for the Humanities (OCH), a statewide nonprofit organization and independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, which funds OCH's grant program.

Upcoming Programs:

History Pub takes place at the Kennedy School, located at 5736 NE 33rd Avenue in Portland, on the last Monday of every month.

The Columbia River Highway: Its History, Decline and Preservation
March 29, 2010
7:00 p.m.
Speakers: Robert Hadlow, Oregon Department of Transportation, George Fekaris, Western Federal Lands Highway Division, and David Sell, retired, Federal Highway Administration

Perhaps one of the most celebrated roads in the world, the Columbia River Highway is nearly a century old. Built between 1913 and 1922, construction of the highway was a daunting challenge. Oregon businessman and railroad executive Sam Hill dreamed of building “a great highway so that the world can realize the magnificence and grandeur of the Columbia River Gorge.” The Historic Columbia River Highway resulted from the combined vision and labor of dedicated community leaders, engineers and craftsmen. The iconic highway showcases the stunning beauty of the rugged Columbia Gorge but now faces serious deterioration. Come learn about the threats facing this treasured road and the goals of the Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway for its restoration and reconnection.

Renewal and Removal in North/Northeast Portland
February 22, 2010
7:00 p.m.
Speakers: Carl Abbott, Professor of Urban Studies at Portland State University and Thomas Robinson of Historic Photo Archives

February’s History Pub focuses on the dramatic changes to the landscape radiating from NE Broadway and Interstate Avenue beginning in the 1950s. The speakers explore the policies that determine which buildings are saved and which are lost. Dr. Abbott specializes in urban history and revitalization policy. He is the author of How Cities Won the West: Four Centuries of Urban Change in Western North America.

Don Malarkey and Memories of Easy Company
January 25, 2010
7:00 p.m.
Speaker: Donald Malarkey

Join Don Marlarkey of Band of Brothers fame as he recounts his unit’s harrowing experiences at Normandy and the Bulge during World War II. Mr. Marlarkey was born in Astoria, Oregon in 1921. He left the University of Oregon when he was drafted in 1942. During his tenure with the paratroopers, his unit saw combat at Normandy and Bastogne. Marlarkey earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star in addition to numerous other medals for his wartime service. After the war, he returned to Oregon and pursued a career in real estate and insurance. Historian Stephen Ambrose interviewed Marlarkey extensively for his best selling book Band of Brothers. History Pub takes place the last Monday of the month at the Kennedy School, located at 5736 NE 33rd Avenue in Portland.

Oregon Council for the Humanities has awarded The Holy Names Heritage $3,500 to support and encourage the History Pub's critical thinking and public engagement with the humanities.
OCH Grant Information