Thomas Condon gave informal public lectures about Oregon geology near his summer cottage on Nye Beach. Circa 1900.
University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections
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Thomas Condon found his calling as a home missionary in 1852, but when he moved to The Dalles in 1862 he was able to cultivate his passions: geology and paleontology. The surrounding area, including what is now the John Day Fossil Beds, provided a wealth of significant geologic finds. Condon was also a natural teacher and gave well-regarded public lectures on Oregon's ancient history. He continued to educate throughout his life as a professor at the University of Oregon. He also held informal lectures near Nye Beach, where he and his wife, Cornelia, summered in the later years of their lives.
Watch the Oregon Experience documentary “Thomas Condon: Of Faith and Fossils” to learn about the geologist's remarkable life, his important discoveries and the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, where his fossil collection continues to grow.
This series is in partnership with The Oregon Historical Society