Oregon Experience: "Beervana" Premieres November 5

Beer brewing has a long, colorful history in Oregon. Today, Portland is known as the beer capital of the world.

Oregonians have long been enthusiastic about their beer. In 1852, beer came to the Northwest when Henry Saxer opened the Liberty Brewery at the corner of First and Davis in downtown Portland. Many came in Saxer's wake -- most notably fellow German immigrant, Henry Weinhard -- to quench the thirsts of loggers, miners, fishermen and farmers who would build the region. The next installment of Oregon Public Broadcasting’s Oregon Experience series looks at the history of beer brewing in the state and at the vibrant craft beer industry that exists today. Tune in to the stations of OPB on Monday, November 5 at 9pm to find out about how the adventurous tastes of Oregonians inspired a micro-brewing movement.

It's the craft beer of Oregon -- made locally, recognized worldwide -- that contributes significantly to the state’s economy and fuels a vibrant social culture in the form of numerous brew pubs. With its clean water, hops and barley production, Oregon is fertile ground for the beer industry. And with a population willing to try a range of styles and categories of beer, it’s no wonder that Portland, with more breweries than anywhere -- including Germany -- is now considered the beer capital of the world. With ingenuity and determination, the industry survived the temperance movement and prohibition, and now pumps over $2 billion into the state’s economy.

This documentary tells the story of this industry through compelling and amusing anecdotes from the fascinating characters of the Oregon beer community.

About Oregon Experience
Oregon Experience is an exciting new history series on OPB TV that brings to life fascinating stories that help us understand who we are and that reinforce our shared identity as Oregonians. The series, co-produced by the Oregon Historical Society and OPB, takes advantage of the extensive film, video and stills from the archives of OHS and OPB, and draws upon the expertise of OHS researchers and historians. Each half-hour show features captivating characters -- both familiar and forgotten -- who have played key roles in building our state into the unique place we call home. Funding for Oregon Experience is provided in part by Ann & Bill Swindells Charitable Trust, James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and Oregon Cultural Trust.

The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation Makes a $1.5-Million Gift to Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon Public Broadcasting is pleased to announce an extraordinary gift of $1.5 million from The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation. Their gift is a challenge grant to encourage additional contributions and grow OPB's endowment to $20 million over the next several years.

"This challenge gift comes at a very important time for OPB as we work to bring new programs to radio, TV, and online and strengthen our role as an essential community resource," said OPB President & CEO Steven M. Bass. "It has long been our vision to build a more stable and predictable source of income – one that ensures longevity, independence and OPB's ability to continue its creative spirit long into the future," said Bass. "Thanks to this commitment, we are on the way to achieving this goal."

"OPB airs programs that make a huge contribution to our lives," said Arlene Schnitzer. "OPB is truly a resource that counts on everyone for its very existence. It needs the support of all those who make up our community – individuals, businesses and foundations! We've been members for more than 30 years and are passionate about helping OPB build a strong financial future. It is our hope that this gift will serve as a catalyst for others to pledge their support to OPB's New Millennium Fund to assure OPB's continued independence," she said.

OPB’s endowment currently stands at $14 million. The goal is to grow the OPB Endowment and New Millennium Fund through cash and pledges to $20 million by December 2012.

The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation provides support for the arts, medicine and the humanities. Arlene Schnitzer has served the state of Oregon with distinction and has received many awards and recognition. Harold Schnitzer is a life trustee of Lewis and Clark College and has served on the board of the Portland Art Museum since 1990 and was chairman from 1997 to 2001. Harold and Arlene Schnitzer received honorary degrees – Doctor of Humane Letters – from Portland State University in 2004 and Distinguished Service Awards from the University of Oregon. In 1995 Harold and Arlene received the prestigious First Citizen Award presented by the Portland Association of Realtors.

Find out more about the The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation Challenge Grant