Oregon Experience
From historical biographies to issues and events that have shaped our state, Oregon Experience is an exciting television series co-produced by OPB and the Oregon Historical Society. The series explores Oregon's rich past and helps all of us — from natives to newcomers — gain a better understanding of the historical, social and political fabric of our state.
Each half-hour show brings to life fascinating characters — both familiar and forgotten — who've played key roles in building our state into the unique place we call home.
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The Art Makers
Portland, Oregon boasts dozens of art galleries and thousands of active artists. Publications write about "exploding" art scenes around Oregon and even a statewide "art renaissance." But long ago, local artists could only dream about actually selling their work. The Art Makers is a story rich with colorful characters who painted some pretty great pictures along the way.
Airs Thursday, May 22 at 9:00 pm on OPB TV
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- Previous Episodes
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Lola G. Baldwin
On April 1, 1908, Lola G. Baldwin was sworn in as Portland -- and the nation's first policewoman. For fourteen years she led a crusade against urban vice and corruption and championed the moral and physical welfare of families and single working women.
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Leo Adler
The people of Baker City knew him as a successful businessman and his home town's most active booster. But few realized just how successful "Mr. Baker" had been. This is a story of ambition and achievement and one ordinary man's relationship with the small town he loved.
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C.E.S. Wood
As a young West Point graduate, Charles Erskine Scott Wood fought in the tragic Nez Perce War of 1877. And he's credited with recording Chief Joseph's famous surrender speech. Artist, writer, civic leader and prominent Portland attorney CES Wood left a lasting legacy.
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Beach Bill
In 1967 Governor Tom McCall signed the Beach Bill with great fanfare — granting the public recreational access to Oregon's beaches. But the bill almost died in committee. A behind the scenes look at the history, politics and people behind HB 1601.
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Beervana
In 1852, beer came to the Northwest, quenching the thirsts of loggers, miners, fisherman and farmers. Today Portland is the beer capital of the world. The story of the industry through compelling and amusing anecdotes of the Oregon beer community.
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Oregon At War
A one-hour special that explores the economic, social and demographic changes in Oregon during World War II through the personal stories of Oregonians.
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Beatrice Morrow Cannady:
Beatrice Morrow Cannady was a leading African-American civil rights activist in Portland during the early part of the 20th century. As a newspaper publisher and lawyer, she challenged racial prejudice and discrimination at a time when the Ku Klux Klan was rising to power. She became known as Portland's "ambassador of good will."
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The Braceros: This WWII guest-worker program saved American agriculture and changed Oregon in never-imagined ways.
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Reub Long's Oregon Desert: Hard-luck stories, cowboy folklore and rural wisdom from Oregon's high-desert philosopher.
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Known as the "Father of Crater Lake," William Gladstone Steel was passionate in his efforts to create Oregon's only national park.
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Learn about the life and legacy of Bill Bowerman, legendary U of O track coach and co-founder of NIKE.
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Abigail Scott Duniway: A controversial newspaper editor, writer and suffragist, Abigail Scott Duniway rose from quite ordinary beginnings to become a nationally famed champion of women's rights.
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Sam Hill: Champion of grand roadways and monuments to peace, progress and culture, Sam Hill is one of Oregon's most important and legendary figures.
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- Funding Provided by:
OREGON EXPERIENCE is a co-production of Oregon Public Broadcasting and the Oregon Historical Society.
