Kami Horton
Kami Horton is a writer and producer for OPB's historical documentary series “Oregon Experience.”
Previously, she worked on OPB and PBS productions including Caprial & John’s Kitchen, the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, the New Heroes, and Pink Martini: Discover the World. Kami began her broadcasting career as a journalist in Southern Oregon.
She also shot and produced videos in Russia and Belgium.
Her work has been recognized with several Telly awards, NW Regional Emmys, Western Writers of America awards, Society of Professional Journalists awards, and a CINE Golden Eagle, among others.
She has a bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting from Southern Oregon University and a master’s degree in Nonfiction Writing from Portland State University.
She is a seventh generation Oregonian and passionate about history.
Latest Stories
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Meet Oregonian Dr. Alan Hart, who underwent the first documented gender-confirming surgery in the US
Dr. Alan Hart was born Alberta “Lucille” Hart in 1890. Hart grew up in the Willamette Valley and attended Albany College, now Lewis & Clark College. He would rise to the top of his field in treating and studying tuberculous. His pioneering work using x-rays for early detection is credited with saving thousands of lives.
When Oregon’s State Capitol burned to the ground
On April 25, 1935, Oregon's State Capitol burned to the ground. It was the state's second capitol building destroyed by fire.
Portland record store helped launch a vinyl renaissance
Fifteen years ago, Portland's iconic brick-and-mortar record store Music Millennium helped launch a vinyl renaissance with Record Store Day.
A look back at how white supremacists sowed seeds of hate in Oregon in the 20th century
One hundred years ago, the Ku Klux Klan arrived in Oregon. Within months, thousands became members as it infiltrated communities and dominated politics.
A century ago, the Ku Klux Klan terrorized Southern Oregon
One hundred years ago, members of notorious hate group the Ku Klux Klan staged a series of so-called "night riding" attacks in Southern Oregon.
‘In the Shadow of Fairview’
Twenty years ago, the last resident left Fairview Training Center. It closed in 2000 amid lawsuits and investigations. But for nearly 100 years, Fairview was Oregon's primary institution for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For many residents, it was the only home they ever knew. For others, it was a living nightmare.
Eugenics — In The Shadow Of Fairview
Over a period of 60 years, the state forcibly sterilized over 2,6000 Oregonians. From 1923 to 1983, Oregon law allowed for compulsory sterilization of those deemed unfit for reproduction. It was part of a broader eugenics movement to remove “undesirable” individuals from the gene pool.
The institution — In The Shadow Of Fairview
For nearly 100 years, Fairview was Oregon's primary institution for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Twenty years ago, the last resident left as the center closed amid lawsuits and investigations.
People First — In The Shadow Of Fairview
More than 40 years ago, a small group of Oregon teenagers with developmental disabilities helped launch a global self-advocacy movement. Residents of a state-run institution started holding regular meetings to support each other. Together they formed the organization People First.
Coming home — In The Shadow Of Fairview
The cremated remains of more than 3,500 Oregonians
sit unclaimed in the state’s custody. They are the forgotten and abandoned residents of Oregon’s state institutions. But now, some are finally making it home.