Oregon Experience
The complex history of Oregon Country Fair: Hippies, camas fields and Native belonging
Oregon’s premier arts festival has dazzled visitors for decades with counterculture glam. Where it takes place though is on an archaeological Kalapuya site. Can the Oregon Country Fair hold the balance between tie-dyed celebration and deeper cultural respect?
Latest Stories
120 years ago, Portland hosted a ‘World’s Fair’ that changed everything (then disappeared)
In 1905, the Lewis and Clark Exposition was held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, but, really, it was a way for city boasters to introduce Portland to the nation.
A Portland group was formed to support China during wartime. Now it fights a battle to keep the beat of traditional music alive
Founded in 1942 by Portland’s Chinese immigrants to raise funds for China’s defense in World War II, the Yat Sing Music Club perseveres in preserving Cantonese opera through ongoing rehearsals and community outreach, despite declining membership and limited interest from younger generations.
65 years before St. Helens blew, another Cascade volcano shocked the Pacific Northwest
Mount Lassen, in the southern Cascades, erupted on May 22, 1915.
Her name means ‘hero’: How Portland pilot Hazel Ying Lee fought for America — only to be forgotten
Lee was the first Chinese American woman to fly for the U.S. military. This is the story of how she lived up to her name.
This family created an apple ‘paradise’ in the shadow of Mount Hood
The Kiyokawas have worked as orchardists in Oregon’s Hood River Valley since 1911 — one of the few Japanese American families returning to work the land after their forced relocation and incarceration during World War II.
Oregon’s oldest incorporated city turns 180 years old
Christmas Eve marks the 180th anniversary of the incorporation of Oregon City — the first in the Pacific Northwest.
El histórico colegio Chicano de Oregon continúa a inspirar a la comunidad Latine a luchar contra la borradura de su cultura
Líderes comunitarios Latinos reflexionan sobre el legado del Colegio César Chávez.
Oregon's historic Chicano college continues to inspire as Latine communities fight against erasure
Latine community leaders reflect on the legacy of Colegio César Chávez.
Oregon tribal members reveal painful past from country’s boarding school policy as Biden issues apology
On Friday President Biden apologized for Native American boarding school policy, but questions remain for local Oregon tribes who endured what one member described as "holy hell."
Portland family remembers President Jimmy Carter’s sleepover at their house
On May 4, 1978, President Jimmy Carter stayed overnight at the Portland home of Janet and Paul Olson. The event created big crowds, Secret Service activities and lasting memories of a relatable world leader.
