Benton Lecture Series
1859: The Oregon Experience
Monday, February 23
Janice Marschner, author "Oregon 1859: A Snapshot in Time"
A Look at Oregon in the Year of Statehood
An overview of the 100+ communities in Oregon in 1859
Monday, March 2
Shannon Applegate, author "Skookum: An Oregon Pioneer's family history and lore"
1859 through Applegate Family Letters
Exploration of a pioneer's family through letters
Monday, March 9
Mary Gallagher, Collections Manager, Benton County Museum
Benton County, Oregon in 1859
Benton County, Oregon's built environment at the time of statehood
Monday, March 16
Patricia Benner, Oregon State University
Hanna and Eliza Gorman, black pioneers of 1844
The story of a mother and daughter who came to Oregon as slaves, and the home that they built in Corvallis
Hannah, a black woman, and her six-year old daughter Eliza traveled the Oregon Trail in 1844. They made this journey as the slaves of John Thorpe, the head of the wagon train. They are the only known black women to be listed in an Oregon Trail roster. Much of their story is still a mystery, but among the information that is currently known, they became respected members of the Corvallis community. Their home still stands in town on land that they bought from William Dixon in 1857, and two half-lots bought in 1858. Their home is one of the oldest remaining houses in the city. Gorman, their last name, and first appeared in the 1860 census. Later Hannah's son, Hiram Gorman, and his family also moved to Oregon. This presentation shares the wonderful pieces of information that are coming together to tell their story.
Monday, March 30 (please note the DATE CHANGE - previously scheduled for March 23)
Esther Stutzman, Kalapuya Tribal elder
The Kalapuya Experience
Lifestyle and impact of contact with pioneer culture
Monday, April 6
Nancy Bryant, Oregon State University
Dressed for the 18th Century
Professor Emerita Bryant's famous "reverse strip tease" describes apparel in the 18th century, an era that led up to western migration
All lectures will be held at the Benton County Historical Museum, 1101 Main Street Philomath, Oregon 97370 at 10 o'clock a.m. in the Moreland Auditorium. Coffee will be served at 9:30 a.m.; questions and discussion will follow the lecture. |
