Oregon Humanities

For nearly forty years, Oregon Humanities has provided Oregonians with new ideas and opportunities for O. Hm. moments—times of insight or surprise that change the way we see the world. As an independent, nonprofit organization, we need your help to continue offering dynamic humanities programs in every county to thousands of individuals.

Below are snapshots of our programs in action. Whether it’s a Conversation Project discussion about immigration, a Think & Drink event at rontoms in Portland, a summer Happy Camp for high school students about the pursuit of happiness, a Humanity in Perspective class for low-income adults, or a Teacher Institute that allows educators to explore such timely issues as race, equity, and the American dream—Oregon Humanities connects Oregonians to ideas that change lives and transform communities.

• Elliott is a young historian from Lewis & Clark College. He’s driving to Lincoln City to lead a group of locals in an exploration of a thorny set of topics: immigration, ethnicity, culture. They begin by listening to each other’s stories of place, where their people come from. It’s soon clear; we are all immigrants.

• It is a warm summer evening in Portland and people are spilling out of a bar on East Burnside. They’re hereto discuss things we think about but rarely have the chance to get together and talk about, things like morality, war, and self-deception. At the center of the conversation is a philosopher form OSU and one of Oregon’s most loved authors.

• One hundred high school students, from Ashland to Pendleton to Astoria, they gather together on a college campus for three days to ask big questions, listen closely, and think deeply about the pursuit of happiness. They are here to connect with other young people and consider how they move forward into the world.

• Julie, a mother of five working odd jobs, never thought she’d make it to college. She signs up for and completes her first college-level course. She applies to Marylhurst University and receives a full scholarship. She’s not just become a scholar, she’s discovered her voice.

• This summer, twenty-five high school teachers become students. They come from around the state to explore ideas together, ask difficult questions. How do you teach about race, and equity, and the American Dream? How do you inspire students to become critical thinkers? How do you inspire students to become better citizens?

Thank you

We are grateful for your investment in the transformative power of ideas. All gifts are tax deductible and are eligible to be matched by the National
Endowment for the Humanities.