As part of the 9th Vanport Mosaic Festival - May 18-June 1
Full Program: bit.ly/vanport2024
Lost City, Living Memories: Vanport Through The Voices of Its Residents
Join us for a screening of short oral history documentaries, part of the Vanport Mosaic living archive, with special guests from the Vanport Community, and songs by the Northwest Freedom Singers
WHEN:
Thursday, May 30th at 6-8pm
WHERE:
Historic Alberta House 5131 NE 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211
TICKETS:
By donation - suggested $5 students/seniors, $15 general
A “miracle city.” A “sociological experiment.” A “municipal monstrosity.” A “nasty ghetto.”
During its short life span (1942-1948) Vanport--Oregon’s second largest city and the nation’s largest public housing project--drew national attention and conflicting opinions. For the over 40,000 people who lived there, Vanport was simply their home.
When the Columbia River flooded in1948, on Memorial Day, the entire city was erased from the map and from much of Portland’s memory in a single day.
Through nearly a decade of collaboration with the Vanport community, Vanport Mosaic has established the largest collection of oral histories related to Vanport, ensuring the preservation and honor of one of Oregon's most pivotal historical communities.
We have produced over 50 short documentaries that have been screened countless times.
Through archival footage, historic photographs, and compelling first-person narratives, Lost City, Living Memories creates a rich and elaborate “mosaic” of the vibrant community that made up the city of Vanport, and commemorates the tragedy that displaced it.
NW Freedom Singers are going to take us through Vanport and WWII to Albina and Dawson Park and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s and on to Church and the heartbeat of Portland’s Black Community.
Performing tonight, along with Ron are Vanport descendant, Eldon "T” Jones on Saxophone and vocals, Tim Ribner on keyboard, and Antoinette Saunders, Rosie Lovings, Jeanine Wiggins, Letha McCleod and Amber Cobb.
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CONTRIBUTE TO OUR VANPORT DIGITAL HUB/LIVING ARCHIVE! Would you like to share your memories with us? Do you have material related to Vanport to add to the archive?
Have you written articles, dissertations, books, curricula you would like to share on the digital hub?
Please get in touch with us!
Contact Greta Smith Wisnewski at greta@vanportmosaic.org
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COME EARLIER TO SEE THE EXHIBITS ON DISPLAY!
The Historic Alberta House will be open 4- 6 pm for gallery hours.
Artwork by Henk Pander: "The Climate Refugees of Vanport"
Originally from the Netherlands, Henk Pander was a child during WWII. Since immigrating to the PNW in 1965, he became one of the most renowned artists. This art giant passed away on April 7th, 2023, but his legacy continues through his artwork.
Vanport: The Surge of Social Change
A historical photo exhibit documenting the life, destruction, and aftermath of the largest WWII shipbuilding community in the U.S., co-curated by Vanport Mosaic and Oregon Black Pioneers.
