[Heritage] Statehood Gathering Gains Momentum

[INFO Heritage]

With less than two weeks to go until its first Gathering, the Oregon Statehood
Sesquicentennial is attracting interest and registrations from all areas of
the state. 

The Gathering is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. May 23 at Willamette University
in Salem. You can register online at www.oregon150.org

People form all communities in the state are invited to the Gathering to begin
shaping a shared vision of the 150th statehood anniversary. It will include
live entertainment and small and large-group sessions in which community
leaders, statewide elected officials and fellow citizens will interact.  The
event is free. Lunch will be provided on-campus for a nominal costs.

The anniversary will be an important opportunity to reflect on the state's
history and its achievements, and to renew its commitment to Oregon's children
and future, said Governor Ted Kulongoski.

Nearly two years after the Oregon Teritorial Legislature had requested the
designation in 1857, President James Buchanan signed legislation creating the
stateof Oregon on February 14, 1859. The Oregon Heritage Commission, at the
initial direction of Gov. Kulongoski, is coordinating the early planning of
the Sesquicentennial. The State Historic Preservation Office and the Oregon
Cultural Trust have also provided funding to help organize the first planning
assembly.