[Heritage] Oregon Heritage News 2005-10-12

[Heritage Info]

In this issue:
1.  Northwest history conference accepting proposals
2.  Preserve America seeks award nominations
3.  Portland jazz history to be noted
4.  Oregon cemeteries commission to meet in Jacksonville


NORTHWEST HISTORY CONFERENCE ACCEPTING PROPOSALS

The 59th Annual Pacific Northwest History Conference, in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Northwest Oral History Association , will take place April 27-29 at the Doubletree Hotel Lloyd Center in Portland.  "Making Sense of Place:  Regional Identities and Communities in the Pacific Northwest" is the theme, and proposals for presentations are being sought.

The conference is seeking papers, panels, and non-traditional presentations that address the many imaginative and sometimes contradictory ways Pacific Northwesterners have shaped regional identities and constructed (intentionally or not) communities over time.  Proposals for individual presentations or entire sessions are welcome. Sessions typically are 90 minutes. Traditionally breakout sessions have a chair and commentator as well as 2-4 presenters. 
 
Send materials electronically or by mail by Nov. 15 to:  Katrine Barber, Chair, Program Committee, Pacific Northwest History Conference, History Department, Portland State University. PO Box 751 Portland, OR 97207-0751 or barberk at pdx.edu . For more information, contact 503-725-3979.

The conference's permanent sponsor is the Washington State Historical Society. Co-sponsors of this year's conference include the Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Heritage Commission, the Center for Columbia River History, Idaho State Historical Society and the Northwest Oral History Association.	


PRESERVE AMERICAN SEEKS AWARD NOMINATIONS

The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2006 Preserve America Presidential Awards is Nov. 1, 2005. 

The Preserve America Presidential Awards are part of a White House initiative to celebrate and preserve our nation's cultural and natural heritage assets. First Lady Laura Bush is honorary chair of Preserve America..

The Preserve America Presidential Awards are given to organizations, businesses, government entities, and individuals for exemplary accomplishments in the sustainable use and
preservation of cultural or natural heritage assets; demonstrated commitment to the protection and interpretation of America's cultural or natural heritage assets; and the integration of these assets into contemporary community life, and combination of innovative, creative, and responsible approaches to showcasing historic resources in communities.

The 2006 Preserve America Presidential Award nomination guidance and application form (both in PDF) can be found at www.PreserveAmerica.gov. The website also provides information on past winners and the Preserve America initiative.


PORTLAND JAZZ HISTORY TO BE NOTED

Author Bob Dietsche, whose book Jumptown is imminent from the printer, offers a visit to halcyon days of Portland's jazz scene from 1942-195, during presentations Oct. 14 and Oct. 15 in Portland. Dietsche will speak at noon Oct. 14 at the Oregon Historical Society, and at 1 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Multnomah County Central Library. He will be joined by Samuel Allen, director of the new film "From Stumptown to Jumptown" on early PDX Jazz figures. 

A fascinating blend of music, politics, and social history, Jumptown sheds light on a time and place overlooked by histories of Portland and jazz. For a golden decade during and following World War II, a thriving African American neighborhood spawned a jazz heyday. Luminaries including Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Oscar Peterson, Dave Brubeck, and Wardell Gray headlined Portland clubs, trading chops with the up-and-coming local talent.

Dietsche has taught jazz history courses at Oregon colleges and universities and was the longtime radio host of "Jazzville" on Oregon Public Broadcasting. Founder and former owner of Django Records, Portland's legendary used-record store, Bob's jazz writings have appeared in numerous publications, including Jazz Journal, The Oregonian, Willamette Week, Pittsburgh Press, and the Toledo Blade. Allen is a former Aloha High School student now at University of Oregon. 

For more information, contact David Milholland of the Oregon Cultural Heritage Commission at 503 285 8279  or encanto at ochcom.org 


OREGON CEMETERIES COMMISSION TO MEET IN JACKSONVILLE

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will conduct its last meeting of the year Oct. 21 at the historic U.S. Hotel, 125 East California St. in Jacksonville. The meeting will begin at 2 p.m. in the hotel's ballroom.

All citizens interested in the preservation, protection, interpretation and long-term care of Oregon's historic cemeteries are encouraged to attend the meeting. A tour of the Jacksonville Cemetery is scheduled for commissioners and guests immediately following. The meeting site is accessible to people with disabilities. Special arrangements may be made by calling 503-986-0655. 

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries is seeking applicants for a short-term appointment to the seven-member board. The appointment would begin Oct. 21 and end July 1. Letters of interest and a brief statement of involvement or expertise in historic cemeteries should be sent immediately to commission coordinator Mirra Meyer at 725 Summer St. NE, Suite C Salem, OR 97301, or mirra.meyer at state.or.us.  Meyer also may be contacted by phone at 503-986-0685. 

State law directs the commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. Members are appointed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department director. More information about the commission, which meets four times a year in different locations around the state, is online at <http://egov.oregon.gov/OPRD/HCD/OCHC/index.shtml>. 
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Oregon Heritage News is a service of the Oregon Heritage Commission, which can be contacted at heritage.info at state.or.us