Between 1840 and 1870, Oregon’s provisional and territorial governments passed laws excluding Black people from rights afforded to white settlers. Despite this, a small number of Black Americans settled or remained in Oregon, challenging the discriminatory laws and laying the foundation for the state’s future Black communities. This exhibit highlights some of those Black pioneers who risked everything to build a better life for themselves and their families in Oregon.

The Lincoln County Historical Society compiled history of Black Pioneers on the Oregon Coast, from Coos Bay to Astoria, to accompany this traveling exhibit. This Oregon Black Pioneers traveling exhibit was made possible by grant funding provided by the Lincoln County Cultural Coalition.

Exhibit viewing and snacks and refreshments will begin at 5:00pm with a screening of the documentary Oregon’s Black Pioneers, provided courtesy of Oregon Public Broadcasting, at 5:45pm.