History Pub is a history lesson series that takes place outside of your typical classroom setting, giving you the opportunity hear “a presentation by a humanities expert from fields including history, journalism, law, and women’s studies” while drinking a pint at Kennedy School, one of the most majestic pubs you’ll ever sit in. Whenever possible, individuals who participated in or were affected by the events share their memories as part of the program. It’s a collaboration between the Holy Names Heritage Center and McMenamins Kennedy School Pub and Brewery.

The History Pub’s next event is about Vanport, Oregon, a makeshift city that was build to house war veterans and was one of only two wartime housing facilities in all of Oregon that would house African-Americans. On May 30, 1948, a massive flood destroyed the city, killing an estimated 20 people and leaving thousands homeless. Donna Sinclair will discuss the city’s “de-facto” segregation and newly discovered information about the flood. Ed Washington and Allen Cummings, former Vanport residents, will share their memories of the flood.

Next event:
May 18th, 7:00pm
Kennedy School Pub – 5736 N.E. 33rd Ave. Portland, OR

Picture of Vanport, Oregon in the 1940’s