Learning & TechCourses

Active

Anywhere except Elsewhere andtagged any of History Talks orCourses
SUNNOV 8
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
+1 dates
RSVP requiredCraftsCultural HeritageCoursesHistory Talks

NAHM: Basic Brick Stitch Beaded Earrings

Learn how to create brick stitch & fringe style beaded earrings using seed beads, thread and a beading needle. Natalie Mitchell will briefly discuss the history of seed beads in the Native American community and their uses in regalia, jewelry and art. Registration required and opens October 18. Both sessions are required, please be able to attend 11/8 and 11/15.

SUNNOV 15
Hours not provided
Wine TastingsCultural HeritageCoursesHistory Talks

French Wine Essentials

Dive into France’s best vineyards, learn about the country’s historic grapes, and discover how these wines intertwine with the history, cuisine, and culture of France.

French Wine Essentials includes 2 interactive and engaging learning days guided by an expert wine educator.

In addition to in-person class sessions and tastings, your tuition includes your French Wine Essentials textbook; interactive, online learning resources; and an optional certification exam offered at the end of the course.

THUNOV 19
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
CoursesHistory Talks

Genealogy Basics

Are you new to genealogy or looking for a refresher? Join us for this three-part series to start digging into your family history. We will help you get off on the right foot!

  • Sep 17: Basics of Genealogy — Learn how to use library databases, including Ancestry.
  • Oct 15: Genealogy Research Tools & Procedures — Discover tools to help you effectively organize your family history searches.
  • Nov 19: Research Strategies & Tips — Explore out-of-the-box search methods and tips for locating hard-to-find ancestors.

Multi-day events

11
TUENOV 10
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
💰 $10+Author TalksHistory Talks

Views and Brews: In the Range of Fire and Ice

Von Ebert Taproom – Mississippi825 North Cook Street

After years of research, award-winning Seattle author David B. Williams joins Mount St. Helens Institute at a special Portland event for a conversation on his newly published book, In the Range of Fire and Ice: A Human and Natural History of Washington’s Cascades.

Blending human and natural history into a vivid portrait of one of North America’s most dynamic landscapes, In the Range of Fire and Ice is a lively, groundbreaking exploration of Washington’s Cascade Range. Drawing on conversations with anthropologists, park rangers, ecologists, and climate scientists, as well as firsthand experience, Williams brings readers into the mountains to uncover stories etched in the landscape over millennia.

From traditional Indigenous huckleberry harvesting grounds and ancient footpaths to erupting volcanoes, shifting glaciers, and forgotten mining camps, In the Range of Fire and Ice reveals the Cascades as a place of both deep time and constant change. While past logging, mining, and fires left lasting scars, the Cascades also tell powerful stories of recovery and resilience–returning wolverines and wolves, the remarkable rebirth of Mount St. Helens, and growing stewardship in the face of climate change. Through rich storytelling and careful research, Williams invites readers to see the Cascades not only as mountains, but as a living, evolving realm of fire, ice, and hope.

MONNOV 2
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Registration requiredHistory TalksCultural Heritage

Israel360 – Heroes Along the Way: The Americans Who Built the U.S.-Israel Bond

Israel360: Heroes Along the Way: The Americans Who Built the U.S.-Israel Bond
Monday, November 2 | 7:00-8:00pm
Register here

Join Israeli-American storyteller and public historian Yuval Malchi for a look at the lesser-known Americans who helped shape and defend the State of Israel. Through personal stories of nurses, social workers, intelligence operatives, and military leaders, Malchi explores the contributions of figures such as Rose Kaplan, David “Mickey” Marcus, Al Schwimmer, and Hank Greenspun, and their lasting impact on the relationship between the United States and Israel. In partnership with Jewish Federation of Greater Portland.

*The talk is geared toward adults, but welcoming participants ages 13 and up. *

MUST RSVP.

SUNNOV 1
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
History Talks

Wild Mustangs of Oregon

Join Cheri Arthur, an Ambassador for American Wild Horse Conservation. Learn about Velma Johnstone, the first woman advocate for wild horses and burros, and the history of Oregon's wilds horses. You'll hear about the challenges of land management and access, and learn ways to get involved if you are interested.

WEDNOV 4
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
WorkshopsCourses

Phishing & Computer Basics

Learn essential computer skills in this beginner-friendly class, from logging in to personalizing settings. In the second hour, focus on how to protect yourself from email scams, malicious software, and identity theft. Perfect for first-time users.

SUNNOV 15
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
💰 PaidMuseumsCultural HeritageHistory Talks

York Panel

Overview

Todd McGrain’s original bust of York, the enslaved man who was the only African American member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, was secretly installed on Mount Tabor Park in 2021. It was placed on the vacant pedestal where a statue of Oregonian editor Harvey Scott (1830-1910), a known racist, once stood. The surprising appearance of York, with no artist name attached to the work, is a local example of the protest art being created in the wake of political and social unrest. The unsanctioned installation of the original bust made a significant contribution to the spirited dialogues on American history, systemic inequality, and public monuments happening across the nation.

Made of mere plaster and paint, the original bust sustained damage from several acts of vandalism, inspiring McGrain to come forward and offer a bronze version of the bust to the city. This Spring, the Portland Art Museum debuted the bronze bust of York, temporarily, as a part of the 2026 Oregon Contemporary Artists’ Biennial: The Price of the Ticket. In collaboration with Oregon Contemporary and the City of Portland’s Office of Arts & Culture, Portland State University, a community survey was offered to give Portlanders the opportunity to share their thoughts on where the monument should be placed for the long term.

Join us for a thoughtful discussion around McGrain’s act of protest and York as a historical figure significant to the history of Portland and the wider nation. Led by biennial curator and historian TK Smith, the panelists will include: Todd McGrain, artist of the York portrait; Intisar Abioto, artist and curator who recently curated Black Artists of Oregon at the Portland Art Museum; Eric Fredericksen, the public art administrator of the City of Portland; and Zachary Stocks, historian and executive director of Oregon Black Pioneers.

About the panelists Photo credit: Jonathan Echevarria

TK Smith is an award-winning writer, curator, and cultural historian. He has over ten years of experience as an independent curator. Most recently, he served as Curator, Arts of Africa and the African Diaspora, Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University. Previously, Smith served as Assistant Curator: Art of the African Diaspora at the Barnes Foundation. Smith’s writing has been published in exhibition catalogues, academic journals, and periodicals, including Art Papers where he is a contributing editor. He has been a visiting lecturer at numerous academic and cultural institutions, including Cornell University. Smith is a doctoral candidate in the History of American Civilization program at the University of Delaware, where he is completing his dissertation entitled, “Granite, Power, and Piss: The Transformation of a Confederate Symbol.”

Photo credit: Jason Hill

Intisar Abioto, born in Memphis, TN, is an explorer-artist working in dance, writing, photography, and curation. In long-form projects encompassing the visual, folkloric, documentary, and performing arts, her works consider the breath/ breadth of people of African descent against the expanse of their storied, imaginative, and geographic landscapes. She has produced The People Could Fly Project and The Black Portlanders, among others. In 2017 she began original research on the history and presence of Black artists in Oregon which led to the curation of the 2023 Black Artists of Oregon exhibition at the Portland Art Museum. Black Artists of Oregon: Continuum, an accompanying exhibition catalogue is forthcoming in 2026.

Photo credit: Nic Latulippe

Eric Fredericksen is the public art administrator of the City of Portland, where he oversees the management of the City’s 1,700-piece collection and guides the Percent for Art program. From 2017 to 2025 he led the public art program at the City of Vancouver, BC, with a focus on artist-led approaches to public art: extending open invitations for artists to propose ideas outside the limits of a predetermined site, theme, or medium. He also worked with public and private partners to dramatically increase the visibility and voice of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations on their unceded territories through art commissions in traditional and contemporary forms. He was previously the Waterfront Art Program Manager for the City of Seattle, where he commissioned significant public artworks by Ann Hamilton, Qwalsius – Shaun Peterson, Norie Sato, Buster Simpson, Oscar Tuazon, and Stephen Vitiello. As the founding director of Western Bridge, Seattle, he organized exhibitions and commissions from 2004 to 2012, and he began his career as a writer and editor at Architecture magazine and The Stranger. As an independent curator, he has curated exhibitions at the Contemporary Art Gallery, Or Gallery, and Artspeak, all in Vancouver; the Noorderzon Festival, Groningen, the Netherlands; and Open Satellite, Bellevue, Washington.

Photo credit: Scott Anger

Born in 1961, artist Todd McGrain’s early career as a sculptor involved apprenticing in bronze casting facilities, where he gained hands-on experience assisting prominent sculptors of the previous generation. In 1996, McGrain received a Guggenheim Fellowship, enabling him to study major art collections across the United States and Europe, with a focus on Italian Renaissance art. In 2000, his focus shifted to creating public memorials for bird species that have become extinct in the modern era, permanently installed at sites of historical significance to each species. This ongoing project has been widely exhibited at art centers, galleries, and public gardens, including the Smithsonian Institution, Cornell University, and Stanford University.

Photo credit: Jason Hill

Zachary Stocks is a public historian, interpreter, and the Executive Director of Oregon Black Pioneers. Zachary previously served as Program Director of Historical Seaport and Visitor Services Manager of Northwest African American Museum. He is a former intern of Colonial Williamsburg and Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, and a former seasonal Park Ranger at Lewis & Clark National Historical Park. He holds a BA in History from the College of William & Mary with a certificate in Public History from the National Institute for American History and Democracy, and an MA in Museology from the University of Washington. Zachary is a 2025 graduate of the prestigious History Leadership Institute, sponsored by the American Association of State and Local History. Zachary lives in Astoria.

Related events
FRIOCT 30
OCT 30–NOV 1 · Hours not provided
CoursesWorkshopsTalks & LecturesTech & Coding

Prompt to Profit Bootcamp

🌐OnlineVirtual Event

Prompt to Profit is a 3-day online bootcamp focused on helping founders, builders, and creators set up the systems they need to move from idea to execution. Across three focused sessions, we’ll work through the foundations of product development, workflow systems, and practical next steps for building something people can actually use, test, and grow. This bootcamp is designed for early-stage founders, hackathon builders, vibe coders, solo entrepreneurs, and anyone with an idea they want to turn into a real product or business. You’ll learn how to organize your idea, define your product, build simple systems, and create a clear path from concept to launch. Schedule Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Location Online Bring your idea, your laptop, and your willingness to build. By the end of the weekend, you’ll have more clarity, more structure, and a stronger foundation for turning your prompt into profit.

SATNOV 14
8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
💰 $20+Performing ArtsHistory Talks

Beyond Belief: Magic and Mysteries with The Historical Conjurer

The Skeleton Key Odditorium939 Southwest 10th Avenue

Join Professor Dr. Schreiber and the Skeleton Key Odditorium for an historical magic experience unlike any other. Beyond Belief: Magic & Mysteries with The Historical Conjurer

Since the earliest days of the ancient ancestors, conjurers have illuminated the strange, the mysterious and the unexplained for all to see. Now, Professor Dr. Schreiber, the Historical Conjurer, will lead you on a journey through the past centuries of magic. You'll see parlor magic from a bygone era just as it was enjoyed by the elite audiences of antiquity. You will enjoy the tales of old times and smile and laugh together and experience this history of magic.

Guests are encouraged to dress in their best old-fashioned attire or whatever makes you feel comfortable. Very limited tickets are available for this exclusive event.

This performance will be followed by a brief question-and-answer time to discuss magic and history.

SUNNOV 1
Hours not provided
ToursHistory Talks

A Night with Ghosts

NW Pettygrove St & Northwest 21st AvenueMap

Experience Portland's paranormal heritage and investigate several historic ghost lore gathered from elders, books, medical journals, alienists, spiritualists, and 100s of newspaper accounts of hauntings in NW Portland. Ghost tours stop at three locations where the spirits are known to be less than peaceful and locations where the spirits have moved on. Seek out the ghost of Agnes Reid's son, little Ernest Harp's poltergeist playmate, and the Lady Over the Bar. These ghost tours are not for the faint of heart or those under the age of 12.

SUNNOV 1
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
RPGs & D&DCourses

Gateway to Adventure: D&D with Jordan M.

Gateway to Adventure is a premium D&D learning experience. Been interested in trying out Dungeons & Dragons but didn't know where to find a group or how to get started? Let us take care of that for you!

You (and your friends) can embark on a curated adventure, played out over 3 weekly sessions. You will learn all the basics from character generation to combat and roleplaying in a safe space with pro Dungeon Master Jordan (aka @gendergolemdm ).

Sessions require a minimum of 4 players to run and can accommodate up to 6 players.

If you have any questions at all about the experience or how to book please give us a call or shoot us an email at [email protected]

FRINOV 20
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Author TalksHistory Talks

Napoleon and His Marshals: Victory, Rivalry, Betrayal

Join acclaimed historian Lord Andrew Roberts for a fascinating look at the men who helped build — and ultimately unravel — Napoleon Bonaparte’s empire. In his new book, Napoleon and His Marshals, Roberts brings to life the extraordinary generals who served at Napoleon’s side, from the courageous Ney and flamboyant Murat to the tenacious Masséna, iron-willed Davout, and meticulous Berthier.

In 1804, Napoleon created the Marshalate, the highest military honor of the French Empire, and over the next decade elevated 26 of his most accomplished generals to the rank. Roberts explores their personalities, ambitions, rivalries, and complex relationships with their emperor, revealing how Napoleon’s leadership both inspired fierce loyalty and fueled destructive competition among his marshals. Ultimately, only two of the 26 would ride beside him at Waterloo.

Drawing on years of scholarship on Napoleon and his era, Roberts offers a dramatic and richly detailed portrait of the men whose military brilliance helped create Napoleon’s extraordinary empire — and whose rivalries helped bring it down.

This event is a co-production with The Chartwell Society of Oregon, a chapter of the International Churchill Society.

WEDNOV 4
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
+1 dates
LanguageCourses

Pre-Beginner ESL Class Provided by Goodwill Industries

Designed for adults with little to no prior knowledge of English. This class focuses on the English alphabet, basic phonics, numbers and survival vocabulary. Preparing students for Beginner ESL Class.
No class on September 16 or November 11.

THUNOV 5
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
History TalksAuthor TalksCultural Heritage

The Making of 1177 BC: A Graphic History of the Year Civilization Collapsed

A talk by Glynnis Fawkes.

How does a cartoonist go about adapting a work of history, specifically Eric H. Cline’s 1177 BC: The Year Civilization Collapsed? In this talk Fawkes will describe the process of interpreting Cline’s text in comics, an exercise during which she repeatedly asked herself how she might tell this story visually. Through page compositions and dramatizations in which historical figures (such as Ramses III) speak, she imagined characters for whom we have no record offering commentary and opinions. To guide the narrative, she introduced two new young characters, Pel (of the Sea Peoples) and Shesha, (an Egyptian scribe) who ask the central question of the book: Why after three prosperous centuries did the civilizations of the Eastern Mediterranean Bronze Age suddenly come to an end?

Glynnis Fawkes is the co-author with Eric H Cline and illustrator of 1177 BC: A Graphic History of the Year Civilization Collapsed (Princeton University Press). She is also the author-illustrator of Charlotte Brontë before Jane Eyre (Little, Brown)and Persephone’s Garden (Secret Acres), among other books, and her comics have appeared on the website of The New Yorker. She has worked as an archaeological illustrator around the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean and teaches at the Center for Cartoon Studies in Vermont.

Sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America and Reed's department of Greek, Latin, and Ancient Mediterranean Studies. Free and open to the public.

WEDNOV 4
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
💰 $30MeditationWorkshopsCourses

Let the Leaves Fall: Living the Autumn Life

Vanessa Grace of Soul Amplified will lead a workshop about the spiritual aspects of autumn from 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 4 at Self Balance Massage, 8301 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave., Vancouver. Autumn is the transition between the outward-focused, fast pace of summer and inward-focused, slow pace of winter. Students will learn how to “live the autumn life” in preparation for winter, the art of releasing and the significance of endings. Grace will lead participants in a guided mediation, leaf release ritual and journaling. The cost is $30, including a digital workbook. For details, email [email protected].

SUNNOV 8
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
💰 $265BooksReadingsCourses

Theodor Adorno: Minima Moralia

When the nation and culture you grew up in and love have been taken over by a war-waging fascist dictatorship, how do you come to understand the nature and causes of what has happened? Perhaps you can do this only after you fled for your life. How then would you look at the ruins left inside yourself? This was the situation faced by one of the most sophisticated and profound thinkers of the twentieth century, Theodor Adorno (1903–1969), when he found himself living in Los Angeles during World War II after escaping from Nazi Germany.

In this Delve we will study Adorno’s Minima Moralia: Reflections from Damaged Life—the amazing book he wrote between 1944 and 1949 to explore his feelings about the calamitous situation of a world facing despotism. We will read the entire book and focus on selected essays. The book is made up of 153 very short essays, ranging from 1-3 pages. The essays focus his philosophical genius on deeply observed and subtle aspects of ourselves that contribute to or resist the ways in which we are socialized that result in alienation, loss of will and agency, and unfulfillment. He explores consumer culture, the arts, and politics along with his recollections of the rise of fascism. Each essay is a deep and intricate knot of feelings and ideas, presented by a contemplative, perseverant, unblinking thinker of the highest order Although written in grief, Adorno always seeks hope by confronting, with maximum honesty and penetration, the deep roots of the problems human society faces. Minima Moralia is a monument to the sensitive study of culture and our psyches amidst disaster trauma. Adorno’s brilliant and strong style make this book a pleasure to think with. In this Delve we will read the entire book and focus on selected entries.

Text:
Minima Moralia: Reflections from Damaged Life<, Theodor Adorno, translator E. F. N. Jephcott (Verso)

Access Program
We want our writing classes and seminars to be accessible to everyone, regardless of income and background. We understand that our tuition structure can present obstacles for some people. Our Access Program offers writing class and seminar tuitions at a reduced rate. Most writing classes have at least one access spot available.

Please apply here for access rate tuition. Contact Susan Moore at [email protected] if you have questions.

Liaison position
Every in-person class and seminar at Literary Arts has one liaison position. Liaisons perform specific duties for each class meeting. If you are a liaison for a class or seminar, the full amount of your tuition is covered by Literary Arts.

Apply here for the liaison position.

THUNOV 12
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
RSVP requiredHistory TalksAuthor Talks

Permanent Ink: Why We Still Love Print in the Digital Age

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text margin_bottom=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1793313257834{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]We once depended on handwriting for recording information. Then the printing press changed everything. We could record, store, and access information in thousands of copies. Five hundred years later, the digital revolution is transforming things again. Today, we get information from millions of websites in milliseconds with search engines and AI.

Technology has always shaped the way we’ve stayed informed, expressed ourselves, and stayed connected as communities. What lessons do earlier technologies, like print, hold for us today in the age of AI and digital overload? And why, despite the speed and convenience of newer technologies, is print more popular than ever?

At the end of the talk, audiences will get the chance to try printing on a portable press.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Geoffrey Turnovsky is professor of French at the University of Washington. His teaching and research focus on the cultural history of early modern France and Europe, and the history of print, books, authorship, and reading. He is the author of Reading Typographically: Immersed in Print in Early Modern France.

Geoffrey lives in Seattle.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”turquoise” border_width=”2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1793313188911{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Reservations are now open!

Admission is FREE, but reservations are required due to limited seating.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”RESERVE A SEAT” color=”warning” size=”lg” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fthehistorictrust.rezdy.com%2F781920%2Fpermanent-ink-why-we-still-love-print-in-the-digital-age%3F_gl%3D1*zutbgg*_gcl_au*MTA5ODE3MTY3MS4xNzkwMjg5MTQzLjY2NDI0MTc5MS4xNzkwMjg5MTQ2LjE3OTAyODkxOTkuODQzMTY1ODM2LjE3OTAyODkxNDYuMTc5MDI4OTE5OQ..*_ga*MTM2NDc5Mzk1NS4xNzczODQ4NTkw*_ga_J7SXS0R0D6*czE3OTAzNTA1OTIkbzEyNSRnMSR0MTc5MDM3NTAyMSRqMzckbDAkaDY0Njc2MjQ1MQ..”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”turquoise” border_width=”2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1791842995682{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]The Historic Trust Fall Speakers Series is Presented by University Village

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THUNOV 19
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Doors 5:30 PM
💰 $18FolkPerforming ArtsHistory Talks

Stories and Songs of Woody Guthrie: A Musical History Performance by Joel Underwood

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1793138732555{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”] Musician, historian, and storyteller Joel Underwood returns to Vancouver for an engaging performance about the life and music of folksinger and activist Woody Guthrie.

Guthrie’s music has seen a resurgence in the past several months, having been featured in recent concerts by artists such as Bruce Springsteen. It resonates with audiences today as much as, or maybe even more than, it did when This Land Is Your Land was released and gained widespread popularity in 1949.

Guthrie composed 26 songs in 30 days while riding along the Columbia River and touring the Grand Coulee Dam Project in 1941. With his unique, authentic voice, he chronicled both the grandeur and the perils of what he called “The Greatest Thing That Man Has Ever Done” as an employee of the Bonneville Power Administration. His time here in the Pacific Northwest inspired a swell of patriotism that led Guthrie to enlist in the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II, after which he returned home to fame and notoriety, but also to tragedy and tremendous personal loss.

This interactive musical history performance will have you singing along to “Roll on Columbia,” “Pastures of Plenty,” and of course, “This Land is Your Land,” and learning the—sometimes hilarious, sometimes tragic—stories behind the songs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”chino” border_width=”3″ css=””][mk_padding_divider size=”15″][vc_column_text margin_bottom=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1793378910642{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

Ticket Information:

Tickets are $18 in advance and include any applicable taxes and fees. Space is limited and tickets may sell out prior to the event. If available, tickets will be sold at the door for $25 each.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”BUY TICKETS” color=”warning” size=”lg” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fthehistorictrust.rezdy.com%2F785642%2Fstories-and-songs-of-woody-guthrie-a-musical-history-performance-by-joel-underwood%3F_gl%3D1*1lfr4za*_gcl_au*MTY5MjM4MzMwNy4xNzkzMTE0NTQ4LjIwOTI0MjQzNDQuMTc5MzExNDU1MS4xNzkzMTE0NTU1LjE1OTcwMTU0MTcuMTc5MzExNDU1MS4xNzkzMTE0NTU1*_ga*MTM2NDc5Mzk1NS4xNzczODQ4NTkw*_ga_J7SXS0R0D6*czE3OTMxMTQwNTIkbzE1MSRnMSR0MTc5MzExNTEyMyRqNTAkbDAkaDE1MzQzMzQzMTQ.”][vc_column_text margin_bottom=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1793378820300{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]General admission seating in Providence Academy Chapel pews will be available on a first-come first-served basis. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. (30 minutes prior to performance start time). Free parking is available in the Providence Academy lot (the Aeon Apartments parking lot is NOT available for event parking).

This event is a fundraiser for The Historic Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Proceeds from ticket sales support its mission to inspire civic pride and economic vitality through education, preservation, and celebration of our community’s history.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=”15″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

TUENOV 10
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Author TalksHistory Talks

Ken Yarnell

In March of 1977, Milwaukie had our own "madness" experience.

With no warning at all, Milwaukie’s HS Boys Basketball team won two Play-In games to qualify for the AAA State Tournament. The basketball play was earnest, but not extraordinary. The FAN support from the school and the community was amazing and fueled the dark horse ride.

We invite any and all who wish to revive the energy of high school basketball showdowns to a special pop-up event!

On Tuesday, November 10, The Riff on Main Street welcomes Ken Yarnell, a key member of the Medford Black Tornado team that derailed Milwaukie’s trip at the ball in the round of eight.

Ken recently published Coaching Against Champions, which draws from his long, highly respected career as a coach. He’ll tip things off by sharing a handful of stories that recapture the magic every community knows as Oregon HS Basketball.

Hey Mustangs and Friends, Let’s Fill the Seats! Coach Yarnell Huddle & Book Launch

Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Tip Off: 5:00 PM
Final Buzzer: 7:00 PM

No-host Beverages and Light Snacks

Location:
The Riff in Milwaukie
10801 SE Main St., Milwaukie, OR 97222
(971) 206-8896

After the final buzzer at 7 PM, ALL are encouraged to explore the MANY amazing eats within easy dribbling distance!

Learn More

TUENOV 10
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Tech HelpWorkshopsCourses55+ / Seniors

Smartphone or Device Help

Beaverton City Library12375 SW Fifth St

Do you know how to remove apps? What to do if your phone memory is full? How to improve battery life? Learn these skills and more for your Apple, Android, or Microsoft devices in a focused, 1:1 session with volunteers from SeniorTechPals, and bring your phone or tablet.

Registration strongly encouraged, but drop-ins can wait to receive help.

SUNNOV 1
Hours not provided
+20 more
💰 $50+Food & DrinkWorkshopsToursHistory TalksArts & Media

Build-a-Bar Experience

creo chocolate100 NE Farragut St #102

Creo's signature Build-a-Bar experience is the perfect outing for a family, date night, or activity for tourists or visiting guests. Guests don hairnets and aprons and get a peek behind the scenes at how Portland's most award-winning chocolatiers craft their chocolates. Guided by one of the owners, guests will learn the history of chocolate and how Creo sources all their cacao from one family farm in Ecuador. Guests sample different types of chocolates throughout the approximately 90-minute experience, which culminates with guests making a custom chocolate bar of their own to take home.

Dates and times vary.

THUNOV 19
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Cultural HeritageArts & MediaHistory Talks

Nazanin Hedayat Munroe: Dress as Identity in the Early Modern Islamic World

Location Art BuildingMap

Join us for a talk with Dr. Nazanin Hedayat Munroe, Mary Ausplund Tooze Endowed Visiting Professor of Islamic + Ancient Art!

From luxury silks to patched wool, dress across the early modern Islamic world communicated the inner and outer states of its wearers through a shared language of regional and religious codes. In this lecture, Dr. Munroe examines how clothing and textiles expressed social status, political allegiance, spiritual devotion, and personal taste.

Nazanin Hedayat Munroe is Director of Textiles and Associate Professor of Fashion at City University of New York. An artist and art historian, she is author of several books and articles, including Sufi Lovers, Safavid Silks and Early Modern Identity (Amsterdam University Press, 2023/Routledge, 2025), winner of the R.L. Shep Award from Textile Society of America.

This talk is made possible by the generous support of the Mary Ausplund Tooze Endowed Visiting Professor of Islamic & Ancient Art fund.

Image: Man's Robe (Jama) with Poppies, 17th Century (Metropolitan Museum of Art, 29.135)

THUNOV 5
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
RSVP requiredWorkshopsHistory Talks

An Anti-Sanism Toolkit Workshop

Join us for an evening where learn how to break cycles that police normalcy and control information in society. From the creator of the Bedlam Book Club podcast comes a workshop about how to identify and disrupt the ableist social dynamics that often cloud discussions of truth and power.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about how definitions of madness have been used to direct power throughout history, and how to avoid replicating these cycles in our personal lives.

The first half will focus on the basics of mad studies and the history of madness in the West. After a break, the workshop will detail how these ideas show up in daily life, how to interrupt them, and healthier ways of building knowledge and trust together.

Workshop will be very hands-on and will contain lots of opportunities for discussion and questions. Zines, reading lists, and other resources will be available.

RSVP required! Sliding scale suggested donation $5-$25 (No one turned away for lack of funds!)

WEDNOV 4
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Registration requiredHistory TalksArts & Media

SPECIAL TALK: PITTOCK MANSION THEN AND NOW

Cedar Mills LibraryMap
In celebration of the upcoming stop-motion film, Wildwood, join us in exploring one of the Wildwood Trail’s most historic landmarks. Meet Pittock Mansion’s CEO, Paula Gangopadhyay, and learn about the Mansion’s history, its unique architecture, the Pittock family, their contemporaries, and untold stories of those who built and worked at the mansion. Paula will also share how the Pittock Mansion Society is working on new community engagement initiatives to connect the landmark to the broader history of Portland and the surrounding region. Registration is required, and includes a reminder email. There are 50 spots available. This talk will take place at the Cedar Mills Library. Visit: https://cedarmillbethany.libcal.com/event/17416129 or click the button below to register.
MONNOV 16
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
+11 dates
Holidays & SeasonalMuseumsGalleriesHistory Talks

Pittock Mansion: Home for the Holidays

Pittock Mansion3229 Northwest Pittock Drive

Complementing the mansion's upcoming exhibit will be the 2026 Home for the Holidays — Holidays from Around the World annual celebration. Eighteen rooms throughout the mansion and Gate Lodge will be transformed into festive displays inspired by holiday traditions from Europe, the Middle East, China, India, South America, Mexico, and beyond.

Since March, dedicated volunteer decorators have been thoughtfully developing their design concepts and bringing their creative visions to life. For the first time, nine community organizations are joining the efforts. Through these new collaborations, Pittock Mansion introduces new members of the Portland community to the mansion while welcoming back familiar faces and longtime supporters to experience the warmth, beauty, and joy of the holidays at Portland’s beloved home — The Pittock Mansion.

Make this season the most memorable yet. Pittock Mansion‘s Home for the Holidays, Holidays Around the World. The Portland Then and Now: The Changing Demographics exhibit will also be open throughout the Home for the Holidays celebration. During the holiday season, visitors can enjoy both experiences with a single admission ticket.

THUNOV 12
4:45 AM – 6:45 AM
Cultural HeritageHistory Talks

'Who can be a Japanese Emperor?: Japan's Insistence on Male-Line Succession' A Presentation by Prof. Thomas Naruse, Kokushikan University

'Who can be a Japanese Emperor?: Japan's Insistence on Male-Line Succession'
A Presentation by Prof. Thomas Naruse, Kokushikan University
Hosted by the Center for Japanese Studies

 The Japanese imperial system has been facing a declining number of imperial family members. Under the current system, only male members of imperial family are eligible for succession. However, at present, there is only one male member under the age of 50. While there are 5 female members under 50 years old, since current legislation stipulates that female members leave the imperial family upon their marriage, there are concerns about the shrinking number of imperial family members.

 Regarding this situation, the Japanese Diet and government are considering countermeasures. While there is strong public support for allowing a female emperor, the Diet and government continue to insist on succession through the male-line. As of June 2026, the government is drafting amendments for Imperial House Law to deal with the situation, but the policy of maintaining male-line succession remains unchanged.

 In this lecture, Prof. Naruse will examine why the Japanese Diet and government continue to adhere to male-line succession and what lies behind this policy. Beginning with the history of the emperor system and the rules governing imperial succession, he will discuss the current challenges facing the imperial system and the measures proposed to address them, how and why the Japanese Diet and government insist on male-line so strongly.

12:45 PM, Thursday, November 12, 2026
Fariborz Maseeh Hall Room 333
Free and Open to the Public
Please use the Broadway Entrance

For more information on the Center for Japanese Studies and our upcoming events, please visit: https://www.pdx.edu/japanese-studies

THUNOV 19
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
💰 $20+History TalksMuseums

Look Back Lectures: 175 Years of the Oregonian

Museum of the Oregon Territory211 Tumwater Drive

Samantha Swindler, a reporter with The Oregonian, will talk about the newspaper's history as it celebrates its 175th anniversary. The Oregonian was founded in 1850. It’s the oldest newspaper on the West Coast and one of Oregon’s oldest continuously operating businesses. The talk will include ties to Clackamas County, such as the race between Portland and Milwaukie to see who would get a newspaper first, and Oregonian editor Thomas Dryer’s infamous feuds with Asahel Bush, editor of the Oregon Statesman, originally founded in Oregon City.

Samantha Swindler joined The Oregonian in 2013 as editor of the weekly Forest Grove Leader suburban newspaper and has since been a columnist, video producer, editor and reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Before moving to the Portland area, she was publisher of the Tillamook Headlight-Herald on the Oregon Coast, and served as editor of rural newspapers in Texas and Kentucky. In 2010, she received the Tom and Pat Gish Award for courage, integrity and tenacity in rural journalism following a series of reports on corruption within an East Kentucky sheriff’s department. She currently covers news and features from Oregon City and other parts of Clackamas County, where she also lives.

FRINOV 6
6:00 PM
Registration requiredCooking ClassesCultural HeritageWorkshopsHistory Talks

Soup & Bread: Haitian-style

Friday, November 6, 2026
6:00-8:30pm
with
Elsy

Why Do Haitians Eat Pumpkin Soup (Soup Joumou)?

Soup Joumou is much more than a delicious Haitian pumpkin soup. It is a powerful symbol of freedom.

During the colonial era in Saint-Domingue, now Haiti, enslaved Haitians prepared elaborate foods for their French colonizers while living under a brutal system of slavery that denied them freedom and dignity. Soup Joumou was one of the dishes the slaves were not permitted to enjoy.

After Haitians defeated the French and declared their independence in 1804, this pumpkin soup (Soup Joumou) became a symbol of their newly won freedom. Today, Haitians around the world continue the tradition of eating Soup Joumou on January 1st to celebrate Haiti’s Independence Day and honor the courage, resilience, and freedom of their ancestors.

In this hands-on class, we’ll explore the history and cultural significance of Soup Joumou while learning different ways to prepare this delicious Haitian soup.

We’ll also make French baguette and Haitian bread from scratch to enjoy alongside our Soup Joumou.

  • Students may choose to use beef in their Soup Joumou or keep it vegan.

  • Registration for this class will close on Wednesday, November 4 at 6pm, so we have time to shop for ingredients and prep class materials.

Please view our FAQs before registering.

MONNOV 2
5:30 PM – 6:15 PM
+4 dates
CoursesKids (5-11)SportsFitness

Martial Arts - Tae Kwon Do Kids Continued

Get your 'kicks' with us! Discover the Korean martial art that uses kicks, blocks & strikes to increase self-confidence & discipline. Students develop better coordination, strength & flexibility with non-contact drills & sparring. Gain life skills through an emphasis on the 5 tenants: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control & indomitable spirit.

Ages: At least 5 but less than 8

Openings: 8

WEDNOV 4
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
+2 dates
Clubs & MeetingsBooksCourses

Prompt at Powell’s City of Books – Fall

Powell's City of Books1005 West Burnside Street

Prompt is an 8-week writing group full of freewriting, listening, and strengths-based feedback, hosted behind-the-scenes at Powell’s City of Books. With accountability and community built in — as well as a huge selection of books for inspiration — you’ll be sure to come away with tons of new ideas.

MONNOV 2
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Cooking ClassesDiningTeensWorkshopsCourses

The Teen Table

The Teen Table is a relaxed, hands-on cooking experience for teens who want to feel more comfortable in the kitchen, learn to cook for themselves, and spend time with other teens who enjoy good food.

Whether they’re brand new to cooking or already have some experience, we’ll focus on building practical skills and confidence. Rather than following strict recipes, teens will learn how to think like a home cook—how to make decisions, work with what they have, adjust as they go, and turn simple ingredients into food they’re excited to eat.

We’ll also cover meal planning, kitchen organization, time management, using ingredients thoughtfully, making adjustments, and cleaning up. Most importantly, teens will gain the confidence to cook without needing a recipe to tell them exactly what to do.

Every class ends with everyone sitting down together to enjoy what we’ve made—because cooking is more fun when it’s shared, and learning how to feed yourself well is a pretty great skill to have.

The goal is simple: to help teens feel at home in the kitchen, make food they enjoy, and learn how to take care of themselves through cooking.

November Menu:

  • Herb Roasted Chicken

  • Seasonal Vegetable Sides

December Menu:

  • Veggie Chili

  • Cornbread

What to expect:

  • Price is per person and includes the class, all ingredients, and dinner.

  • Each class is hands-on and centered around preparing a meal together. We’ll cook, talk, experiment, ask questions, make mistakes, and figure things out along the way. There’s no pressure to already know what you’re doing or to be a “chef”— just a welcoming space to learn at your own pace.

  • Some food allergies and intolerances can be accommodated, but please note that we may cook with eggs, dairy, nuts, poultry, beef, pork, and fish. If you’re unsure whether the class will be a good fit for your dietary needs, please inquire before registering.

  • This series is for kids aged 13-18

About our Instructor:

Chef Leta Merrill is the founder and Pasta Maia, a seasoned culinary instructor, and also a mom of teens. She loves cooking with families and teaching young cooks in a fun, hands-on environment. Inspired by the Cucina Povera philosophy of simple, resourceful cooking made with love, Leta brings old-world Italian warmth and a love of gathering around the table to every class.

WEDNOV 4
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Talks & LecturesWorkshopsCourses

Tenant Rights Workshop

Learn about your tenant and survivor rights as renters with YWCA Clark County and Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program’s Housing Justice Project during a workshop from 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at YWCA Clark County, 3609 Main St., Vancouver. Participants will learn about their rights and responsibilities as tenants, common housing issues and available legal resources. The workshop will also provide information specifically for survivors of domestic violence, including housing protections and considerations and resources to support housing stability. Register at eventbrite.com/e/tenant-rights-workshop-tickets-2002166313340.

SUNNOV 1
1:00 PM
+7 dates
All agesAdvance ticket requiredToursHistory TalksArts & Media

Mission Theater History & Art Tour

Discover the rich history of Oregon's original theater pub on our Mission Theater History & Art Tour! Hear all the dramatic details, from our Swedish Mission days to hosting Portland's longshoremen union during one of the largest dockworkers strikes in the country to the playhouse whose short-lived residency may or may not have had something to do with "the Scottish Play," and beyond!

Tour will take about 60-75 minutes; entrance is at the main doors of Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan St, Portland, OR 97209). Doors open approximately 15 mins before the tour starts, and entry may not be guaranteed after 1pm.

Please note: Tour may include stairs and standing for extended periods of time.

Passport holders: This tour is eligible for the Mission Theater location stamp and an Attend a History Sponsored Event experience stamp.

For private group tours, contact [email protected]

SATNOV 21
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
History TalksCultural Heritage

NAHM: Removal of the Tribes with Dr. David Lewis

Learn the history of how the Kalapuyans and Chinookans signed treaties, were placed on temporary reserves and then removed to Grand Ronde. David G. Lewis, PhD and member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, is a recognized researcher, scholar, writer and assistant professor of anthropology and Indigenous studies at Oregon State University.

SATNOV 14
10:00 AM
RSVP requiredWorkshopsCoursesTalks & Lectures

Mason Bees Unwrapped: The Art & Science of Cocoon Harvesting

Community Nature Center, Carty Unit — Ridgefield National Wildlife RefugeMap

Master Gardener and Master Melittologist Anne Bulger on native mason bees: why they’re such good pollinators, what’s hiding inside their nesting tubes, and how to harvest and clean cocoons so your bees make it through winter healthy. Good for total beginners and people already hosting bees. Part of the Community Workshop Series. Sign up ahead.

SUNNOV 8
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
💰 $25WorkshopsCoursesTeensArts & Media

K-Pop Dance Workshops at Metropolitan Performing Arts

Metropolitan Performing Arts will offer K-Pop Dance Workshops on Nov. 8, Dec. 6 and Jan. 17, taught by Caitlin Bui. From 1:30-3 p.m. Nov. 8, kids 12-18 will learn “Iconic by Mistake” by Katseye, Illit and Le Serrafim. From 1:30-3 p.m. Dec. 6, kids 12-18 will learn “The Feels.” The Jan. 17 class from 3:30-5 p.m. is for kids ages 8-12. Each class is $25.

SUNNOV 15
2:30 PM
💰 $10 general admission, $5 for members with code on back of membership cardCultural HeritageHistory TalksCivic & Government

How We Show Up Closing Panel

How We Show Up Closing Panel November 15, 2026 Admission: $10 general admission, $5 for members with code on back of membership card Location: Auditorium, OJMCHE Share × " class="share-btn"> Share on Facebook &text=How We Show Up Closing Panel" class="share-btn"> Share on Twitter Email Sunday, November 15 | 2-3:30pm What does civic participation look like? How has the Jewish community shaped Oregon throughout its history? Panelists will discuss these questions and more in a lively discussion exploring Jewish civic engagement in Oregon, from building towns and holding office to advocating for civil rights, immigrant communities, and social justice. Speakers include Ellen Eisenberg, lead advisor to the exhibition and preeminent Western Jewish scholar; Ellen Rosenblum, Oregon’s former attorney general and first woman elected to the role; Paul Solomon, criminal justice advocate and grandson of federal judge Gus J. Solomon; and Portland City Councilor Elana Pirtle-Guiney. This program is presented as part of How We Show Up: Oregon Jews in Civil Society, An America 250 Exhibition . About the Panelists Ellen Eisenberg holds the Dwight and Margaret Lear Professorship in American History at Willamette University. Her published work includes five books on American Jewish history and, particularly, the history of Jews in the American West, including National Jewish Book Award finalist The First to Cry Down Injustice? Western Jews and Japanese Removal during WWII and a two-volume history of Jews in Oregon, Embracing a Western Identity: Jewish Oregonians, 1849–1950 and The Jewish Oregon Story, 1950–2015. A former federal prosecutor and state trial and appellate judge, Ellen Rosenblum was first elected as Oregon’s 17th Attorney General in November 2012, and was reelected in November 2016. She is the first woman to serve as Oregon’s Attorney General. As Attorney General, Rosenblum has focused on standing up for the most vulnerable Oregonians. Her priorities included consumer protection and civil rights, as well as advocating for and protecting Oregon’s children, seniors, immigrants and crime victims, and those saddled with education-related debt. She currently leads Freshfields’ State Attorneys General (State AG) practice. Ellen and her husband have two children and live in Portland, Oregon. Elana Pirtle-Guiney was elected as a District 2 City Councilor in November 2024. She has spent her career standing up for working families – as a union organizer, a policy expert, an

THUNOV 19
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
History TalksMuseums

Look Back Lecture Series: 175 Years of the Oregonian

Samantha Swindler, reporter with the Oregonian, will talk about the history of the newspaper, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary. The Oregonian was founded in 1850. It’s the oldest newspaper on the West Coast and one of Oregon’s oldest continuously operating businesses. The talk will include ties to Clackamas County, including the race between Portland and Milwaukie to see who would get a newspaper first, and Oregonian editor Thomas Dryer’s infamous feuds with Asahel Bush, editor of Oregon Statesman, originally founded in Oregon City.

About the Speaker

Samantha Swindler joined The Oregonian in 2013 as editor of the weekly Forest Grove Leader suburban newspaper and has since been a columnist, video producer, editor and reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Before moving to the Portland area, she was publisher of the Tillamook Headlight-Herald on the Oregon Coast, and served as editor of rural newspapers in Texas and Kentucky. In 2010, she received the Tom and Pat Gish Award for courage, integrity and tenacity in rural journalism following a series of reports on corruption within an East Kentucky sheriff’s department. She currently covers news and features from Oregon City and other parts of Clackamas County, where she also lives.

Museum of the Oregon Territory - 2nd Floor (Murdock Gallery)
211 Tumwater Dr.
Oregon City, OR, 97045ADMISSION$10 FOR MEMBERS$20 For Non-Members

Live, in-person, history programs are at the Museum of the Oregon Territory with the Look Back Lecture Series! See experts recount histories from our region, ranging from culture and community to nature and ecology. Click this link to see what lecture series are coming next.

WEDNOV 4
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
💰 $360CoursesWorkshopsTalks & LecturesArts & Media

Journalism for Every Writer

Journalism isn’t only for journalists. The practice involves skills that are useful to any and all writers across genres and levels of experience. At its core, reporting is the process of asking questions and seeking answers, which is something all writers do in one form or another. In addition to interviews, research is a valuable tool for any writer to deepen and expand their understanding of a chosen subject and fact-checking can heighten the rigor and truth of any work, even the most fantastical fiction.

As part of their training, journalists learn how to distill a story down to its core components, make it legible to a wide audience, and structure information to maximize impact. These are skills and practices that all writers can benefit from. Whether there’s a journalist character in your novel, a historical component to your memoir, a narrative aspect to your academic work, or a poem that provides a glimpse into an unknown world, this class will provide a basic understanding of journalism that any writer can apply to any project.

Course outcomes:
● Writers are introduced to the fundamentals of reporting, research, writing, editing and fact-checking
● Writers explore how to incorporate these skills into their writing practice
● Writers gain confidence applying these skills in their own projects, outside of the classroom

Class schedule:
Week 1: The Journalist Mindset—Week 1 provides an overarching introduction to the key concepts of journalism and how it can be applied to any writing project. Concepts include the “5 Ws + H” and newsworthiness.

Week 2: Reporting and Research—Students will learn interview techniques; discuss other ways to access information, like court documents, public records and archives; and review best practices for research, like relying on primary source documents and vetting journal articles.

Week 3: Writing & Structure—How to write and structure a basic news story, with a discussion of how those core principles (like the inverted pyramid) can apply to any writing project. It will also address how to approach writing a feature story, which requires using information to build scenes and character development.

Week 4:
Ethics & Accuracy—How to fact-check and why it matters. Students will learn what goes into fact-checking and how to ensure that the information they have gathered is accurate. They will also learn core ethical principles of journalism, such as objectivity, independence, as well as how to handle attribution (on vs off the record) and how to handle sources requesting anonymity or who are not telling the truth.

Week 5: Organization and Pitching. In this session, students will get tips on how to keep all their reporting notes and material organized to help streamline the writing, editing and fact-checking process. The class will also cover the basics and best practices of pitching so students feel empowered to send their ideas out into the world.

Week 6: Workshop. The final class will be dedicated to discussing each student’s ideas and providing collective guidance and feedback. Whether it’s a question about a story’s angle or a full-fledged pitch, this session will be a forum for everyone to take their journalistic aspirations to the next level, incorporating what they’ve learned over the past five weeks.

Access Program
We want our writing classes and seminars to be accessible to everyone, regardless of income and background. We understand that our tuition structure can present obstacles for some people. Our Access Program offers writing class and seminar tuitions at a reduced rate. Most writing classes have at least one access spot available.

Please apply here for access rate tuition. Contact Susan Moore at [email protected] if you have questions.

Liaison position
Every in-person class and seminar at Literary Arts has one liaison position. Liaisons perform specific duties for each class meeting. If you are a liaison for a class or seminar, the full amount of your tuition is covered by Literary Arts.

Apply here for the liaison position.

MONNOV 2
6:00 PM
+4 dates
CraftsCourses

6-Week Crafting Cohort at Treebeerd's PDX

Mondays, November 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, and Dec 7th from 6-8 pm (with exception on Nov 9th— start time will be 7 pm due to a private event prior.) 15 spots available. Select dates have a limited number of drop-in seats! $200 for six 2 hour sessions across six weeks on Mondays. All materials included. Rotating craft each week— giftable and practical items, perfect for bringing cheer to your home in winter, or knocking out some christmas gifts and stocking stuffers early. We will start with some icebreaker activites to build friendship and connection, but no stereotypical, topical, awkward stuff. I’d love it if some of you remained friends after you left me, and I will facilitate building lasting connections. :) Photo Samples coming soon. Monday, November 2nd, 6-8 pm, Session 1: 1” and 2” Buttons and magnets (make 6+ each using collage, watercolor, or personal photos) GUEST COHOST: AFISHFORTHEO Monday, November 9th, 7-9 pm, Session 2: on Nov 9th— start time will be 7 pm due to a private event prior.) Mini block printing (make five 1” x 2” stamps and one 2×3” stamp, then stamp tradeable and giftable mini prints, cards, bookmarks, and more) Monday, November 16th, 6-8 pm, Session 3: USB “Magic Charm” Lantern Monday, November 23rd, 6-8 pm, Session 4: Beaded crystal suncatcher dangles (make as many as you want in session) Monday, November 30th, 6-8 pm, Session 5: Poetry writing session, draft a few poems with guided inspiration prompts, then take turns typing on the typewriter and framing them Monday, December 7th, 6-8 pm, Session 6: Framed multimedia trinket bricolage— arrange colorful and nostalgic trinkets in a frame, adding accents of sparkle, paint, etc to taste. GUEST COHOST: ISPYJUNK

TUENOV 3
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
+3 dates
RSVP required55+ / SeniorsMeditationBooksCoursesClubs & Meetings

Wise Aging: Exploring Life’s Next Chapter Together

Wise Aging: Exploring Life’s Next Chapter Together
Tuesdays, October 13–November 17 | 10:00–11:30am
Register Here

Growing older isn’t just about adding years; it’s about discovering new ways to find meaning, connection, and joy. Join a welcoming community of adults 60+ for a six-week journey of reflection, conversation, and personal growth. Together, we’ll explore this stage of life with resilience, purpose, and wisdom.

​Through guided conversations, mindfulness practices, journaling, and shared experiences, you’ll gain practical tools and fresh perspectives for navigating life’s transitions. Together, we’ll explore topics such as embracing change, cultivating meaningful relationships, enhancing well-being, and creating a lasting legacy.

​Based on the book Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience, and Spirit by Rabbi Rachel Cowan and Dr. Linda Thal, this series uses the book as a guide for discussion and reflection.

Because each session builds on the last, participants are asked to commit to attending all six weeks, allowing the group to develop trust, meaningful connections, and rich conversations together.

​The series is facilitated by Laura Ziegler, an experienced trainer and group facilitator who is passionate about helping older adults embrace the opportunities and transitions of the Third Act.

​This series is free to attend, but registration is required. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Participants are asked to purchase a copy of the Wise Aging book prior to the first session. If the cost of the book is a barrier, please let us know — we’re happy to provide a copy.

TUENOV 3
10:00 AM
Registration requiredTalks & LecturesWorkshopsCoursesWellness55+ / SeniorsBoard Games

Resource & Support Classes

Lake OswegoMap
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Strengthen your household readiness through the "Be 2 Weeks Ready" program, presented by PrepLO. Learn how to prepare for disasters like earthquakes, storms, and wildfires. This essential training includes hands-on CPR/AED instruction provided directly by the Lake Oswego Fire Department (LOFD).

Fee: FREE (Pre-registration is required)

Evening Workshops (Held at the Adult Community Center - ACC)

Thursday, September 10 • 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Course ID: 33840 • Register Online

Thursday, December 10 • 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Course ID: 33841 • Register Online

Weekend Workshops (Held at Lake Oswego Recreation & Aquatic Center - LORAC)

Saturday, September 5 • 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Course ID: 33842 • Register Online

Saturday, December 5 • 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Course ID: 33844 • Register Online

HEALTH & WELLNESS EDUCATION Evidence-based community seminars covering healthy aging, functional physical safety, and behavioral well-being. Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Masterclass

Tuesday, October 20 • 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Course ID: 35016
Fee: FREE

Join clinical experts from Providence Health & Services to learn how age-related changes in balance, physical strength, and general medical health affect daily mobility. Discover concrete ways to minimize risks by modifying everyday medications, assessing footwear choice, and addressing common home environment hazards. Includes a short, participatory tai chi balance demonstration.

Presented by: Providence Health Leaders
Register Online

Aging Well: A Longevity Series

Thursdays, October 22 – November 12 • 12–1:30 p.m.
Course ID: 34887
Fee: Resident $36 / Non-Resident $54 (4-week course)

This structural, evidence-based series features weekly presentations by Providence clinical directors focused on optimizing physiological health as you age. Learn actionable, science-backed lifestyle habits designed to promote everyday brain fitness, strengthen emotional resilience, and maximize lifetime physical vitality rooted in the latest senior medical research.

Presented by: Providence Clinical Directors
Register Online

Mental Health First Aid (QPR Training)

Tuesday, November 3 • 10–11:30 a.m.
Course ID: 34823
Fee: FREE

Join representatives from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for an invaluable QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training session. Participants will learn how to recognize early situational warning signs, ask supportive, compassionate direct questions, and safely guide neighbors, friends, and family toward life-saving community crisis resources.

Presented by: NAMI NW Advisors
Register Online

COMMUNITY INTEREST & RECREATION Interactive workshops and group programs designed to build technical skill, improve home spaces, and foster connection. Bridge – Supervised Play

Tuesdays • 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Fee: Resident $20 / Non-Resident $25 per multi-week section

Elevate your card game in a supportive, structured environment! Curated for enthusiasts who possess standard background play experience, this community class weaves short, technical lessons with real-time coached table play. Refine card play execution, clarify bidding options on the fly, and share the friendly table camaraderie of fellow players.

Section A (Sept 8 – Oct 27): Course ID: 35364 • Register Online
Section B (Nov 3 – Dec 15): Course ID: 35365 • Register Online

Home Repair, Accessibility & Weatherization Workshop

Thursday, October 29 • 2–4 p.m.
Course ID: 35370
Fee: FREE

Learn how to optimize your living space to be safer, energy-efficient, and structurally accessible using public county support systems. Experienced case managers from Clackamas County will detail application criteria for free residential weatherization upgrades, low-cost deferred maintenance home improvement loans, and localized senior accessibility renovation grants.

Presented by: Clackamas County Program Coordinators
Register Online

Past Educational Programs Archive The following informational lectures and multi-week series have successfully concluded. Thank you to our regional partner organizations and guest instructors!
  • Life’s Final Chapter Series (May/June): A thoughtful practical exploration covering end-of-life logistics, medical directives, and grief support, facilitated alongside Death Doulas NW and End of Life Choices Oregon.
  • Estrangement & Reunion Workshops (May/June): Multi-session mental health family guidance led by the licensed marriage and family therapists of Family Ties Counseling Center.
  • Caregiver Support & Resilience Intensives (May/June): Specialized, four-hour professional workshops covering dementia communication habits and chronic caregiver burnout prevention, led by Dr. Andrea Holzner.
  • Healthy Legs as You Age (May 6): A cardiovascular educational forum addressing vein health, modern treatment options, and leg circulation, led by Dr. Toshio Nagamoto of Inovia Vein.
  • Estate Planning Basics (May 20): A legal resource class reviewing wills, asset protection vehicles, and common probate filing pitfalls, presented by Michael Rose, Attorney at Rose Elder Law.
  • Paying for Long-Term Care (June 10): A community seminar providing legal guidance on qualifying for public Medicaid benefits and managing long-term institutional residential costs, presented by Rose Elder Law.
MONNOV 9
7:00 PM · Doors 6:00 PM
History Talks

History Pub: From Forest to Faucet

2126 SW Halsey Street Blackberry Hall at Edgefield Troutdale, OR (503) 669-8610Map

By the 1890s, Portlanders had fouled their own water supply with sewage. Typhoid followed. Their audacious solution was to reach into the forests below Mount Hood, capture the cold, clear water of Bull Run, and carry it 24 miles into town. Bull Run water helped drive out typhoid and made Portland's explosive growth possible. Yet pipes and public health are only half the story. Bull Run became Portland's forbidden forest: closed, fiercely protected, and wrapped in mystery and civic pride. This is the story of a city that built a water system-and of the remote watershed that, in turn, built the city.

Joshua Ward Jeffery is a historian of American culture and religion. He has taught history, Native American studies, and law enforcement at Navajo Technical University in Chinle, Arizona, where he also managed the Navajo Police Training Academy. In a former life, Josh spent ten years working in the Bull Run Watershed, six of them leading Portland's Watershed Ranger Unit and protecting the watershed from trespass, fire, and environmental degradation.

This event will be held at Edgefield's Blackberry Hall on Monday, November 9. Doors open at 6pm for a 7pm program start. Admission is $5.

SATNOV 14
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
💰 $45ToursHistory TalksSpiritsHolidays & SeasonalMuseums

Saturday Night Spirits

Spooky season doesn’t end with Halloween! Join us for a ghost tour and investigation of the Stevens-Crawford House and a haunted history tour of the Ermatinger House. The Falls Distilling will also be joining us to serve up samples of their “spirits” and will have their gin products available to purchase. $45 More info and tickets at bit.ly/OCSaturdayNightSpirits

MONNOV 9
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
💰 $90BooksReadingsCourses

Claire Keegan: Small Things Like These and Foster

In rating Small Things Like These 41st on its list of the 100 Best Books of the 21st Century, the New York Times said: “Not a word is wasted in Keegan’s small, burnished gem of a novel, a sort of Dickensian miniature….”

This is an important novella in the vein of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, but with an ending that packs a different punch. At its center is a man torn between family, community, church, and one young woman in a terrible predicament. He must make a choice, and Keegan’s exquisite, concise writing reveals that agonizing choice. It’s a perfect story to ponder and discuss: What would you choose in his situation?

Keegan’s other work, “Foster,” is a long short story with a big impact. No word is wasted as Keegan tells the story of a young girl sent to live with another family when her own mother is fraught with problems of her own. Again, in the New York Times’s glowing review they say: “Keegan makes us complicit in what her characters want, setting us up for utter heartbreak when they don’t get it.”

Foster’s is already considered canonical and is taught as a required text for Comparative Literature in the curriculum for Ireland’s secondary schools.

Join us in this two-week exploration of these incredible short works by an Irish writer of spare prose and mmense talent.

Access Program
We want our writing classes and seminars to be accessible to everyone, regardless of income and background. We understand that our tuition structure can present obstacles for some people. Our Access Program offers writing class and seminar tuitions at a reduced rate. Most writing classes have at least one access spot available.

Please apply here for access rate tuition. Contact Susan Moore at [email protected] if you have questions.

Liaison position
Every in-person class and seminar at Literary Arts has one liaison position. Liaisons perform specific duties for each class meeting. If you are a liaison for a class or seminar, the full amount of your tuition is covered by Literary Arts.

Apply here for the liaison position.

WEDNOV 11
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
History Talks

Archaeology of Ice Age Oregon

Imagine Oregon more than 12,000 years ago. The coastline stretched miles fartherwest, vast lakes filled today’s high desert, and megafauna like mammoths, giant groundsloths, and camels still roamed the land. People were raising families, sewing clothing with bone needles and thread, harvesting plants, caring for one another, and adapting to a rapidly changing world. How do archaeologists uncover stories as old as the Ice Age? Join archaeologist Dr. Katelyn McDonough for a behind-the-scenes look at how researchers piece together the past using clues like stone tools, pollen, campfires, animal bones, microscopic plant remains, proteins preserved on tools, and even ancient poop. Hear some of archaeology’s biggest misconceptions and explore how discoveries at every scale—from molecules under a microscope to entire ancient landscapes—are transforming our understanding of the past.This talk also explores what archaeology looks like today. Discover how archaeologistscollaborate with Tribal Nations, geologists, paleoecologists, and many other specialiststo better understand the past while respecting Indigenous histories and knowledge.

Dr. Katelyn McDonough is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Curator of GreatBasin Archaeology, and Affiliated Faculty in Native American and Indigenous Studies atthe University of Oregon. She is passionate about teaching, food (past and present),exploring the microscopic world, and making archaeology more accessible foreveryone.

MONNOV 2
4:00 AM
History Talks

Penguin Talks - Mill Town to Tomorrow, The Camas Paper Mill

Mill Town to Tomorrow, The Camas Paper MillFor more than 140 years, the Camas Paper Mill has shaped the identity, economy, and culture of Camas and surrounding areas. This presentation explores the mill's origins in the 1880s, its growth into one of the region's largest employers, and its impact on generations of families. Learn about the mill's current operations, and its vision for the future.
MONNOV 2
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
CoursesWorkshops

Ritual Design & Spell Casting: Creating meaningful sacred spaces, and effective spells

This two-session class explores the foundations of intentional ritual, sacred space, and spell design. Participants will consider how to create rituals and spells that are personally meaningful, clear, aligned, and ethically grounded, while building confidence in their magical practice. Attendees must be at least 13, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

THUNOV 5
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
💰 $45Registration requiredWorkshopsCoursesCrafts

Rose Salves Workshop

Vampire Unicorns, 3510 N.E. Third Ave., Camas, will offer a Rose Salves Workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5. Students will explore folklore surrounding roses and their gentle herbal properties, then create a rose petal salve to soothe the skin and spirit. The cost is $45. Register at vampireunicorns.xyz.

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