Members of the Yasui family were among the millions of immigrants who came to the United States seeking new opportunities during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Like many Issei (first-generation Japanese immigrants), they experienced racism and oppression; state and federal laws prevented Japanese immigrants from owning land, and anti-Japanese organizations sought to strip Nisei (second-generation Japanese Americans) of their birthright citizenship. Yet Nikkei (Japanese immigrants and their descendants) like the Yasui family persisted in establishing roots in Oregon, starting families and businesses, and shaping the social and economic fabric of the communities where they lived.
In 2026, the United States marks its 250th birthday with the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence. What did the events of 1776 mean to the people living in the Mid-Willamette Valley? In this multi-part, multi-disciplinary exhibit, we will explore how echoes from the year 1776 continue to be heard in our community. […]
Athanasios (Tom) Efthimiou Stefopoulos was a factory worker, railroad man, commercial artist, and a champion penman. Art was his first love, but pursuing this was difficult for a young immigrant in an adopted country where he did not even speak the language. In 1945, he was employed by the Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railroad to […]
Gresham History Week is a summer festival for all ages! Explore events, games, tours, and activities all over the Gresham area while learning about the history all around us. History Week commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence by celebrating what makes Gresham unique — its people! Programs will include a city-wide scavenger hunt, live […]
The Greater Yamhill County U.S. Semiquincentennial Celebration honors 250 years of American independence, civic responsibility, and service. The event highlights the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the hard-fought Revolutionary War that secured our freedom, connecting those historic acts of courage to the continuing service and sacrifices of veterans who have defended that freedom […]
Join your neighbors for a nationwide communal meal on Sunday, July 5, 2026, as part of America250 Utah’s “America’s Potluck.” This initiative invites communities to slow down, share food, and connect across differences — fostering belonging, conversation, and unity. Inspired by the tradition of Sunday dinner, participants are encouraged to host or co-host a potluck […]
