Tuesday April 28th 2026
7pm / doors at 6pm
Gold mining was an important aspect of Oregon’s history, far greater than what is generally understood. Historian and author William Willingham presents extensive research from his book, Oregon Gold, and offers a comprehensive view of Oregon’s precious metal mining between 1862-1910. From the economic expansion of Portland to the role that Chinese miners played in eastern Oregon, discover how Oregon’s gold rush fits into the larger story of the American West.
William F. Willingham, PhD, taught at the college level and served as historian for the Corps of Engineers. He specializes in the fields of water resources development, architectural history, historic preservation, cultural resources management, community history, and early American and Pacific Northwest history. He is the author of six publications, including his new book, Oregon Gold: A History of Mining from the Civil War into the Progressive Era.