Susan Sokol Blosser

Portland, OR — The Oregon Historical Society (OHS) is delighted to announce the 2024 Oregon History Maker honorees. First celebrated in 2009, the annual Oregon History Makers Awards & Dinner recognizes contemporary individuals and organizations that are positively shaping the history, culture, and landscape of Oregon. The event also supports the Oregon Historical Society’s important work to collect, preserve, and interpret Oregon’s past.

The 2024 Oregon History Makers are: 

David Huang, M.D., Ph.D.

Transformational Ophthalmologist

A physician and scientist at Oregon Health & Science University, Dr. David Huang co-invented imaging technology called optical coherence tomography that helps prevent blindness, benefiting millions of people around the globe. The recipient of numerous national honors and the holder of 42 patents, Huang continues to lead research on innovating laser technology for eye health.

Charles F. Sams III

Tribal and Conservation Leader

With a distinguished career spanning public service, nonprofit management, and tribal governance, Charles “Chuck” Sams has advocated for stewardship of the land, rivers, and natural resources. An enrolled member of Walla Walla and Cayuse, and former executive director of the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation, Sams made history in 2021 as the first Native American to serve as director of the United States National Park Service, after being nominated by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the United States Senate. 

Susan Sokol Blosser

Oregon Wine Industry Icon

A pathbreaking entrepreneur, Susan Sokol Blosser co-founded Sokol Blosser Winery in 1971, managing the vineyards before serving as president until 2008. Her leadership helped elevate Oregon wines to global renown while trailblazing certifications for green buildings and healthy soils. She also founded the Yamhill Enrichment Society, which brings music and literacy to local children.

Papé

The West’s Premier Capital Equipment Dealer

Founded in 1938 and now in its fourth generation of family ownership in Eugene, Papé is the West’s leading supplier of heavy equipment. With 160 locations across nine states and over 1,100 employees in Oregon, Papé continually sets the standard for the industries it serves, from farming to forestry, construction, warehousing, trucking, and more.

“For 15 years, the Oregon Historical Society has celebrated Oregon’s living leaders, highlighting individuals and businesses who work tirelessly to make our state, and our world, a better place,” said OHS Boyle Family Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk. “This year’s honorees all exemplify the best of what our state has to offer, and the OHS Board of Trustees will be delighted to present Dr. David Huang, Charles Sams, Susan Sokol Blosser, and Papé with the Oregon History Makers Award this year.”

The Oregon Historical Society will celebrate the 2024 Oregon History Makers Awards & Dinner on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at the Portland Art Museum. Table sponsorships and individual tickets are available. To join Lead Sponsor Jordan Schnitzer and the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation in supporting this event, please visit ohs.org/historymakers or contact Ally Huffman at 503.306.5226 or ally.huffman@ohs.org. 

About the Oregon Historical Society

For 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all.We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.