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News Release

Oregon Black Pioneers’ Exhibit Runs April 1st Through May 31st At The Moiser Twin Tunnels Visitor Center - 03/24/26

HOOD RIVER, Oregon— Visitors to the visitor center at the Mosier Twin Tunnels within the Historic  Columbia River Highway State Trail can learn about Black Pioneers and early Black history in Oregon at an exhibit that runs through May.

 

Oregon State Parks partnered with Oregon Black Pioneers to bring the traveling exhibit to the Moiser Twin Tunnels visitor center in the Columbia River Gorge. The visitor center is open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

"We are excited to host the Oregon Black Pioneers exhibit at the Mosier Twin Tunnels Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead Visitor Center. These stories are an essential part of Oregon’s history, and it is our responsibility to ensure they are visible, accessible, and honored. At Oregon State Parks’ Gorge Management Unit, we are committed to uplifting underserved voices and removing barriers that have historically limited access to these narratives,” said Park Manager Jami LeAnne.

 

“By bringing this exhibit to a public space, we hope to create meaningful opportunities for all visitors to connect with, learn from, and reflect on the diverse experiences that have shaped this region."

 

The exhibit features eight interpretive panels that highlight just a few of the approximately 400 Black residents who came to Oregon from 1840 to 1870. What little is known came from newspaper articles and public records. Topics include the Oregon Trail, Black exclusion, slavery in Oregon, challenging the laws and land ownership.

 

The traveling exhibit was created by Oregon Black Pioneers, an African American historical organization that has been preserving the history of Black Oregonians for more than 30 years.

“People of African descent are often left out of the stories of early Oregon," said Oregon Black Pioneers' Executive Director Zachary Stocks, "but this exhibit demonstrates the determination of the first Black men and women to call Oregon home."

 

People can also view the exhibit online at https://oregonblackpioneers.org/exhibit/the-black-pioneers/ If you are interested in hosting this or other traveling exhibits or would like more information on other resources and services, please reach out to the Oregon Black Pioneers at their website https://oregonblackpioneers.org/

 

The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail comprises three disconnected paved paths along stretches of historic Highway 30, which predated I-84 as the only road connecting Portland and The Dalles. Together, the segments offer 12-plus miles of thrilling scenery and spectacular geologic formations. https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=113

 

 

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Oregon Black Pioneers’ Exhibit Runs April 1st Through May 31st At The Moiser Twin Tunnels Visitor Center - 03/24/26

HOOD RIVER, Oregon— Visitors to the visitor center at the Mosier Twin Tunnels within the Historic  Columbia River Highway State Trail can learn about Black Pioneers and early Black history in Oregon at an exhibit that runs through May.

 

Oregon State Parks partnered with Oregon Black Pioneers to bring the traveling exhibit to the Moiser Twin Tunnels visitor center in the Columbia River Gorge. The visitor center is open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

"We are excited to host the Oregon Black Pioneers exhibit at the Mosier Twin Tunnels Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead Visitor Center. These stories are an essential part of Oregon’s history, and it is our responsibility to ensure they are visible, accessible, and honored. At Oregon State Parks’ Gorge Management Unit, we are committed to uplifting underserved voices and removing barriers that have historically limited access to these narratives,” said Park Manager Jami LeAnne.

 

“By bringing this exhibit to a public space, we hope to create meaningful opportunities for all visitors to connect with, learn from, and reflect on the diverse experiences that have shaped this region."

 

The exhibit features eight interpretive panels that highlight just a few of the approximately 400 Black residents who came to Oregon from 1840 to 1870. What little is known came from newspaper articles and public records. Topics include the Oregon Trail, Black exclusion, slavery in Oregon, challenging the laws and land ownership.

 

The traveling exhibit was created by Oregon Black Pioneers, an African American historical organization that has been preserving the history of Black Oregonians for more than 30 years.

“People of African descent are often left out of the stories of early Oregon," said Oregon Black Pioneers' Executive Director Zachary Stocks, "but this exhibit demonstrates the determination of the first Black men and women to call Oregon home."

 

People can also view the exhibit online at https://oregonblackpioneers.org/exhibit/the-black-pioneers/ If you are interested in hosting this or other traveling exhibits or would like more information on other resources and services, please reach out to the Oregon Black Pioneers at their website https://oregonblackpioneers.org/

 

The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail comprises three disconnected paved paths along stretches of historic Highway 30, which predated I-84 as the only road connecting Portland and The Dalles. Together, the segments offer 12-plus miles of thrilling scenery and spectacular geologic formations. https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=113

 

 

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