Lecture and New Exhibit at the Oregon State Archives will Celebrate 100 Years of the Historic Columbia River Highway
Exhibit opens June 1st at Oregon State Archives in Salem, Oregon
A new exhibit curated by the Oregon State Archives, a division of the Oregon Secretary of State, will open next week highlighting historical photographs and illustrations that depict the construction of the Historic Columbia River Highway. From the beautiful stone masonry built by Italian artisans to the spectacular views from the iconic Vista House and Rowena Loops, the exhibit shows why the historic highway has been justly called the “King of Roads.”
“From its inception 100 years ago, the engineers and designers of the Historic Columbia River Highway were determined to create an engineering marvel that would complement the magnificent landscape as it traversed along the mighty Columbia River,” said Secretary of State Jeanne P. Atkins. “This new exhibit at the Oregon State Archives will celebrate this accomplishment.”
While transportation needs and expectations for the highway have changed dramatically over the years, the state and citizens of Oregon have worked to preserve the historic road, taking significant steps to preserve and restore the highway as a legacy that future generations can enjoy and appreciate.
“Oregonians are fortunate that they can still enjoy much of the Historic Columbia River Highway. This exhibit will highlight how the highway and landscape features along the route have been preserved so future generations of Oregonians can appreciate the stunning beauty of the Columbia River Gorge,” said Mary Beth Herkert, Oregon's state archivist.
An exhibit opening and lecture will be held on Thursday, June 2nd from 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM. Dr. Robert Hadlow, Senior Historian with the Oregon Department of Transportation, and an avid researcher of the highway's history, will present an illustrated lecture on more recent restoration and preservation projects. In addition to his research, Dr. Hadlow prepared the National Historical landmark nomination for the Columbia River Highway District in 2000 and in 2009 led an oral history project that provided historical background and context for much of the restoration and preservation done on the historic roadway.
The exhibit will open in the Oregon State Archives lobby gallery, 800 Summer Street NE, Salem, OR on Wednesday, June 1st. The Archives gallery is open to the public from 8:00am until 4:45pm, Monday through Friday.
For additional information contact Layne Sawyer at (503) 378-5198.
An expanded online version of the exhibit can be found at the Oregon State Archives website at: http://sos.oregon.gov/archives/exhibits/columbia-river-highway/Pages/default.aspx
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