Collections
About Our Collections
Our digital and physical collections help preserve Oregon’s Black history for future generations. All of our materials are accessible here or through our partner institutions.
Historic Photographs
The Oregon Black Pioneers Historic Photograph Collection contains over 200 photos of a Black family taken between the 1920s and 1970s. This collection, found in a Portland home, documents the Great Migration, Vanport, and community life within the historically-Black Albina neighborhood. Available online at Portland State University Special Collections and University Archives. Take a look and let us know if you can identify anyone in the photos!
Black Newspapers
The Oregon Black Pioneers Historic Black Newspapers Collection is an archive of publications by African American Portlanders between 1944-1974. Available online at Portland State University Special Collections and University Archives, alongside the Rutherford Family’s Historic Black Newspapers of Portland collection.
Oral Histories
The Oregon Black Pioneers Oral History Collection is comprised of recorded video interviews with elders in Eugene and Portland’s Black communities. Available online and with transcripts at Oregon State University Special Collections Archives and Research Center.
There's More to See
Learn about how we are preserving the stories of Black Oregonians on our Projects page.