Oregon Humanities

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

Oregon Humanities Oregon Humanities connects people and communities through conversation, storytelling, and programs. This behavior will result in removal from the page.

Oregon Humanities is committed to bringing people together across differences of background, experience, and belief. Each year, we offer hundreds of public conversations and programs across the state, train and support dozens of discussion facilitators, and award grants and fellowships that help people connect, reflect, and cultivate a stronger sense of agency in their communities. In our magazine and on our website, we publish stories that explore the thoughts, perspectives, and experiences of Oregonians, especially those who have been ignored, generalized, or oppressed. Our long-term hope is that the work of Oregon Humanities will make broad and significant contributions to a more cohesive, inclusive, and imaginative democratic culture. Community Guidelines:

This is a page for anyone interested in the programs, publications, or mission of Oregon Humanities. Our vision of Oregon is one that invites diverse perspectives, explores challenging questions, and strives for just communities. We encourage open discussion and invite you to share your thoughts, ideas, and opinions related to our work. By participating on this page, you are agreeing to our commenting policy, outlined below. We do not tolerate harassment or insults directed toward our staff, facilitators, program participants, authors, artists, or page supporters. We reserve the right to delete all posts on our page that contain the following:
- hateful or threatening comments, including derogatory statements targeting individuals or specific groups based on race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, s*x, s*xual orientation or expression, age, and mental or physical ability
- profanity
- misinformation
- spam, including any marketing or promotion of products, services, candidates, or causes
- personal attacks
- promotion of violence
- promotion of illegal or questionable activities

If you repeatedly violate this policy, you will be removed from our page. We appreciate your cooperation and support. Thank you for being part of our community.

This week, Oregon Humanities grantee Astoria Visual Arts (AVA) presents a series of free workshops and programs on morta...
10/13/2026

This week, Oregon Humanities grantee Astoria Visual Arts (AVA) presents a series of free workshops and programs on mortality, grief, healing, and loss, all part of a larger exhibit called "Thanatopsis—Contemplations on Death, Grief, and Renewal," on display until October 22.

The New York Times catches up to what we've known for 12 years: Writing letter connects us. Send a letter to Dear Strang...
10/05/2026

The New York Times catches up to what we've known for 12 years: Writing letter connects us. Send a letter to Dear Stranger this month and make a new connection. Learn more at oregonhumanities.org/programs/dear-stranger/

Pen pals — ones you’ve never met in person — are part of the revival of all things analog. There are even matchmakers prepared to find you one.

Looking for a thoughtful and grounded conversation on the state of our democracy? Our friends at SAGE are hosting an eve...
09/24/2026

Looking for a thoughtful and grounded conversation on the state of our democracy? Our friends at SAGE are hosting an event in Portland that explores the responsibilities of citizenship and the work of strengthening democracy in our communities.

Dr. Christopher McKnight Nichols will draw on his deep understanding of American history to explore where we are in the arc of American democracy—and what that means for how we show up as citizens today.

The evening will conclude with a conversation with Dr. Nichols focused on practical ways to build trust, engage across differences, and strengthen civic life in our communities.

Taborspace in Southeast Portland
Wednesday, October 15 | Doors at 5:00 PM, Event at 5:30 PM
Free

Learn more and register on SAGE's website:

Join us October 15 in Portland for a conversation with historian Dr. Christopher McKnight Nichols on citizenship and democracy. Drawing on pivotal moments in American history, we’ll examine how Americans have navigated times of change—and consider practical ways to build trust, engage across dif...

Tonight’s the night! The new season of Consider This begins at 7 p.m. Pacific, featuring bestselling author Stephanie La...
09/22/2026

Tonight’s the night! The new season of Consider This begins at 7 p.m. Pacific, featuring bestselling author Stephanie Land and Adam Davis.

Catch this conversation on work, poverty, trust, and parenthood—live in Portland, at our La Grande watch party, or streaming online!

Get all event details and the livestream link here:

Join us September 22 for a conversation about trust, work, and poverty with Stephanie Land, author of the books "Maid" and "Class."

Are humans called to acknowledge new moral and legal responsibilities toward the Earth? Kathleen Dean Moore explores the...
08/31/2026

Are humans called to acknowledge new moral and legal responsibilities toward the Earth?

Kathleen Dean Moore explores the global rights-of-nature movement and a recent ballot initiative in Lane County that would have granted rights to local watersheds.

Kathleen Dean Moore on a Lane County initiative that fundamentally reimagines humanity’s relationship with nature.

"I try to love the future: actively, rigorously, with all the breadth I can muster.” In our Revolution issue, Christina ...
08/30/2026

"I try to love the future: actively, rigorously, with all the breadth I can muster.”

In our Revolution issue, Christina DeVillier writes about possible futures and striving to choose the best ones for our children.

An essay by Christina deVillier

“Anti-sweatshop activists swarmed into Niketown so often that the store would sometimes preemptively close when a demons...
08/29/2026

“Anti-sweatshop activists swarmed into Niketown so often that the store would sometimes preemptively close when a demonstration just happened to occur nearby."

In an excerpt from his book "Policing the Progressive City," Kristian Williams shares stories of Portland protests in the 1980s and 90s.

"Is it time for a new Declaration of Interdependence, holding these truths to be self-evident: that all beings are creat...
08/28/2026

"Is it time for a new Declaration of Interdependence, holding these truths to be self-evident: that all beings are created equal, that they are endowed with certain unalienable rights, that among these are the rights to exist, to flourish, to regenerate, and to naturally evolve for their own sake?

Some citizens in Oregon think it is long past time for such a declaration."

For the Revolution issue, Kathleen Dean Moore explores the global rights-of-nature movement, including a recent ballot initiative in Lane County that fundamentally reimagines humanity's relationship with nature.

Kathleen Dean Moore on a Lane County initiative that fundamentally reimagines humanity’s relationship with nature.

"Elections favor those candidates with charisma, money, and connections—regardless of their governing ability.” Jake Tho...
08/27/2026

"Elections favor those candidates with charisma, money, and connections—regardless of their governing ability.”

Jake Thomas explores several ways groups in Oregon and beyond are working to involve more people in democratic decision-making.

Jake Thomas writes about efforts to expand democratic decision-making in Oregon beyond elected representatives.

Looking for past issues of Oregon Humanities magazine? Not a subscriber but curious about what's inside?We'll be slingin...
06/22/2026

Looking for past issues of Oregon Humanities magazine? Not a subscriber but curious about what's inside?

We'll be slinging magazines this Saturday at the Portland Indie Book and Art Fair! From 11 am to 6 pm, you can browse publications from 40+ local publishers, authors, and artists, including Buckman Journal, Fonograf Editions, and Microcosm.

Come say hello and find something new for your shelves:

https://www.portlandindie.com/

Address

610 SW Alder Street , Suite 1111
Portland, OR
97205

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Oregon Humanities posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Oregon Humanities:

Shortcuts

Share