Oregon Black Pioneers Receive Historic Preservation Award

On May 17, the Oregon Black Pioneers were awarded the annual George McMath Historic Preservation Award, presented by the University of Oregon’s Historic Preservation Program. 

The McMath Award celebrates a leader who has made significant contributions to historic preservation in the state of Oregon -- the Oregon Black Pioneers are the first organization to receive the prestigious award. 

Former First Lady of Oregon, Mary Oberst, who nominated the organization, wrote in her recommendation letter: “Oregon Black Pioneers is a group of trailblazers -- illuminating corners of Oregon history that have never seen the light.”

Their work has been recognized by historic and public affairs organizations across Oregon, including "American Legacy" magazine, which granted the organization with the Heritage Award in 2010. 

The group has also partnered with museums around the state to highlight the stories of Oregon’s Black Pioneers, such as the Linn County Historical Museum and The End of the Oregon Trail Museum.

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