Chinese and Jewish Americans and the Making of Portland
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/11/24
The Pittock Mansion Society proudly announces the opening of its latest exhibit, “From Near and Far: Chinese and Jewish Americans and the Making of Portland, 1840s-1930s.” This exhibit will be showcased at the Pittock Mansion from March 11- July 7, 2024, and is included with the general admission.
This captivating and educational exhibit tells the story of two of Portland’s earliest non-Native settlers, shedding light on their often overlooked yet pivotal roles in shaping Portland into the city it is today It focuses on how Chinese and Jewish Portlanders’ contributions to business, agriculture, politics, and industry transformed Portland from a 2.1 square-mile stumptown into a thriving city. In the face of different, but overlapping challenges and prejudices, Chinese and Jewish Portlanders developed ways to care for their own communities. Featuring a captivating array of rare historical photographs and artifacts, the exhibit offers a nuanced portrayal of both the ceremonial and everyday aspects of Jewish and Chinese American life.
“It’s an honor to be able to tell the early history of Chinese and Jewish Portlanders at Pittock Mansion, because these communities have been as instrumental to the development of Portland as prominent and powerful men like Henry Pittock. “From Near and Far” helps to reinforce the idea that many different people laid the foundations of Portland.” Jennifer Fang, Ph.D., Director of Interpretation and Community Engagement at Pittock Mansion.
This exhibition is produced by Pittock Mansion Society as part of its Pittock Connections Annual Exhibit Series and is sponsored by The Ritz Family Foundation.
“From Near and Far’ represents Pittock Mansion’s unwavering commitment to showcasing the many different communities who have made Portland home. By inviting visitors to reconsider their perceptions of these foundational groups, this exhibit aims to foster a deeper understanding of Portland’s diverse tapestry and collective heritage.” Paula Gangopadhyay, Pittock Mansion’s CEO
The Pittock Mansion Society extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, the Portland Chinatown Museum, and Norm Gholston for their invaluable contributions to the exhibit. Through their shared knowledge and loaned photographs and objects, these esteemed collaborators have enriched the narrative of “From Near and Far.”
More information about this exhibit can be found at Pittock Mansion’s website, https://pittockmansion.org/exhibits/.
Pittock Mansion will feature additional public programs that will be held in conjunction with the exhibit.
March 14th and April 25th at 1 PM- In-gallery talks with Jennifer Fang, Ph.D., Director of Interpretation and Community Engagement at Pittock Mansion. (free with admission).
May 4th 10:30am-12:30pm- A Walking Tour of Jewish South Portland
May 11th 10:30-12:30 – A Walking Tour in Portland Chinatown
June 6th- From Near and Far Lecture, Chelsea Rose: Chinese Archaeological Sites & History in Oregon
June 23rd 10:30am-12:30pm- A Walking Tour of Jewish South Portland
June 25th – From Near and Far Lecture, Ellen Eisenberg: Oregon Jewish History
Please check the website for further information on the upcoming programs including ticket prices for the lectures and walking tours.
For questions and media inquires, please contact Victoria Proppe at vproppe@pittockmansion.org
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About Pittock Mansion: Pittock Mansion is a 1914 historic house museum in Portland, Oregon operated by Pittock Mansion Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, in collaboration with Portland Parks & Recreation that owns and maintains the buildings on Pittock Campus. Pittock Mansion Society has a mission to inspire understanding and stewardship of Portland history through the Mansion, its collections, and its programs. Visit pittockmansion.org to learn more.
