Contacts:
Howard Lavine (Governor’s Office): 503.378.5539
Barbara Allen (Oregon 150): 503.306.5209

Governor Announces Launch of Oregon’s Sesquicentennial Celebrations

Nonprofit Oregon 150 will plan the 2009 celebration to appreciate the past, celebrate the present, and imagine the future

Salem—Today Governor Ted Kulongoski officially launched preparations for the 150th anniversary of Oregon’s admittance into the Union.  The celebration will begin February 14, 2009 and last through the fall of 2009.

“In 2009, Oregon will celebrate 150 years of statehood.  The sesquicentennial will be a unique opportunity to honor our past and all of the people who created the quilt of natural beauty, urban and rural communities, diverse economy, and original thinking that we call Oregon,” the Governor said.  “But just as important, our 150th birthday is a chance to look forward and share with each other our hopes and dreams for Oregon’s future.”

To prepare for Oregon’s 150th birthday, the Governor created Oregon 150, a nonprofit organization, led by motivated citizens from across the state serve as its Board of Directors. The goal of this volunteer Board is to inspire people across the state to remember, experience, and celebrate Oregon and, together, create a robust and sustainable future.    

“This milestone birthday celebration should encourage Oregonians to explore the fascinating history and rich bounty that makes our state so special,” said Barbara Sidway of Baker City, newly elected President and Chair of Oregon 150.

The Board’s mission statement is supported by a strong set of values, including ensuring that Oregonians across the state of every age, income, and ethnic background participate in the sesquicentennial, and that the sesquicentennial will contribute to the welfare of Oregon through sustainable legacies in our communities.

“Although the Oregon 150 Board will help guide critical program and funding decisions for our 2009 sesquicentennial, my vision is for community organizations, schools, town and tribal governments, and individual citizens on the local level to come up with ideas and plan celebrations that fit their needs,” said Governor Kulongoski. “Oregon’s 150th birthday should reflect the rich diversity and history that has shaped who we are today.”

The full roster of the Oregon 150 Board, including 29 citizen Board Members and 24 Ex Officio members, as well as additional  information about the group, can be found on their website: www.oregon150.org.