Historic Oregon City - March 29, 2012

PRESS RELEASE: Historic Oregon City receives $81,500 from the Lennox Foundation for new education programs, facility repairs and outdoor signage at the End of the Oregon Trail

Oregon City, OR – Clackamas Heritage Partners (dba Historic Oregon City) has been approved for a grant totaling $81,500 from the nationally-based Lennox Foundation on March 12, 2012. “On behalf of Historic Oregon City, we are very grateful for Kristin Krahmer to have sponsored this grant opportunity during our economic times; we feel this work is the rebirth of the official End of the Oregon Trail and only the beginning to additional exciting programs and projects.” shared Gail Yazzolino, Administrative Director.

“This grant will fund the Phase I of Historic Oregon City’s (HOC) “Expansion of the official End of the Oregon Trail” Education Program and Site Revitalization project. This project will revive the Interpretive Center “wagon” buildings for visitors and school groups in a completely new way, offering presentations featuring iPad applications, interactive spaces and hands-on learning. Changes to the three “wagons” will consist of technology upgrades including video projection, wireless connectivity, tablet interfaces and kiosks, created and designed by Randy Glanz of James Media Productions, Inc.,” announced Dan Fowler, Board President. This project also includes outdoor interactive signage to create a 24/7 learning experience for our visitors and community. Visitors will also engage in “active learning” with activities from our current presentations such as packing supplies for the Oregon Trail journey, butter making, questionnaires and games. These upgrades will ultimately change the community image of the End of the Oregon Trail, increase visitor numbers to Oregon City and Clackamas County and strengthen our relationships with our partnering heritage organizations as we work to encourage our community’s heritage preservation. Additionally, these improvements will make it easier and more interesting for the visitor to see what the community, county and state have to offer.