Tabitha Moffat Brown joined a wagon train with her family from Missouri to Oregon in 1846 at the age of 66. The arduous journey left them near starvation. Despite losing almost everything, they arrived in Oregon Country. Yet, Tabitha's greatest accomplishments were still ahead of her. Join us to hear how Grandma Brown founded Tualatin Academy (now Pacific University), the story behind the glove making business she started on a mere six cents, and the reasons why she is known as the "Mother of Oregon."

Mary Jo Morelli is co-author of Images of America: Forest Grove. Descended from pioneers of 1852, she is a living history reenactor, tour guide, and a recognized history resource for schools, historic societies and civic organizations. Mary Jo is a docent at Pacific University's Old College Hall Museum, volunteer manager of the A.T. Smith Property and founding member of Friends of Historic Forest Grove.

Stay the night, mention History Pub at check-in for 15% off your room.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp