Columbus Sewell and his family were the first permanent Black settlers east of the Cascades. In the 1870s, they became prominent community members in the gold mining town of Canyon City, Oregon. The Sewells prospered at a time when Black Oregonians had few rights or opportunities. How did they do it? Join Zachary Stocks of Oregon Black Pioneers as he introduces the unique stories of each member of the Sewell family. Find out what their experiences can tell us about Black life in the high desert during the 19th century.

Zachary Stocks is the executive director of Oregon Black Pioneers, a public historian and an interpreter. He previously served as program director of Grays Harbor Historical Seaport and visitor services manager of the Northwest African American Museum. Zachary is a former intern of Colonial Williamsburg and Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History and a former park ranger at Lewis & Clark National Historical Park. He holds a bachelor's degree in history from the College of William & Mary with a certificate in public history from the National Institute for American History and Democracy, and a master's degree in museology from the University of Washington. Zachary currently lives in Astoria.

Enjoy 15% off your hotel stay on History Pub nights! Show your ticket at check-in.

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