In Oregon, the history of railroading and growth of our Black communities are interconnected and interdependent. Oregon Rail Heritage Center recognized this when we planned one of our first exhibits upon opening the Enginehouse in 2012. In conjunction with Oregon Black Pioneers, an education-focused nonprofit, we installed their Railroading and Portland’s Black Community exhibit, which …
When Dave Larsen moved to Oregon to be with his growing family, he wanted to make new connections. He found lasting friendships through the National Railway Historical Society Chapter, which introduced him to the railroad community in Portland. His work with the Chapter eventually led him to discover ORHC. Dave has been a key part …
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 3, 2024 Portland, OR — The Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation (ORHF) is thrilled to announce that it has entered a sales agreement to acquire the Oregon Pacific Railroad (OPR), marking a monumental step in securing the future of historic rail excursions in Portland. This acquisition not only strengthens ORHF’s …
The historic Mount Emily Shay #1, a geared steam locomotive, was built in 1923 by Lima Locomotive Works in Lima, Ohio. She was one of the nearly 3,000 Shays built from the 1890s through the 1940s for logging and mining. Oregon was the nation’s leading wood producer by 1938. Shay models could operate on steep …
In his childhood home, Pat Tracy would hear endless stories about SP 4449 when his family would sit down for Christmas dinner. Growing up in a railroading family, Pat developed an appreciation for steam engines. His father, uncle and grandfather shared countless ideas, questions, and admiration for steam locomotives. This wonder and awe would later …