Oregon Historical Society Has Released Newly Restored Footage of That Time State Officials Blew Up a Dead Whale

On Nov. 12, 1970, the Oregon Highway Division decided to remove an eight-ton sperm whale from a Florence beach by blowing it up with dynamite. The idea was that rotting whale would be easier to dispose of if it was first blasted into smaller bits. Of course, it didn’t go as planned.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Express “Revulsion” at “Violent Acts” of Destruction at Historical Society

A Bicentennial Quilt Made by 15 Black Women Was Stolen From the Oregon Historical Society During Sunday’s Riot

Sunday Night Riot, Vandalism of Oregon Historical Society Met With Widespread Condemnation, Criminal Charges

Oregon Has an Ugly Racial History. Kerry Tymchuk’s Job Is to Make Sure We Never Forget It.

As the head of the Oregon Historical Society, part of Kerry Tymchuck’s job is to reckon with the state’s past. It’s not pretty, but it’s what he signed up for.

Florence Has Named a Park After the Legendary 1970 Whale Explosion

The most absurd and glorious piece of Oregon history has been commemorated by residents along the state’s Central Coast: An outdoor recreation site along the Siuslaw River is now named Exploding Whale Memorial Park.

Chat With the Portlander Who Became First to Trek Across Antarctica Solo at a Q&A This Week

Colin O’Brady will be welcomed back to Portland with a Q&A with Mayor Wheeler and the public.

KBOO DJ Rick Mitchell Talks 50 Years of Radical Politics, Free-Form Music and the Occasional Live Sex Show

A half-century later, you can still find KBOO at 90.7 FM, and its commitment to the community hasn’t wavered.