History Makers

The Oregon Historical Society’s annual Oregon History Makers Awards & Dinner recognizes contemporary individuals and organizations that are positively shaping the history, culture, and landscape of Oregon. Event sponsorships, ticket sales, and donations in honor of the History Makers support the Oregon Historical Society’s important work to collect, preserve, and interpret Oregon’s past.

This year’s event will take place at the Portland Art Museum on Sunday, October 6, 2024.

If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact Ally Huffman at 503.306.5226 or ally.huffman@ohs.org.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Who Is An Oregon History Maker?

Each year, the Oregon Historical Society honors living leaders and organizations that are making history through scientific discovery and exploration; innovations in business, communications, and the arts; or service in their communities. Whether they were born here, lived here, or work here, these Oregon History Makers represent the best of what the state has to offer.

2024 Oregon History Makers

David Huang, M.D., Ph.D.

Transformational Ophthalmologist

A physician and scientist at Oregon Health & Science University, Dr. David Huang co-invented imaging technology called optical coherence tomography that helps prevent blindness, benefiting millions of people around the globe. The recipient of numerous national honors and the holder of 42 patents, Huang continues to lead research on innovating laser technology for eye health.

David Huang

Charles F. Sams III

Tribal and Conservation Leader

With a distinguished career spanning public service, nonprofit management, and tribal governance, Chuck Sams has advocated for stewardship of the land, rivers, and natural resources. An enrolled member of Walla Walla and Cayuse, and former executive director of the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation, Sams is now the first Native American to serve as National Park Service Director.

Chuck Sams

Susan Sokol Blosser

Oregon Wine Industry Icon

A pathbreaking entrepreneur, Susan Sokol Blosser co-founded Sokol Blosser Winery in 1971, managing the vineyards before serving as president until 2008. Her leadership helped elevate Oregon wines to global renown while trailblazing certifications for green buildings and healthy soils. She also founded the Yamhill Enrichment Society, which brings music and literacy to local children.

Susan Sokol Blosser

Papé

The West’s Premier Capital Equipment Dealer

Founded in 1938 and now in its fourth generation of family ownership in Eugene, Papé is the West’s leading supplier of heavy equipment. With 160 locations across nine states and over 1,100 employees in Oregon, Papé continually sets the standard for the industries it serves, from farming to forestry, construction, warehousing, trucking, and more.

Papé

Past History Makers

2009

Gert Boyle  visionary business leader
Brian Druker, M.D.  innovative oncologist
Michael Powell  iconic bookseller 

2010

David Adelsheim  father of the Oregon wine industry
Jean Auel  best-selling author
Mercy Corps  international charitable organization
Medical Teams International  global human services organization

2011

Ken & Joan Austin  innovative entrepreneurs
Allyn Ford  timber industry leader
Albert Starr, M.D.  pioneering cardiovascular surgeon
Gus Van Sant  award-winning film director

2012

Gerry Frank  entrepreneur & public servant
Harry Glickman  father of the Portland Trail Blazers
Kathryn Jones Harrison  influential tribal leader
Norma Paulus  ground-breaking legislator

2013

Bernie & Bobbie Foster  trailblazing publishers
Melvin "Pete" Mark  business leader and philanthropist
Pendleton Woolen Mills  iconic Oregon business
Alberto Salazar  legendary distance runner & coach

2014

Thomas Lauderdale  Oregon's musical ambassador to the world
Gov. Barbara Roberts  pioneering public servant
Walter J. Urba, M.D. Ph.D.  cancer warrior
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort  golf as it was meant to be

2015

Ann Curry  broadcast journalist
Peggy Fowler  glass ceiling breaker
George Puentes  business executive & philanthropist
Les Schwab Tire Centers  iconic Oregon business

 

2016

David Hume Kennerly  photojournalist
Hoffman Construction largest general contractor in the Pacific Northwest
Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D.  environmental scientist & marine ecologist
Phil Knight  visionary business executive & philanthropist

2017

Nathalie Johnson, M.D., FACS  surgical oncologist
Nicholas Kristof  Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist
Bill Schonely  voice of the Portland Trail Blazers
Reser's Fine Foods  iconic Oregon business

2018

Stacy Allison adventurer, author, and business leader
Edward “Ed” Ray, Ph.D. transformational higher education leader
Bill Stoller visionary business leader and philanthropist
Bob’s Red Mill revolutionizing the food industry

2019

Andy Bryant tech industry visionary
Gale Castillo pathbreaking business and community leader
Colin O’Brady athlete, adventurer, educator
Oregon Shakespeare Festival world-renowned theatre

2021

Lillian Pitt acclaimed artist
Punit Renjen visionary business leader
Geraldine Richmond, Ph.D. renowned scientist and educator
The Greenbrier Companies international leader in transportation industry

2022

Margaret Carter trailblazing public servant
Sid DeBoer visionary business leader and philanthropist
William B. Long, MD trauma care pioneer
Oregon Symphony beloved cultural icon

2023

Sarah Mensah transformative sports industry executive
Brian B. Obie visionary business and civic leader
Liz Shuler pathbreaking union president
Tillamook County Creamery Association beloved Oregon brand

2024 Oregon History Makers Awards and Dinner Generously Sponsored by:

Lead Sponsor

In Kind Sponsors

Join Jordan Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation Foundation and our other generous sponsors  in honoring this year’s History Makers and supporting the Oregon Historical Society!

To inquire about sponsorship opportunities or individual tickets, please contact Ally Huffman at 503.306.5226 or ally.huffman@ohs.org.