An exhibit by Oregon Black Pioneers is on display in the Fort Clatsop Visitor’s Center through July 8. Large paneled storyboards tell the stories of the first generation of Black American settlers in Oregon, according to Zachary Stocks, executive director of Oregon Black Pioneers.

The Black Pioneers exhibit is one of their traveling exhibits that can be reserved by outside companies. This was co-developed with Oregon State Archives in 2019, and debuted at a site for the first time in 2020. The current version was developed in 2023.

The Oregon Black Pioneers organization, founded in 1993, works to tell the history of African American men and women across Oregon. They have three traveling exhibits, which can also be found on their website, as well as many other resources.

Since 1993, the organization has compiled oral interviews, objects, stories and photographs that all relate to the history of African American men and women.

The display at Fort Clatsop recounts what Black Americans experienced on their journeys west on The Oregon Trail while the country passed laws that barred them from owning land and having the same rights as other Americans.

“People are surprised to see that Black Americans who came here during this time period, managed to find some success. Many of them, despite Black exclusionary laws, or in some cases, even being enslaved, were able to ultimately own land of their own and start businesses and start families in Oregon,” Stocks said.

The display has been in many other cities including Salem, Oregon City and Pendleton. Fort Clatsop will have the exhibit on display through July 8, before it will move to a new location.

A version of the Black Pioneers exhibit is also displayed on the Oregon Black Pioneers website.

Fort Clatsop Visitor’s Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Passes can be purchased at the desk or online. Children 15 and under are free.

For more information, call the park at 503-861-4414.