Presented by:  John Ritter, Historian

Explore Salem's wild past with local historian John Ritter. Hear the rich history of Salem’s underground tunnels; learn about Chinese opium dens, distilleries, speakeasies, madams, the Klan march, the great gunfight, the Governor and so much more.

About the Speaker:
Dr. John Ritter is an Adjunct Professor of History at Corban University and Linfield College, a Guggenheim Fellow in American History, a Taft Fellow in American Government, and a Fulbright Fellow in Arabic Studies. He has received six National Endowment for the Humanities awards, and has graduate degrees in History, Geography, Corrections and Special Education. He taught history for 40 years and specializes in Salem History. A lifelong Salem resident, he grew up on a West Salem farm.

These monthly, free events are open to everyone interested in Oregon and Pacific Northwest history. Co-sponsored by like-minded historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers and historians who expound on topics from Lewis and Clark to shipwrecks, hop growing to women pioneers and far, far beyond. 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