Moonshining is deep-rooted in the history of Oregon. In 1844, when it was still the Oregon Territory, one of the first moonshiners, James Conner, challenged a lawman to a duel for busting his illegal operation. The McKenzie River Bandits had better luck hiding from the law and produced bootleg booze for nearly five years before their arrests. Over the years, outlaw moonshiners engaged in car chases, shootouts, and even attempted an assassination to protect their hidden distilleries and way of life. Join author Bruce Haney as he chronicles the intoxicating history of Oregon moonshine.  

Bruce Haney is the author of Oregon Moonshine: Bootleggers, Busts, and Brawls and Eccentric Tales of Boring, Oregon. He is known as the town historian for Boring and gives a monthly lecture about the town. Bruce runs a popular history group called Boring Oregon History and is also a frequent story contributor to the "Weekly Spooky" podcast.  He enjoys socializing with friends, going to see local theater, yet spends much of his time behind a computer researching Boring history, his family tree, the history of rock-and-roll, and whatever else interests him.  

Enjoy 15% off your hotel stay on History Pub nights! Show your ticket at check-in.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! 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