Presented by Kevin Curry, Ph.D.

Tom McCall is largely credited for keeping Oregon’s beaches open to the public in 1967. In reality, the state had owned the beaches since 1947. A loophole in that original law, however, threatened the public sanctity of the beaches, requiring the newly elected Gov. McCall to utilize his knack for grandstanding to save them. Join us to learn the real story behind Oregon’s Beach Bill.

About the Speaker:

Kevin Curry holds a Ph.D. in public affairs and policy and was an executive producer of the documentary film, The Gentleman of the Senate: Oregon’s Mark Hatfield. He is the director of video and an adjunct faculty member at Linfield College.

Painting Courtesy: Pander, Henk, Man Reading, 1984

Photo Courtesy: Sjef Wildschut; private collection

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