4-H Project / Portraits of Oregon, 2002-2003, 2002-2003

The 4-H Project collection currently has color slides, B&W and color photos, curriculum materials, field notes and recordings. The Oregon Folklife Program in partnership with the Oregon State 4-H Extension Program developed a pilot program, Portraits of Oregon: Youth Exploring Culture and Community. OFP and the Oregon State 4-H Extension worked with 4-H agents, leaders and teen club members in five rural Oregon counties (Coos, Jefferson, Josephine, Malheur, and Washington) to document the folklife and cultural heritage of these communities. OFP created guidelines, workshop manuals and training workshops for 4-H club members and leaders participating in the program. The Folklife coordinator, Carol Spellman, monitored progress via mails, phone calls, and a fall and spring visitation. The year long program culminated in oral histories, photographs, and videos completed by students. Profiles were exhibited on the Oregon Historical Society websites, at the local county fairs, and in available community venues such as historical museums, and libraries. The project was funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Arts Commission.