LOST CITY LIVING MEMORIES: VANPORT THROUGH THE VOICES OF ITS RESIDENTS

A Vanport Mosaic Virtual Oral History Screening and conversation
Hosted and facilitated by Bruce Poinsette
Part of the Slough Fest series, hosted by the Bird Alliance of Oregon

The Story Of Vanport
A “miracle city.” A “sociological experiment.” A “municipal monstrosity.” A “nasty ghetto.”

During its short life from 1942 to 1948, Vanport, Oregon’s second-largest city and the nation’s largest public housing project, drew national attention and divided opinion. For over 40,000 residents, Vanport was simply home.

When the Columbia River flooded on Memorial Day in 1948, the entire city was erased from the map and much of Portland’s memory in a single day.

Through a decade of collaboration with the Vanport community, Vanport Mosaic has established the largest collection of oral histories about Vanport, ensuring the preservation and honor of one of Oregon's most pivotal historical communities. Through archival footage, historic photographs, and compelling first-person narratives, Lost City, Living Memories creates a rich mosaic of the vibrant community that made up Vanport and commemorates the tragedy that displaced it.

The Event

Through archival footage, historic photographs, and compelling first-person narratives, Lost City, Living Memories creates a rich mosaic of the vibrant community that made up Vanport and commemorates the tragedy that displaced it.

For the past decade, Vanport Mosaic has collaborated with former Vanport residents and their descendants. Together, we have built the largest collection of oral history recordings about Vanport’s community life, the flood, and its aftermath, ensuring the preservation and honor of one of Oregon's most pivotal historical communities.

This event is made possible with the generous support of
The East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District.

About The Facilitator

Bruce Poinsette is a writer, digital storyteller, and organizer whose work is primarily based in the Portland Metro Area. A former reporter for the Skanner News Group, his writing has also appeared in the Oregonian, Street Roots, Oregon Humanities, and Eater PDX, among other publications. He is a 2022 Oregon Humanities Storytelling Fellow and 2024 Skidmore Prize Finalist. More info here.

About The Facilitator

Vanport Mosaic is a platform for memory activism. We believe remembering is an act of resistance. Rooted in Vanport and shaped by local communities, we amplify, honor, and preserve silenced histories through oral history, public programs, artistic practice, and our annual festival, connecting past and present to shape a future where we all belong.

Lost City, Living Memories: Vanport