Oregon's Backwoods Utopias: Alternative Living Communities, 1856-2017 - 2/7

Dr. Stephen Dow Beckham’s illustrated presentation will provide an overview of nearly 170 years of communitarian living in Oregon.  The state's utopian communities have drawn inspiration from books, charismatic teachers, dietary reforms, economic and political theories, and alternative lifestyles.  The lecture will run from the Aurora Colony to Rajneeshpuram, from New Odessa (a Zionist community of the 1880s) to modern residents embracing "back-to-the-earth" teaching and living. 

Dr. Stephen Dow Beckham is a noted American historian. He is well known for his work on the American West, particularly the Pacific Northwest, and Native Americans. He is a Professor Emeritus at Lewis & Clark College. He earned a BA. in History and Biology at the University of Oregon and a M.A. and Ph.D. in History/Anthropology at UCLA.

Sponsored by Oswego Heritage Council.