Oregon Historical Society Remembers Senator Mark O. Hatfield

Oregon Historical Society Honors Mark Hatfield

Portland, January 24th. The First Congregational Church was packed with political heavyweights celebrating the life of Senator Mark O. Hatfield. The event organized by the Oregon Historical Society was a special retrospective and the kick-off of the 2012 Mark O. Hatfield Distinguished Historians Forum.

Mark Hatfield's wife, Antoinette Hatfield, was honored as well

Panelist included: Former Member of Senator Hatfield's Legislative Staff Jack Robertson, Former Chair of the Grand Ronde Tribal Council Kathryn Harrison, Former United States Senator Bob Packwood, Kerry Tymchuk, Executive Director Oregon Historical Society, Former United States Congresswoman Elizabeth Furse, Senator Betsy Johnson

Panelists spoke of their affection for the late Senator and recounted aspects of his political life. Born in 1922, Hatfield died August 7, 2011. A Republican, he served for 30 years as a United States Senator from Oregon, and also as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. A native Oregonian, he served in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II after graduating from Willamette University.

Gerry Frank believes Hatfield's legacy will be the help and personal friendship he gave to thousands of Oregonians

“In the 152 years since our statehood, perhaps no Oregonian impacted history more than Mark Hatfield. Throughout his remarkable public service career, Mark Hatfield earned a reputation for intelligence, integrity, courage, and character. His Washington, D.C. office was a training ground for countless Oregonians who, inspired by Senator Hatfield’s example, returned to Oregon to make a positive difference for their community and our state. He was a very proud supporter of the Oregon Historical Society, and the Mark O. Hatfield Distinguished Historians Forum will live on as a fitting tribute to this true giant of Oregon history.” – Kerry Tymchuk, OHS Interim Executive Director

Since 1998, the Mark O. Hatfield Distinguished Historians Forum has provided broad insights and perspectives on United States history. Each series brings together the nation’s top scholars and writers for thought-provoking evenings of history. Most featured lecturers have won a Pulitzer Prize or National Book Award for their writing, and many are among the most revered academicians in the nation.

There are four more lectures in the series. The Oregon Historical Society website has more information on the Mark O. Hatfield Distinguished Historians Forums.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.