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York was an enslaved man who took part in the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1803-1806. But what is known about York besides his participation in this journey? “A Man Called York” is on display through February at the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum.
Zachary Stocks of Oregon Black Pioneers will present a detailed biography of York at the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum on February 28 at 6 pm. The presentation will include York’s experiences during the Lewis and Clark Expedition, his life before and after, and his place within national African American history. The event is free, but registration is required as seats are limited. “Us taking a moment out of our lives to acknowledge someone else is keeping their identity alive long after they’re gone,” Stocks said.
Stocks is a public historian, interpreter, and the Executive Director of Oregon Black Pioneers. Zachary previously served as Program Director of Historical Seaport and Visitor Services Manager of Northwest African American Museum. He is a former intern of Colonial Williamsburg and Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, and a former seasonal Park Ranger at Lewis & Clark National Historical Park. He holds a BA in History from the College of William & Mary with a certificate in Public History from the National Institute for American History and Democracy, and an MA in Museology from the University of Washington. Zachary lives in Astoria.
Oregon Black Pioneers is Oregon’s only historical society dedicated to preserving and presenting the experiences of African Americans statewide. For more than 30 years, they have illuminated the seldom-told stories of people of African descent in Oregon through engaging exhibits, public programs, publications, and historical research.
The presentation corresponds with Oregon Black Pioneers traveling exhibit, “A Man Call York” which will be on display at the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum through February 28.
This traveling exhibit and presentation is supported by a Tillamook County Cultural Coalition grant from the Oregon Cultural Trust. The Tillamook County Pioneer Museum is the recipient of a generous grant award in the amount of $2,591.
“What better way to kick off America’s 250th Anniversary than with an exhibit exploring the North Oregon Coast’s African American history! The museum’s partnership with the Oregon Black Pioneers is integral to the comprehensive interpretation of the history we strive to provide our local community,” said TCPM Exhibit and Program Developer Jenny Teece. “OBP does amazing work to bring Oregon’s Black history statewide through traveling exhibits, online lesson plans, and many types of events!”
Event tickets can be reserved at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-man-called-york-presentation-tickets-1981967991616
tcpm.org.
To learn more information about York’s life, visit: oregonblackpioneers.org/black-history-spotlight-york
The Tillamook County Pioneer Museum (2106 Second St) is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, children under 10 are free. For more information go to www.tcpm.org.