The Original Armory Time Capsule
The Time Capsule
In 1887, the Armory was constructed and a time capsule was
placed near the building's cornerstone. In September 1968, when the original
Armory was torn down to become a Henry Weinhard's parking lot, the time capsule
was unearthed and exposed to public view. Come see what was found inside, and
help us speculate on what might be contained in the Armory Annex's still
concealed time capsule!
This exhibit features another collaboration with our long time partner Kick Ass Oregon History in celebration of the opening of the time capsule 50 years ago.
The Armory, historically known as the First Regiment Armory Annex, and now called Portland Center Stage at The Armory. Constructed during the spring and summer of 1891, and formally dedicated in September of that year, the Annex initially provided local units of the Oregon National Guard — quartered in the three-year-old main armory located on the south half of the same block — with more space for drill maneuvers, as well as an underground firing range for all-season target practice.
On display in our Gallery Level beginning September 19. Make sure to check it out while enjoying some music at our October First Thursday event!
1968, The cornerstone of the Portland Armory is removed.
About Kick Ass Oregon History
Doug Kenck-Crispin, Resident Historian
Originally from Spokane, Doug came with his family in 1982 and settled in North Portland. He graduated from Lincoln High School. After walking the Earth like Caine for a decade and a half, he earned his BA (cum laude) in History from Portland State University with a minor in Judaic Studies. Doug then completed his MA in History at PSU (Public History & History of Pacific NW). His thesis is titled “Charles A. Moose: Race, Community Policing, and Portland’s First African American Police Chief.” He is the recipient of the 2009-2010 Sara Glasgow Cogan Scholarship.
Doug is the Resident Historian for the podcast Kick Ass Oregon History. He has been featured in Imbibe and Portland Monthly magazines, OPB’s “Oregon Experience,” “Think Out Loud,” “Weekend Edition,” and the season premiere of Esquire TV’s “Best Bars in America.” Oh – and the PSU Vanguard, too! He has written for Portland Monthly, Street Roots newspaper and the Willamette Week. In addition, he hosts various historical speaking series, field trips and historical tours – across the state – that connect people with Oregon. Still a North Portland resident, he does enjoy Pina Coladas, and he LOVES getting caught in the rain.
Current & Upcoming
Art Exhibit: ¡Soy Yo! by Mika Martinez
¡Soy Yo!, is a multi-media project, created by Mika Martinez, that examines and celebrates Latinx identity featuring more than 50 portraits of the Hispanic/Latino community in Portland.
Piano Bar with Courtney Freed and David Saffert
Join us for this monthly event with local songstress Courtney Freed and Portland-based pianist David Saffert as they host a good old-fashioned PIANO BAR.
NASSIM
From Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour (creator of the Off-Broadway smash hit White Rabbit, Red Rabbit) comes an audacious new theatrical experiment, presented in collaboration with Boom Arts. Each night, a new, unrehearsed local performer joins the playwright on stage, while the script waits, unseen, in a sealed box... Touchingly autobiographical yet powerfully universal, NASSIM is a striking theatrical demonstration of how language can both divide and unite us.
Art Exhibit: Garam Garam Chai by Yusra Siddiqui
Portland Center Stage will host Garam Garam Chai, an art exhibit by Portland-based multidisciplinary artist Yusra Siddiqui, featuring a series of hand-sewn teabag printmaking pieces that serve as a contemplation of the communal tea times shared between Desi and British culture.
Coriolanus
Shakespeare’s tragedy about the war hero Coriolanus and the fight between the elite and the deprived masses will be fueled by a dynamic female and non-binary ensemble with a muscular, movement-focused staging.
May First Thursday with Adriana Wagner Quartet
May First Thursday will feature live music by the Adriana Wagner Quartet in the Main Lobby, joined by Garrett Baxter on bass, Matthew Sazima on piano and Ken Mastrogiovanni on drums.
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
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