Oregon Encyclopedia Project--Resource for Central Oregon Writers

OREGON ENCYCLOPEDIA PROJECT

The Oregon Encyclopedia Project (OEP) is coming to Madras April 25-26. Along with Coos Bay, Madras has been selected as a "pilot community" for town hall meetings across the state aimed at encouraging contributions to OEP by local historians and writers. The mission of OEP is to create a comprehensive online reference for teachers, students, researchers, writers and readers. It will be updated frequently, "user-friendly", and will be an exceptional resource for authors seeking information about Oregon's history and culture. It will include information about people, places, events, institutions and life forms.

In Madras, the OEP visit will lead off with a "Showcase of Talents" on Friday, April 25, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Cross Keys Inn. It is an opportunity for local historians and writers to "tell their own stories." On Saturday, April 26 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., members of the OEP editorial team will offer informational sessions and informal workshops on collecting and writing about local history, as well as how to contribute to OEP. This will take place at the Jefferson County Library, 134 SE E Street.

Madras author and OEP editorial board member Jarold Ramsey says this program offers unique opportunities to people in Jefferson County and all of Central Oregon who are interested in the history and cultural identity of this region. The sessions will provide expert advice and encouragement to researchers and writers. Ramsey says, "If we don't try to tell the stories we know about our home country, who will do it for us?"

For more information on the Oregon Encyclopedia Project session in Madras April 25-26contact Jarold Ramsey at 475-5390 or jwr1937@madras.net or go to the OEP website, www.oregonencyclopedia.org.