Learn more about one of Oregon’s most notable political leaders.
This is an in-person program. Masks are recommended at all in-person library events.
Utilizing dozens of slides Richard W. Etulain will trace Mark Hatfield’s career as an Oregon legislator, secretary of state, governor, and U. S. senator who never lost an election in his entire career and remained popular as a Republican leader in a state becoming increasing Democratic.
Etulain will also cover Hatfield’s push for middle-of-the-road positions on such controversial issues as strong or less strong central governments, contentious environmental issues, and land and water policies. Throughout the presentation you’ll learn more about Hatfield’s personal life, his marriage and family, and his religious views. This is a sympathetic treatment of a notable Oregon political leader.
Richard W. Etulain is professor emeritus of history from the University of New Mexico. He gained a PhD in American history and literature from the University of Oregon and taught at Northwest Nazarene University, Idaho State University, and principally at the University of New Mexico. He is the author or editor of more than sixty books, with three new volumes scheduled for next year. He is the only historian to be president of both the Western Literature and Western History associations. He lives in Clackamas with his wife Joyce, a retired librarian. His daughter Jackie is also a librarian with the Multnomah County Library in Portland.
This program is in partnership with Deschutes County Historical Society.