Blumenauer Applauds Listing of Three Portland Black History Landmarks in the National Register of Historic Places

(Photo/Thomas Hawk)PORTLAND, OR – Friday, U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), co-chair of the Congressional Historic Preservation Caucus, applauded news that three Portland Black History landmarks—the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Dean’s Beauty Salon and Barber Shop, and the Golden West Hotel—have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. 

In January 2022, Blumenauer wrote a letter urging U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to support the nominations submitted by Oregon’s State Historic Preservation Office. 

“These landmarks are important to understand our history and demonstrate the resilience of Portland’s Black community despite systemic racism and government-sponsored clearance, redevelopment, disinvestment, and gentrification,” said Blumenauer. “I applaud the National Parks Service for adding these historic properties to the National Register of Historic Places.”

The National Register of Historic Places celebrates districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that have had a significant impact on American history and culture. Being added to the National Register makes these properties eligible for state and federal tax benefits and historic preservation grants.