The Lower Columbia Hispanic Council is a non-profit organization whose mission is the equitable integration of resident Hispanics into the broader social and economic fabric of the Lower Columbia community. As a contribution to the Astoria bicentennial celebrations in 2011, this project will assist in compiling an oral history report documenting the growth of the Hispanic community in our region. The report will be created by researching historical documents as well as by conducting live interviews.

From April to August, 2010, members of the Council will interview Latino residents in Clatsop County. An oral history report will be compiled of Hispanic families who have been in this community for a long time, as well as the newcomers. Anglo community members who have close contact with members of the Hispanic community, such as employers, teachers and neighbors will be included. The document will also record information regarding the types of occupations that brought Hispanics into the region, the areas in Clatsop County where the earlier Latino families settled and their impressions as relatively new residents in our community. The Council plans to interview both adults and children to collect a wide sample of interviews refelcting the community's identity. The final report will include a photo and also video exchit.

This grant will bpurchase the video equipment.