September 30, 2005

TriMet light rail book wins history award

TriMet earned recognition for its "Intersections" book from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH).

Intersections: TriMet Interstate MAX Light Rail Community History Project is an 83-page book containing photos and inspiring personal stories from residents of the communities along the Interstate MAX Yellow Line. The book captures the rich and diverse history of North and Northeast Portland, through oral histories from 10 men and women. Written by Judy Blankenship and photographed by Julie Keefe, it portrays the growth of a vibrant African-American community, the flooding of the city of Vanport, the forced internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II, the vibrant jazz scene of the '50s and '60s, and other important chapters in the history of the city.

AASLH awards were given to 87 organizations and individuals from throughout the United States, recognizing significant achievement in the field of state and local history. AASLH established the award program in 1945 to encourage standards of excellence in the collection, preservation and interpretation of state and local history throughout the United States.