About Us
Our Portland Story is a community project that celebrates Portland, Oregon and its people through story and design. Founded in 2008, we have published two books featuring hundreds of local authors and designers. We collect stories about Portland by Portlanders from all walks of life, and pair those stories with local designers to create artful snapshots of the city. In addition to our published books, we host events and experiment with new ways to engage with the community, showcase stories, and create unique connections.
Our Mission
Our mission is to cultivate a greater sense of identity and pride in Portland and to capture the spirit of the city and its people over time.
Where to Find the Books
Books Available Online or at these local shops:
Southwest Portland:
Tender Loving Empire / 412 SW 10th Ave. Portland, OR 97205
Northwest Portland:
Powell’s Books / Burnside – 1005 West Burnside St. Portland, OR 97209
Southest Portland:
Mag-Big / 3279 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Portland, OR 9721
North Portland:
Land / 3925 N Mississippi Ave. Portland, OR 97227
Beaverton:
Powell’s Books / 3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd. Beaverton, OR 97005
Our Events
In addition to our published works (Volume One and Volume Two), we partnered with the Museum of Contemporary Craft in 2013 to create the Our Portland Story Summer Expo, an exhibition and event series at the museum. We experimented with new ways to engage with the community, showcase the project, and create a unique experience. View photos from the event series or learn more
Contribute
We are always seeking story submissions for the next volume. We are also looking for local graphic designers and illustrators to bring the stories to life. Apply to contribute as a designer.
Let’s Stay Friends
Sign up for our e-newsletter and connect to us on Twitter, Facebook.
Questions?
If you are interested in selling the books, or have any questions or comments, please contact melissa@ourportlandstory.com
Melissa Delzio, Founder & Director
Our Portland Story is an independent creative venture spearheaded by Melissa Delzio.
Melissa is an Overlook bluffs-jogging, OPB-listening, Pinot Noir-drinking, hiking, biking Portlander. She is an overzealous recycler and can sing the entire Greek Alphabet.
In addition to Our Portland Story (her passion project), Melissa is an independent designer and creative entrepreneur with ten years of experience creating print and interactive work for international brands, local businesses and educational institutions. To learn more, visit www.meldel.com.
Sarah Koch, Editor
Sarah, a second-and third-generation Portlander, has been a professional freelance proofreader and copy-editor since the age of 19, adding research and writing along the way. Her “A Henry James Filmography” is her (published) pride and joy, and which is currently being updated. And … at the risk of being cliché by Pacific Northwest standards … she is also working on a suspense novel, naturally enough set in Portland. Teagan-Walker-Mysteries-PDX.com