A Corvallis man who uses drone footage and archival research to tell the stories behind Oregon’s historic places will share his work with the Benton County Genealogical Society Saturday at the Philomath Museum.
Roen Hogg will present “Forgotten Oregon Stories: Bringing Oregon History to Life” from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday on the museum’s second floor. The program is free and the public is invited.
Hogg’s presentation will focus on how on-location exploration and in-depth archival work can bring the past back into view. Drawing from sources such as pioneer diaries, historic photographs, early newspapers and vintage maps, Hogg pairs his research with modern technology and a cinematic approach to storytelling to revisit the sites where Oregon history unfolded.
Those sites include remnants that still survive on the landscape from wagon ruts and overgrown trails to river crossings and abandoned towns. Hogg’s videos have explored Oregon Trail crossings, ghost towns and communities that have largely disappeared.
During the program, Hogg will walk the audience through how he uncovers and researches those stories and then turns them into visual narratives for a general audience on YouTube.
A Corvallis resident for 33 years, Hogg spent his career at Hewlett-Packard and later served eight years on the Corvallis City Council. He now dedicates his time to researching Oregon history and sharing it through his channel.
Hogg is certified as a drone pilot under the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 rules for commercial operators, which allows him to combine aerial photography with his historical research. His stated goal is to help preserve the state’s heritage for future generations.
The museum is accessible by a wheelchair ramp at the northeast corner of the building. Organizers ask that attendees not bring food or drinks inside.