NW 3rd and 4th, between Burnside and Flanders
There are 20 Bronze plaques embedded in sidewalks along NW 3rd and 4th Streets in the Old Town/New Chinatown neighborhood. The plaques were created as part of a streetscape Public-Art Project and installed in 2005-2006 to celebrate the neighborhood’s history and cultural life. The plaques use a garden theme, designed by Portland Urban Designer, Suenn Ho.
Each plaque is a heavy cast-bronze piece set prominently into the sidewalk so as to be easily seen. They honor the many cultures and ethnic groups, important people and places, and share historical facts. The plaques help tell the story of our city and remind us that many different types of people have lived here.. Because they are made from a mixture of copper and tin (bronze) they are long lasting and can handle the city’s rainy climate. They serve as reminders of the city’s past and help residents and visitors learn more about local history.
Link to map of plaque locations
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Discussion Questions:
Did any plaque remind you of a plant, food or story from home?
Choose a plaque and tell a friend about it.
Can you link a plaque to local history, immigration, neighborhood business, or garden?
Vocabulary: plaque, streetscape, designer, bronze, culture
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State Education Standards:
Social Studies 3.11. Describe how individuals, groups, events, and developments have shaped the communities and regions. Multicultural Studies, Historical Knowledge
Social Studies 3.12. Compare and contrast the history of the local community to other communities in the region. Historical Knowledge
Social Studies 3.17. Use a variety of historical sources (artifacts, pictures, documents) to identify factual evidence. Historical Thinking
VA:Re8.1.3a. Interpret art by referring to contextual information and analyzing subject matter, form, and materials. Visual Arts Responding