Green Dreams: Through the Eyes of the Elk

This panel discussion with historians explores the complex history surrounding our iconic elk and how its meaning has evolved over decades.

Through the Eyes of the Elk:

Social, Structural, Ecological Histories

Speakers: David Harrelson, Keith Eggener, Milo Reed
Moderator: Adam Davis

The David P. Thompson Elk Fountain has been a Portland icon for 125 years. Removed from its home downtown due to collateral damage from community protests in 2020, the Elk has been out of sight, but not out of mind as it makes its return this fall. The Elk is not just a fountain - it’s art, a gathering place, and a symbol. But, of what? For whom?

Join us for the second event in our 2025 Green Dreams series entitled, "On the Nature of Monuments," presented in partnership with the Portland Monuments Project (PMP). This panel discussion with historians explores the social, cultural, and ecological stories surrounding our iconic elk and how its meaning in our city has evolved over centuries. Plus, encounter for the first time two illustrated stories: one comic examining the history of the Thompson Elk Fountain, and one traditional story from Grand Ronde people of Mulak (Elk) Man.

As part of the PMP, this event is meant to inform Portlanders about the history of this beloved icon and inquire with residents about how we should approach monuments and memory-making in our city. Survey support offered by the PSU Regional Research Institute. A special thanks to Literary Arts for their venue partnership on this event.

Learn more about the full series here.

Green Dreams Speaker Series

Started in 2019 with the inkling that we need a new parks movement, PPF’s Green Dreams feature dynamic conversations between local leaders, spatial thinkers, historians, and community advocates to better understand the role —and the possibilities!— of today and tomorrow’s parks.