What's New in the Blue Book?
We called, e-mailed, and faxed hundreds of government offices, television and radio stations, newspapers, cultural institutions, and others in an effort to gather the most up-to-date information. Here is a quick overview of some of the changes by section:
A new exhibit explores the evolution of the Oregon Blue Book as it reaches its 100th birthday.
Facts section
The Scenic Images and Exhibits gallery features a new exhibit about the centennial of the Oregon Blue Book. It also includes a new exhibit about the centennial of woman suffrage in Oregon. Finally, the tour of the State Capitol offers many new photos as well as revised text.
The Notable Oregonians Guide has updated descriptions.
The Oregon Almanac has updated text and is illustrated with more images. There are also new entries such as listings of the largest alternative energy projects and, of course, the new state crustacean.
The Economy essay is revised and has new statistics.
State section
The entire section includes up-to-date contact information and program descriptions.
State agency descriptions include links to a number of new administrative histories and records retention schedules.
The Government Finance essay is revised and features all new tables and graphs.
The Constitution section includes the 2010 edition.
Local section
The entire section includes up-to-date contact information, descriptions, and population statistics.
More cities in the City Government section have an image of the city or the nearby area.
The 1912 passage of woman suffrage in Oregon is celebrated in a new exhibit with colorful images and descriptive text.
National section
The entire section includes up-to-date contact information and program descriptions.
Each of Oregon's nine tribes is now described with contact information and the names of people serving on tribal courts and councils. The economy, points of interest, and history and culture are also explained.
Cultural section
The entire section includes up-to-date contact information, descriptions, and Web links.
The History narrative section now has more links to related resources within the Blue Book and to outside sources.
Oregon Topics section
All of the links and descriptions have been updated.
Each of the topical sections features an image that illustrates the subject.
Blue Book generally
The new winners of the Blue Book cover photo contest are featured. The images grace the front and back covers of the 2011-2012 print version of the Blue Book.
Scattered throughout the pages of the Blue Book are hundreds of scenic images. Dozens were selected from the hundreds submitted in this year's contest alone. These are supplemented by many excellent entries from previous contests. The images give readers a glimpse of the remarkable beauty and diversity of the state.
A new Facebook page for the Oregon Blue Book keeps readers apprised of ongoing new and interesting features.