Secrets of the Past - Seaside Rock 'n' Roll Riots

Long before the social upheavals that came to define the late 1960s, the quiet coastal town of Seaside found itself at the center of a remarkable chapter in Oregon history. During Labor Day weekends from 1962 through 1964, thousands of young people gathered in Seaside for what began as an end-of-summer tradition. As growing crowds, changing attitudes, and new city policies collided, those weekends erupted into a series of highly publicized disturbances that drew national attention and reflected the cultural shifts taking place across America. Join award-winning journalist and author R. J. Marx as he explores the people, politics, music, and social forces behind the Seaside Rock ‘n’ Roll Riots. Through photographs, historical research, and compelling storytelling, Marx reveals how one small Oregon community became part of a much larger story about a nation in transition. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, lifelong Oregonian, or simply curious about the stories that shaped our state, this engaging presentation offers a fascinating look at a little-known moment in Pacific Northwest history. R. J. Marx is an award-winning journalist, editor, and author. His career has included leadership roles with New York’s Record-Review newspaper before relocating to Oregon’s North Coast, where he served as editor of the Seaside Signal and reporter for The Astorian. His years covering the Oregon Coast inspired his extensive research into Seaside’s historic Labor Day riots, culminating in his acclaimed book Seaside’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Riots: 1962–1964. Secrets of the Past is the Yamhill County History Museum’s ongoing speaker series celebrating Oregon’s rich and often overlooked history. Each program features historians, authors, researchers, and community storytellers who bring fascinating chapters of our past to life through engaging presentations and discussion. From forgotten local legends to pivotal moments in Oregon history, every program invites visitors to discover something new about the people, places, and events that shaped our communities. We invite you to join us throughout the year as we continue uncovering the Secrets of the Past.