50 States: Oregon

The American Center in Moscow is delighted to present "50 States," a weekly series of livestreamed presentations exploring each of the 50 U.S. states. Please join us every Wednesday from January 21, 2026, through December 30, 2026, and come prepared with questions for our guest speakers! The full schedule of events is below. Throughout 2026, please join the American Center in Moscow for “50 States,” a weekly series of livestreamed presentations highlighting unique cultural and historical elements, as well as “fun facts” on each of the 50 US states. Each week, an American expert will lead a session on their state, highlighting topics such as local culture, food, music, regional accents and dialects, inventions, history, notable figures, famous books, films, or TV shows set in the state, national parks, major landmarks, and sports teams. Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 20:00 MSK: Oregon Amy Smith is a Regional Public Engagement Specialist with the U.S. Department of State, currently serving at the U.S. Embassy in Riga, Latvia. Before joining the Foreign Service in 2023, she spent more than two decades as a Navy musician. Her career combined performance as a French hornist with support for military bands and public outreach programs around the world. Amy grew up in Oregon, graduated from high school there, and still considers it home. She returns frequently to visit family and loves spending time outdoors in the Pacific Northwest, especially hiking in the Columbia River Gorge and bicycling through Oregon’s scenic landscapes. She credits Oregon’s natural beauty, creative culture, and strong connection to the outdoors with shaping much of who she is today. In addition to diplomacy and music, Amy enjoys birdwatching, reading, theater, and travel. Living overseas has given her the opportunity to share her enthusiasm for Oregon and the Pacific Northwest with audiences around the world. Featuring "I Was Meant for the Stage" by The Decemberists Performed by Rob Morrison