New Exhibition: The Pursuit of Happiness, photos by Peter Marbach

The History Museum of Hood River County opens for the season on March 7, 2026 with The Pursuit of Happiness, a photo exhibition by renowned Oregon photographer Peter Marbach.  In celebration of Oregon’s diverse beauty and spirit, the America 250 Oregon Commission contracted with Marbach to showcase the essence of Oregon and its vibrant communities.  The Pursuit of Happiness captures the heart of festivals, events, and celebrations that bring communities together across the state.  From iconic gatherings to intimate local traditions, these images share the joy, creativity, and connection that make Oregon’s cultural life so unique.  Join us in celebrating the moments that unite and inspire us all.

About the photographer:  Peter Marbach’s distinguished career spans three decades creating evocative landscapes of unspeakable beauty. He has authored several coffee table books and has numerous regional and national publication credits. A self-portrait celebrating sunrise on the summit of Mt Hood, one year after open heart surgery, graced the cover of a National Geographic map of the Cascades. His 2019 book, “Healing The Big River – Salmon Dreams and the Columbia River Treaty” continues to educate the public about the importance of modernizing the Columbia River Treaty to lay the groundwork to eventually restore the salmon migration back to the headwaters in BC.

Marbach’s work has evolved over the years to pursue projects that contribute to the community at large, from working with tribes and first nations in their quest to restore salmon runs on the Columbia, or his volunteer work in Nepal supporting individual educational advancement for women and children.

His projects have been featured on Oregon Field Guide, OPB’s Think Out Loud, and recently on KGW’s Grant’s Getaways. Current commissioned exhibits with The Oregon Historical Society include the centennial celebration of the iconic Pacific Coast Highway 101 in Oregon, on display January through September 2026 and the travel exhibits entitled The Power of Place and The Pursuit of Happiness, both celebrating Oregon’s unique place for the national America 250th anniversary this year.