This oral history interview with Gordon W. Gilkey was conducted by Jim Strassmaier from January 19 to April 1, 1998, as part of the Oregon Historical Society’s oral history program. The interview was conducted in seven sessions. The transcript includes additional information provided by Gilkey.

In this interview, Gilkey discusses his family background and early life in Albany, Oregon, including his education. He talks about his work on the official book for the 1939 New York World's Fair and shares his experience as an art professor at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. He speaks at length about his service in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, commanding a unit of soldiers tasked with recovering artworks stolen by the Nazis. He talks about chairing the art department at Oregon State College, which is now Oregon State University, and speaks about his work as dean to develop the college of humanities and social science into the college of liberal arts. He also speaks about his work as a curator for the Portland Art Museum and as a part time professor at the Museum Art School.