Columbia Gorge Discovery Center to Host the Archaeology Roadshow on Nov. 18th
From Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum:
By Mikey Goyette
The Dalles, Ore. November 6, 2023 – Celebrate the archaeology and history of the Pacific Northwest at the 1st Archaeology Roadshow in The Dalles, to be held on Saturday, November 18th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the River Gallery of Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum at 5000 Discovery Drive, The Dalles, OR 97058. The event is free and open to the public.
The Archaeology Roadshow began in 2012 on the campus of Portland State University – and over the past 11 years, and with leadership and support from Portland State and other partners, has spread to several communities across Oregon including Bend and Harney County. This event will be the Archaeology Roadshow’s first stop in the Columbia River Gorge.
The Dalles Roadshow will feature over twenty pop-up exhibits and hands-on activities hosted by archaeologists and community members with local and traditional knowledge from universities, federal and state agencies, tribes, archaeology companies, and nonprofit organizations. The Roadshow introduces visitors of all ages to local heritage and the science of archaeology in a fun, engaging way, while instilling a sense of stewardship for cultural resources. The event is a great way for folks of all ages to meet real archaeologists and others who are working hard to protect and share our heritage.
This year’s theme “The Archaeology of Transportation” is designed to get visitors thinking about the universal importance of transportation to human existence – in the past and today. The Dalles has been a transportation hub since time immemorial – via river and land; by canoe, barge, highway, rail, and trail. What did it take to build and maintain a railroad or a wagon road 150 years ago? Visitors will learn about the inventive ways people moved themselves and their stuff around the region before interstate highways and cell phones.
Chris Donnermeyer, Heritage Program Manager for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, has hosted U.S. Forest Service exhibits at the Roadshow for several years. Donnermeyer said, "As a Forest Service Archaeologist, one program priority for me has always been public education and outreach. Engaging the public via the Archaeology Roadshow is a great way to share the importance and significance of cultural resources as well as the history of the Pacific Northwest. These shared stories are a great avenue for the public to increase their overall Sense of Place, and see how heritage connects to peoples of today."
Members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation will host an exhibit about the tribe’s ongoing efforts to revitalize cultural practices related to First Foods. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs will share their Ichishkin Language Art and Culture project, which creates workshops for youth and teens of Columbia River communities to learn more about indigenous languages and cultural practices.
Visitors will also learn about ancient hunting methods and get to practice throwing a spear.
A panel of experts in archaeology and geology will be on hand to identify the personal artifacts visitors bring. Stone, bone, plant, and historical items are welcome. Experts will do their best to determine the object’s age, possible function, and anything else they can. If you have any details about where the object was found, please bring them. Limit – 3 objects. No financial appraisals.
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For more information on the Roadshow, visit: www.archaeologyroadshow.org
