Champoeg Legacy

Understanding our past – Preserving our heritage

Specifically designed for adult learners, these one- or two-hour interactive programs encourage understanding of the past and preservation of Oregon heritage. Program topics are listed below and are offered from October through April. Programs are free to the public with a $5 parking fee or annual pass.

Call Friends of Historic Champoeg, (503) 678-1649, or e-mail us, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information and to reserve your space.

Also available for your group:

Any of these innovative programs can be presented specifically for your group of up to 25 people on-site at Champoeg. Wheelchair accessible. Group program rates are $60 for a one-hour program and $100 for a two-hour program, and you get to choose the date and time.

Call Friends of Historic Champoeg, (503) 678-1649, or e-mail us, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , for more information or to register your group.

Digging Champoeg

Date: February 16, 2013
Time: 10am - 12pm

Discovering the past through archeology — At least three distinct cultures met on the prairie that is Champoeg. Explore the Kalapuya Indians, French-Canadian fur trappers and American settlers by discovering what remains of their past. Learn how archaeologists unearth hidden treasures and discover what was uncovered at a recent dig at Champoeg. The two-hour program also explores how to preserve your family treasures like photos, textiles and documents.

Activity Level: Participants will sit throughout this presentation and interact with others at their table during activities.

Fascinating Stories of Everyday Lives

Encountering the past through oral and written history — Native American and French-Canadian fur trappers share a unique cultural tradition: oral histories or collecting and interpreting human memories to foster knowledge and preserve a sense of cultural identity. This program will introduce Champoeg’s past through compelling stories. Participants also will examine historic clothing. The two-hour program also permits participants to share their memories, learn about preserving family stories and begin to write their life story.

Activity Level: Participants will sit throughout this presentation and interact with others at their table during the “sharing” time.

Crossroads of Cultures

Date: October 13, 2012
Time: 10am - 12pm

Experiencing the flavors and pastimes of French Prairie — The Champoeg area was a traditional gathering place for the Kalapuya who fished in the Willamette River, hunted deer and elk and harvested camas bulbs, an important food source. Many Native American groups and French-Canadian fur trappers also gathered at Champoeg to conduct trade. This program explores the games, stories and songs that bring people together around a campfire or at community socials like barn dances and crop harvests. Participants will sing, dance, play games, listen to stories, taste authentic foods and make music.

Activity Level: Participants will be involved in a variety of activities for this lively program. Modifications can be made for some of the activities.

Fire, Floods and Farming

Exploring the forces that shape the Willamette Valley — Historic landscapes, like historic buildings and structures, are special places that reveal aspects of our origin and development. Mother Nature and man have both shaped and molded Champoeg throughout the centuries. The Kalapuya conducted controlled burns here. The settlers introduced commercial farming to the region and, subsequently, altered the river, too. And recurring, devastating floods have reclaimed man’s advances on the land, always returning it to its natural flow. This program explores the changing Willamette Valley landscape through a multi-media presentation and promotes awareness about preserving historic landscapes like oak savannas, wetlands and upland prairies. 

Activity Level: During the two-hour program, participants will walk about 1 mile through grass prairies and wetlands in sometimes inclement weather. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Bring an umbrella and binoculars.