Living History

 Come explore the sights and sounds, smells and flavors of 19th-century French Prairie life, and experience the history and spirit of Champoeg with the help of our volunteer costumed interpreters at many of our public programs. $5 day-use parking fee applies.

2013 Events

Living History Saturdays 2013

Founders Day - May 4, 1 - 3 pm    ~ A fun adventure on an easy on-mile "Pathway through the Past"

Music and Story Day - July 6, 1:30 - 3:30 pm

Textile Day — July 13, 1:30  – 3:30 pm

Blacksmith and Woodcraft Day — July 20, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

1860s Games Day— August 3, 1:30 - 3:30 pm

Barn Dances — June 29, July 26, August 24, 6 pm – 9 pm

The 19th-century Donald Manson threshing barn is the perfect backdrop for these old-fashioned barn dances. Learn some dance steps from the old days. Accompany the band on a washboard or rattle.

1860s Children’s Jobs day — August 10, 1:30 – 3:30 pm

Home Skills Day — Aug. 17, 1:30 – 3:30 pm

 Farmstead Day — August 31, 1 – 4 pm

Learn how to hand-churn butter, thresh and winnow wheat and see fur trappers and pioneers demonstrating their skills at this annual celebration of Oregon’s rugged pioneer roots. The day offers music, living history demonstrations and a chance to take home some of the fresh produce from the 1860s kitchen garden.

Apple Harvest Festival — Oct. 5, 1 – 4 pm

Enjoy one of the most popular harvest rituals of the season. Watch apple pressing and Dutch oven baking demonstrations while tasting fresh-pressed cider, desserts and apple butter. Apple ornaments and music, too.

Holiday Gathering — Dec. 7, 1 - 4 PM

Warm yourself with good cheer of the season in this hands-on event where you can make cedar swags, pomanders, garland and ornaments. Listen to holiday storytelling and music while you decorate cookies.