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Friends of Historic Champoeg
 Interpreting the cultural & natural history of  Champoeg State Heritage Area

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Champoeg Legacy  Photo of laughing ladies
Understanding our past—
preserving our heritage

Interactive programs for life-long learners
Funding for the development of these programs was provided by
Trust Management Services.
Champoeg’s vibrant landscape and colorful past come to life through innovative programs for adults of all ages. Champoeg Legacy features four interactive programs encouraging us to understand our past and preserve our heritage through the things we leave behind, the stories we tell, the relationships we form and our connection with the land.
  1. Fires, Floods and Farming  
    Exploring the forces that shape the Willamette Valley
     
  2. Fascinating Stories  
         Encountering the past through oral and written history
     
  3. Digging Champoeg  
    Discovering the past through archeology
     
  4. Cultural Crossroads    
     Experiencing the flavors and pastimes of French Prairie

Participants will examine archeological artifacts left behind by past peoples, experience their stories, delve into their rich cultures, and see first-hand the once-abundant natural ecosystems of this region. Costumed interpreters will lead participants through activities and discussions that will help them to not only understand their past, but to learn how to leave a legacy for the future.

Program Details:

  • Interactive, lively and participatory!
  • one hour-long
  • Free to the public w/ $5.00 parking fee or annual pass
  • Available at Champoeg State Heritage Area only
  • Wheelchair accessible: distance from parking lot to program area: 150 feet on paved surface.
  • Programs available October - April

 

 

 

8239 Champoeg Road NE, St. Paul OR 97137 • (503) 678-1649
 info@champoeg.org        Privacy Policy

 


Photo of Archeological DigDigging Champoeg 

Discovering the past through archeology

For hundreds of years, Champoeg has been a multi-cultural meeting place. The native Kalapuya Indians, French-Canadian trappers, and American settlers made their homes here long before it was a state park. What they left behind tells us about the lives they led in this special place along the Willamette River.

Join us and:Photo of jar reconstruction

  • Explore the cultures of the Kalapuya, French-Canadian trappers and American settlers.  What did they leave behind and what does this tell us about their lives?

  • Examine authentic artifacts from the archeological digs at Champoeg.

  • Watch a visual presentation of recent Champoeg digs to gain greater understanding of the careful process of unearthing artifacts and features from the ground.

  • Learn how to leave a lasting legacy for future generations through the preservation and maintenance of family treasures, including books, documents, photos, furniture, textiles, and more. (Extended two-hour version includes this information, as well as an additional artifact activity.)

Activity Level
Participants will be sitting throughout this program and interacting with others at their table during the activities.

 
 

 


Photo of Robert Newell and Joe MeekThe Fascinating Stories of
Everyday Lives

Encountering the past through oral and written history

Stories have always been a powerful way for people to share their lives with one another. In this region, the native Kalapuya Indians and the French-Canadian trappers handed down their stories orally. American settlers came and began to write down their tales of life in this new place.

Join us for this interactive program and: Graphic of Kalapuyan Indian

  • Meet people from Champoeg’s past and experience their compelling stories. What do their extraordinary stories—and their ordinary ones—tell us about their lives?

  • See historic clothing

  • Share story ideas and memories with other participants. (extended two-hour version)

  • Learn how to preserve your heritage through telling, writing and recording your own stories. (extended two-hour version)

  • Begin writing a story of your own to continue at home. (extended two-hour version)

Activity Level
Participants will be sitting throughout this program and interacting with others at their table during the "sharing" time.


 

Photo of Draft MulesFires, Floods and Farming Exploring the forces that shape
the Willamette Valley

Beginning centuries ago and continuing today, people in this region have shaped the land while the land has shaped them. Annual fires set by the Kalapuya Indians, catastrophic floods, farming and commercial development have all impacted the land and the course of history. 

Join us for this powerful program and:

  • Explore the changing Willamette Valley landscape through time

  • Watch a stunning and informative multi-media presentation

  • Learn about preserving and restoring the once abundant landscapes of the Willamette Valley, including wetlands, oak savannas and upland prairies

  • Hike approximately one mile through grass, mud, and shallow water to view wetlands, prairies, animal and bird life to view Champoeg's current restoration projects (two-hour extended version -- available only at Champoeg)

Photo of snowy oaks

Activity Level
During the one-hour version, participants will be sitting and interacting with the interpreter. The two-hour version is an active program where participants will walk approximately one mile through wetlands and prairies in possibly inclement weather. Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and carry an umbrella and binoculars.

 

Photo of barn dancersChampoeg:
A Cultural Crossroads
Experiencing the flavors and pastimes
of French Prairie

Food, games, stories and songs have been bringing people together since the beginning of time. The Kalapuya Indians came together at festivals and celebrations and during the long winter months. The French-Canadian trappers gathered around evening campfires to sing, tell stories and celebrate another day on the river. And the American settlers entertained in their parlors and barns after the work of the farm had been done.

Join us and:

  • Explore the rich cultures of Champoeg's past through the flavors and pastimes of the people who once lived here

  • Sing, dance, play music and games

  • Listen to stories

  • Taste authentic foods

  • Learn how to incorporate food, games, stories, and songs into 21st century life (extended two-hour version)

Activity Level:
This is a lively program where participants will be involved in a variety of activities. Modifications can be made for some of the activities. Ask for details.

 


Champoeg Legacy Registration Information
 

To Schedule a Program for your Group

  1. Contact Friends of Historic Champoeg at 503-678-1649 or info@champoeg.org.

  • You choose the date and time!   

  • The cost is $60.00 for an hour-long program, or $100 for an extended two-hour program.
     

To Attend a Program as an Individual or Family

1.  Contact Friends of Historic Champoeg at 503-678-1649 or info@champoeg.org to reserve your space.
 

  • Programs will be offered at Champoeg State Heritage Area.

  • Programs run from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

  • Programs are FREE!
Digging Champoeg



 

 Cultural Crossroads

 


 		 Fascinating Stories


 

 Fires, Floods & Farming

 

 

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