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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 that will encourage 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. Archeology and Preservation
    Discover past treasures and preserve your own
    (available at Champoeg or at your location)
     
  2. The Fascinating Stories of Everyday Lives
    Encounter the past through oral and written history
         (available at Champoeg or at your location)
     
  3. Fires, Floods and Farming
    Examine the forces that shape the Willamette Valley
    (available only at Champoeg)
     
  4. Champoeg: A Crossroads of Cultures
     Experience the flavors and pastimes of French Prairie
    (Available Fall 2008)

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

Details:

  • Interactive, lively and participatory!
  • Available at Champoeg State Heritage Area or your location
  • Approximately 90 minutes
  • Wheelchair accessible (except for Fires, Floods & Farming)                                                                         Distance from parking lot to program area: 150 feet on paved surface.
  • Most programs available September - February; Fires, Floods & Farming available November - April
  • $6 per person, or $100 per group

 

Click here for more information about registration and costs.

 

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

 


Photo of Archeological DigArcheology and Preservation 

Discover past treasures and preserve your own
Available at Champoeg, or at your site

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.

Discover what the past peoples of Champoeg left behind, learn about the process archeologists use to find, dig, and understand these things, and find out how you can leave a lasting legacy by preserving your own tangible treasures.

Join us for a lively program of activities and discussion as we: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.
     

  • See a visual presentation of the 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.  We’ll show you how to care for and preserve your family treasures, including books, documents, photos, furniture, textiles, and more.

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

Click here for registration Information.
 

 


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

Encounter the past through oral and written history
Available at Champoeg, or at your site

 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.

Meet people from Champoeg’s past and experience their compelling stories. Share some of your own memories, and learn how you can leave a lasting legacy by telling, writing or recording your own stories for future generations.

Join us for a lively program of activities and discussion as we: Graphic of Kalapuyan Indian

  • Experience the stories of the Kalapuya Indians, French-Canadian trappers and American settlers. 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.

  • Learn how to preserve your heritage through telling, writing and recording your own stories.

  • Begin writing a story of your own to continue at home. (Optional)

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

Click here for registration Information.
 

Photo of Draft MulesFires, Floods and Farming Explore the forces that shape
the Willamette Valley
Available only at Champoeg

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. 

Explore the changing Willamette Valley landscape, discover what Oregon Parks and Recreation is doing to restore the once abundant wetlands, oak savannas and prairies of Champoeg, and learn how to leave a lasting legacy by becoming stewards of these special, beautiful places.

Join us and:

  • Participate in a discussion about the Willamette Valley's changing landscape through time

  • Watch a powerful and informative multi-media presentation

  • Hike approximately one mile through grass, mud, and shallow water to view wetlands, prairies, animal and bird life

  • Learn about preserving the historic landscapes of the Willamette Valley

Photo of snowy oaks

 

Activity Level
This is an active program where participants will walk approximately one mile through wetlands and prairies in possibly inclement weather. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and carry an umbrella and binoculars.

Click here for registration Information.

Photo of barn dancersChampoeg:
A Crossroads of Cultures
Experience the flavors and pastimes
of French Prairie
Available at Champoeg or at your site.

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.

Explore the rich cultures of Champoeg’s past through the flavors and pastimes of the people who once lived here, and discover ways to enrich your own life through the sharing of food, games, stories and songs.

Join us and:

  • Sing, dance and play games

  • Listen to stories

  • Taste authentic foods

  • Learn how to incorporate food, games, stories, and songs into 21st century life

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.

Click here for registration Information.


Champoeg Legacy Registration Information
Call Colleen at 503-678-1649 for more details.

Group Registration
Use this registration process if:

  1. Your group has at least 17 people, or

  2. You want to choose your own program date and time, or

  3. You would like us to bring the program to your location.

  • You choose the date and time!

  • We can accommodate up to 25 people in one group.

  • To register, print a copy of the registration form from this website and mail to Friends of Historic Champoeg. 

  • The cost is $100.00 per program. Refundable with 24 hours prior notice.

  • An additional fee to cover the interpreter’s travel costs and time will be included for programs at your location. 
    Call 503-678-1649 for more details.

Download the Group Registration form (PDF 24K).

Individual or Small Group Registration for Legacy Public Programs
Use this registration process if:

1.  You are signing up as an individual, or
2.  Your group has fewer than 17 people.
 

  • Programs will be offered at Champoeg State Heritage Area.

  • Programs run from 1:30 p.m. to approximately 3:00 p.m. except where noted otherwise.

  • Cost of $6.00 per person will be payable at the door.

  • Programs with fewer than 12 participants will be re-scheduled.

  • Call 503-678-1649 to reserve your space.
Archeology & Preservation
 Fri., Oct. 19 (10:00 a.m.)
Sat., Oct. 20
Tue., Dec. 4
Wed., Feb. 6		 Fascinating Stories
Wed., Oct. 10
Wed., Nov. 7 (10:00 a.m.)
Sat., Nov. 17
Tue., Jan. 22		 Fires, Floods & Farming
Sat., Mar. 15
Sat., Apr. 19
Sat., May 17		 Crossroads of Cultures
Available Fall 2008

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