[Heritage] Oregon Heritage News 2006-10-19

[Heritage Info]

In this issue:
1.  'Chinatown' session slated at Clatsop County museum
2.  Deschutes groups host geologic, history presentation
3.  Newell House prepares for Christmas program Oct. 21-22
4.  Scouts beginning oral history project


'CHINATOWN' SESSION SLATED AT CLATSOP COUNTY MUSEUM

The "Remember When, Old Timers Talk" presents an opportunity for
Astoria residents to share their memories or the stories about Astoria's
'Chinatown" at 10 a.m. Oct. 26 at the Heritage Museum, 1618 Exchange St.
  Descendants of the people who once populated play an important role in
Astoria.

Efforts are being made to create a Chinese interpretive park near the
former Chinatown area and the stories shared at the "Remember When, Old
Timers Talk" will be made available to the park's planning committee.
Also, the discussion compliments a temporary exhibit on display at the
Heritage Museum entitled "Asian Games: The Art of Contest.",

The "Remember When, Old Timers Talk" sessions are hosted by the Clatsop
County Historical Society. These informal gatherings feature different
topics of discussion during which local residents are encouraged to
share their personal memories. For more information about this event or
other Clatsop County Historical Society activities, call 503-325-2203 or
e-mail: cchs at seasurf.net.


DESCHUTES GROUPS HOST GEOLOGIC, HISTORY PRESENTATION

The Des Chutes Historical Center and the Deschutes Public Library are
sponsoring an Oregon Chautauqua program by Janet L. Brown entitled
"Changing Perspectives on Oregon's Geology." This free, public program
will take place at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Deschutes Public Library
Brooks Room. This program is funded by the Oregon Council for the
Humanities (OCH).

Oregon's history and geology are connected, from the spectacular
eruption of Mt. Mazama nearly 7,000 years ago to current questions of
water availability in the Klamath Basin. Thomas Condon, Oregon's first
state geologist, wrote, "In prying apart the stone layers of the rocks,
the scientist is, in reality opening the leaves of the past history of
the world." 

Oregon's distinctive landscapes provide a classic and dramatic story of
400 million years of geologic changes, influenced by human processes in
the last few millennia. Some geologists theorize that we are living in a
new age-the Anthropogene (Age of Man)-because human interaction with the
natural environment is causing such rapid acceleration of change. Janet
Brown brings 25 years of experience with the U.S. Geologic Survey to
this examination of the interplay between geologic and human history.

For more information on the Oct. 25 talk, contact Kelly Cannon-Miller,
Manager, Des Chutes Historical Center,  (541) 389-1813.


NEWELL HOUSE PREPARES FOR CHRISTMAS PROGRAM OCT. 21-22

Actors portraying Robert and Rebecca Newell will celebrate "A Pioneer
Christmas Eve 1859" in a living history program at the Robert Newell
House located next to Champoeg State Heritage Area.

The Daughters of the American Revolution will present and host the
program, featuring actors portraying the Newells and an actor portraying
the Newell's friend, Joe Meek.  In addition, other characters from the
past will be portrayed at the Newell House Museum during its sixth
annual holiday season event.  There will also be opportunities on-site
to visit 
with a pioneer teacher at the one-room schoolhouse, and with Tom,
Robert Newell's mountain man friend, who will remain near his tent and
gear. Activities include pumpkin painting, a pie-eating contest, bobbing
for apples, a checker tournament, a spelling bee, and dancing to
old-time music.

The Christmas event is 11 a.m.-5 p..m  Oct. 21st (A Pioneer Christmas
Eve 1859 Living History Event-Saturday only) and  from 1 to 5 pm on Oct.
22. The Newell Museum 
Complex is located 1/8th mile west of Champoeg State Heritage Area's
entrance.  For additional information contact Judy Van Atta,
503-678-5537 or email her at NewellHouseMuseum at Centurytel.net .


SCOUTS BEGINNING ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

In anticipation of the Boy Scouts of America's 100th birthday (2010)
the National Scouting Museum in Irving Texas, has begun an oral history
project to gather the recollections of those involved in the scouting
movement. Please call or email Amanda Durst at the museum at 
972-580-2426 or amgoss at netbsa.org, with any suggestions. 
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which can be contacted at heritage.info at state.or.us