Digging Into the Past
With the can-you-believe-we-actually-celebrate-this Columbus Day holiday just behind us, it's a good time to learn about and reflect on the folks that inhabited this land well before ol' Chris made a wrong turn on his way to stock spice cupboards. So how serendipitous is it that these two events are taking place in our neck of the woods as part of the Oregon Archeology Celebration?
Dr. Dennis Jenkins, the man affectionately known around the world as Dr. Poop, speaks on Archeological Investigations of the Connley Caves this Friday, Oct. 16 from 7-8:30 pm at the Smith Rock Welcome Center. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the newly revealed archeologic treasures unearthed near Fort Rock, by the man who discovered the oldest human remains in the Western Hemisphere (which just happened to be fossilized feces) in the nearby Paisley Cave.
The following Friday, also at 7 pm, Smith Rock will host Eric Iseman presenting Tribal Rock Art of the Oregon Country. Eric is an interpretive ranger at Smith Rock who has spent more than 25 years researching indigenous rock art in the area, and assisted in digs at the aforementioned Paisley Cave.
Both of these events are free, save for the $5 park fee. Smith Rock Welcome Center is the yurt located at 10087 NE Crooked River Dr., Terrebonne. For more information, contact Oregon Parks & Recreation Department at 541-923-7551 x 21.
Looking for a day trip? The annual celebration includes events across the state. Here are a few worth making the drive for.
Underwater Archaeology in North America—A View from the Pacific Coast, presented by Amy Gusick. 5:30-6:30 pm. Friday, Oct. 16. Knight Law Center, Room 175, 1515 Agate St., Eugene. Free.
Traveling Museum of Oregon Prehistory, featuring Oregon reproductions and replicas of artifacts going back 14,000 years. 11 am-3 pm. Champoeg State Heritage Area, 7679 Champoeg Road NE, St. Paul. Free with $5 park admission.
Grand Ronde History and Culture Summit, including sessions on the way of life, culture, and art of the indigenous people comprising the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. 8 am-7 pm and 8 am-5 pm. Wednesday, Oct. 28 and Thursday, Oct. 29. Tribal Gym, 9615 Grand Ronde Road, Grand Ronde. Registration $25, dinner $25, second day workshops $10.
