Pursuing History

We here in the classroom have just finished a fascinating unit of study on Oregon. We focused on the geographical features of the Columbia River, the Coast and Cascade Mountain ranges, the high desert of eastern Oregon and our own Willamette Valley. We told tales of Lewis and Clark's exploration and the coming of the pioneers on the Oregon trail.

There are so many historical and geological sites to visit that are relatively nearby. I just know our children and your children would enjoy visiting some of these places. Closest at hand, we have our own Benton County Historical Museum. Since admission is free, it is a wonderful opportunity to take the very young. When they feel finished or their behavior is no longer museum-appropriate, the family can just leave and come back another day for a short visit. I took our six eldest children to the museum one afternoon and the behaviors I emphasized with them were walking, speaking quietly and pointing to items (even those under glass) without touching anything. Free museums, concerts and performances are a great way to introduce these activities to young children. If it ceases to go well, if one's children become disruptive, one can (and should) leave so that others can continue to enjoy the exhibit/performance and you aren't out any money.


Other places children may go to learn about and feel a connection to Oregon history are the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park in Astoria. Astoria is the first American settlement west of the Rockies. While there one can visit Ft. Clatsop, a replica of Lewis and Clark's winter outpost from 1805-1806. One can visit Seaside, OR, which is billed as the end of the Lewis and Clark trail and also a lovely beach destination. In the Dalles, one can visit the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center for an overview of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Baker City offers lifesize exhibits and living history at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. At Bend's High Desert Museum there are exhibits about the history, culture and wildlife that surrounds the plateau of the high desert. Newberry National Volcanic Monument features 50,000 acres of lakes, lava flows and spectacular geologic features.

The children in our class really enjoyed hearing about the history of their own state, especially the bravery and fortitude of those pioneer families and intrepid explorers like Lewis, Clark and Sacajawea. "Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder gave an accurate description of the lifestyle of the time as did "Apples to Oregon." I forget the author of that one, but it presents a humorous look at a family's travails as they make their way west. It is available in our local libraries. And when you plan your family's next roadtrip, do consider these historical gems in our great state of Oregon!