Experience the dynamic forces that shape Oregon’s landscapes, climate, and ecosystems. Meet giant salmon, Ice Age sloths, and other amazing animals from across the millennia. Through interactive displays and rare specimens, you’ll go deep into Oregon’s past and join a conversation about our collective future.
Delve into Oregon’s story, from the archaeology of the First Americans to the dynamic cultures of today’s Tribes. Combining interactive displays with world-class anthropological collections, Oregon—Where Past is Present shares 14,000 years of Oregon stories, and invites you to tell your own. Explore the galleries, try your hand at ancient weaving styles, test your skills as an archaeologist, and much more.
Experience the dynamic forces that shape Oregon’s landscapes, climate, and ecosystems. Meet giant salmon, Ice Age sloths, and other amazing animals from across the millennia. Through interactive displays and rare specimens, you’ll go deep into Oregon’s past and join a conversation about our collective future.
Delve into Oregon’s story, from the archaeology of the First Americans to the dynamic cultures of today’s Tribes. Combining interactive displays with world-class anthropological collections, Oregon—Where Past is Present shares 14,000 years of Oregon stories, and invites you to tell your own. Explore the galleries, try your hand at ancient weaving styles, test your skills as an archaeologist, and much more.
Join UO historian Vera Keller as she explores the magics of medieval and Renaissance Europe. Unlike other forms of magic that called upon supernatural powers, natural magic practitioners tried to harness the "hidden" powers of nature for magical use. Come discover how the early development of experimental sciences owes much to the practices of natural magic.
The Museum of Natural and Cultural History offers free admission on the first Friday of the month. Investigate Oregon's amazing fossils and ecosystems, and delve into its cultural history—from the First Americans at Paisley Caves to the dynamic cultures of today's Tribes.
Special Monday hours: The Museum of Natural and Cultural History will be open with FREE admission in honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day! Come celebrate 14,000 years of Native culture in Oregon—from the First Americans at Paisley Caves to the dynamic cultures of today's Tribes.
Celebrate National Fossil Day at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. Check out all the cool fossils from Oregon on display.
This is Kalapuya land. Join anthropologist David Lewis as he explores original Native cultural stewardship of the Valley, the removal of the Kalapuya Tribes to the Grand Ronde Reservation, the radical changes white settlers made to the land, and current work to decolonize and restore the Valley. The Kalapuya peoples in the southern Willamette Valley harvested foods from the land and had villages along major rivers and tributaries. Radical changes to the land and environment by white immigrants in the 1840s, along with forced relocation to the Grand Ronde Reservation, caused a cultural collapse of the Tribe. Today, descendants of these Tribes are working to restore traditions and understand the changes made to the land. David Lewis discusses this history, the challenges Native peoples and allies face when trying to decolonize and restore areas of the valley, and how these efforts can inform Indigenous decolonization efforts in other regions. David G. Lewis is a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, a descendant of the Takelma, Chinook, Molalla, and Santiam Kalapuya peoples of western Oregon. David has a PhD in anthropology from the University of Oregon (2009), past Cultural Resources Department Manager of the Grand Ronde Tribe, and is an assistant professor of anthropology and native studies at Oregon State University.
Celebrate fall with a walk and talk in and around the museum's Glenn Starlin Native Plant Courtyard guided by members of Native Plant Society of Oregon, Emerald Chapter. With over 40 species, the courtyard offers a rich array of plant life that have supported thriving Indigenous cultures for millennia. Space is limited. First come; first served.
Join Brenda Brainard, member of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, for a day-long basketry workshop. Participants will learn basic weaving techniques while creating their own small, square basket from cedar and sedge. Materials will be provided. The fee is $100 for MNCH members and $125 for the public. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Register now. Not yet a member? Join now! Image courtesy of Sarah Northrop
The museum will reopen open on Friday, November 25.
This holiday season, shop local and make a difference! Your purchase at the museum store directly supports education programs that inspire Oregonians all across the state. Join us on Small Business Saturday and browse our unique collection of gifts created by Northwest artists and authors. Admission to the store is always free.
The museum will reopen open on Wednesday, December 28.