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.
The world's oldest shoes
People have been living in Oregon for more than 14,000 years. The stories of these First Americans are partly revealed through archaeological collections recovered from the state's high desert caves—including Fort Rock Cave, where archaeologist Luther Cressman uncovered 10,000-year-old sagebrush bark sandals. Come examine these famous Fort Rock sandals for yourself.
The In-Between
The museum welcomes Anthony Hudson/Carla Rossi as the 2019-20 Oregon—Where Past is Present featured contemporary artist. A member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Hudson/Rossi is a multidisciplinary artist, writer, and filmmaker who uses performance to confront white supremacism, complacency, and the confusion of “mixed” identities—of living in-between, particularly sexually and racially.
I prefer the term “drag clown” to “drag queen” because I’m not trying to emulate women. I’m more interested in Coyote-style trickery similar to a clown’s objective—saying one thing while doing another.
- Anthony Hudson/Carla Rossi
What's your story?
What brought you or your family to Oregon? How far back to your roots go? What inspires you most about this place? We invite you to come and share your own Oregon story in this interactive exhibit.
