Monday, December 30, 2013

"Junior Explorer" Activity Books

It's here and hot off the press!! Our new Junior Explorer Activity Book!! We now have three of our very own Activity Books. Check out more ..rsn
http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/res/Education_in_BLM/Learning_Landscapes/For_Kids/junior_explorer.html



Friday, December 20, 2013

The Lone Pine Tree

"The place called Lone Tree is a beautiful valley in the region of Powder river, in the centre of which is a solitary tree quite large, by the side of which travelers usually stop and refresh themselves."
---Narcissa Whitman (August 26th, 1836)


"This noble tree stood in the center of a most lovely valley about ten miles from any other timber. It could be seen at the distance of many miles, rearing its majestic form above the surrounding plain, and constituted a beautiful landmark for the guidance of the traveler. Many teams had passed on before me, and at intervals, as I drove along, I looked up as usual, the tree was gone........That brave old pine, which had withstood the storms and snows of centuries, had fallen at last by the vandel hands of man"
---Peter H. Burnett (September 27th 1843)




cdg

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Grey-crowned Rosy Finch

Our Grey-crowned Rosy Finches are BACK!! If you are a bird lover and watcher, or just want to come up to The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City, Oregon to see them, they are showing up at approx. 3:00 P.M. every day. What a delight to watch them eat the varied dry seeds that we have and clean their beaks on the railings.





Tuesday, December 10, 2013

History of the Christmas card

In 1843, Sir Henry Cole started the tradition of sending Christmas cards. He wanted everyday people in England to use their postal system, just as well-to-do folks and government officials did.

Cole's friend, artist John Calcott Horsley, designed the card. They sold a total of 2,050 cards that year for 1 shilling each (quite a bit of money in those days and equal to $6.15 in today's currency).

In 2012, it was estimated that 1.6 billion Christmas cards are bought and sent in the United States each year.

Visit this site for more information on the history of the Christmas card:



File:The first christmas card cole horsley 1843.jpg

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Utter Van Ornum Massacre 1860

The year is 1860, the date September 9th. Between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. a small wagon train of 8 wagons were attacked by Indians in what is now western Idaho. Over the next few days and many miles, the Indians continued to attack the wagon train. Finally, the emigrants tried to flee on foot, leaving all behind in hopes that this would stop the attacks. But it did not! Many were killed at this time and others fled down the river. 

Over a 40-day period of time, these people did what they could to survive, but they were starving to death. Some resorted to cannibalism. One family (the Van Ornums) and 3 other men separated from the others and tried to make it on their own. They made it past Farewell Bend, Oregon a few miles, but then were attacked again by Indians. All were killed except 4 young children who were taken into captivity. Over the 40 days only 16 out of 44 individuals survived and were rescued by soldiers from Fort Walla Walla.

 An uncle to the captured children searched for them for many years. Only two of the children survived captivity; one of the two died shortly after the rescue. 

The burial site is halfway between Farewell Bend, Oregon and Huntington, Oregon on Hwy. 30.  For more information visit these sites: 




Wednesday, December 4, 2013

When Are You Open?

Our winter hours are Thursday thru Sunday, 9:00am to 4:00pm thru Saturday, February 15th.

Friday, November 29, 2013

The Legend of the Guardian

"The Legend of the Guardian"
It is believed by some that the Elkhorn Mountain peak and the shadow is called "The Guardian." That legend states that "The Guardian" is a deity that watches over the Powder River valley and keeps it safe. This is just one of the legends of this beautiful shadow that we have the honor of seeing every winter.


Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Another Place to Visit Along the Oregon Trail

Oregon Trail Pioneers rested here and then continued on with their journey saying “Farewell” to the bend in the Snake River. Look for a small iron cross which is visible from Highway 30. This marks the location where the Snake River Shoshone Indians battled Oregon Trail pioneers in 1860. http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=4

Friday, November 22, 2013

Grave site at Farewell Bend Oregon

Over the next few weeks we will be featuring once a week a blog about some of the interesting and tragic occurances that happened along the trail. Please enjoy and maybe pack up your family and visit some of these sites.

Farewell Bend Oregon grave site map
Diary of John Fothergill 1852-1853
August 15, 1852 "all this road rough and hilly plenty of grass, water and fuel this part has a more mountainous appearance than any we have yet seen it is beautiful, pefectly wild, most irregular with very high hills, principally peaked up. 3 miles from us this morning a man of the name Wilson was shot by a fellow emigrant (Jessey Varner) they had a quarrel, and it ended in drawing pistols when Wilson received 4 balls out of 5 fired at him and died immediately leaving a wife (who was present) and 9 children to lament his frightful death. Wilsons pistol would not go off they talk of trying the culprit tonight Saw 6 graves 19 dead cattle".
This man Wilson obviously was not thinking of his actions and what the outcome would be for his family. The family continued on and reached thier goal and a few years later his wife re-married.
This grave was possibley one of those that was found when Interstate Highway 84 was put in. It was moved to the site that is indicated on the map, the orange *.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013


This historical marker commemorating pioneer woman Marie Dorion is located 2 miles north of North Powder, Oregon on Highway 237 at mile point 29.04. Near here Marie Dorion gave birth to the "firstborn, part white child on the Oregon Trail".* Due to the mother's malnutrition the baby boy was tiny and week and died eight days later. For further information about this courageous woman and her life on the 1811 Wilson Price Hunt Astoria expedition read *MADAM DORION by Jerome Peltier.

Friday, November 15, 2013


Congratulations Mary Kaye ! Mary Kaye has been nominated for the 2013 WMA Western Album of the Year, Song of the Year and she has also been nominated for Female Performer, Songwriter, and Entertainer of the Year!! Great Job we are so very excited for you here at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center!! Check this site out for more information and for her exciting new album http://marykayeknaphus.com/

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Civil War Veteran


                                                         Joshua Roswell Moe

Joined the 4th Regiment, Michigan Cavalry (Union) in 1862. He was with Company A as a private. They organized at Detroit, Mich.,and mustered in August 28, 1862 and left for Louisville, KY on September 26th. A few of the battles they fought were, the Battle of Stone River December of 1862, the Battle of Chickamauga in September of 1863, the Battles of Dallas and New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May and June of 1864, and the the assult on Keneshaw in June of 1864. They finally mustered out July 1, 1865.
He was finally able to go home.

The Regiment lost during that time 3 Officers and 48 Enlisted men killed in battle, but the biggest loss was from disease 2 Officers and 341 Enlisted men. Total 394

                                                     My Great Great Grandfather

If you wish to search for your own Civil War ancestors go to: http://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers.htm
Here's another interesting site---with animated maps of specific Civil War battles:
http://www.civilwaranimated.com/

Monday, November 4, 2013

Staying in town on Black Friday and want something to do with your kiddos? Come on up to the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center!!


Thursday, October 31, 2013

Wapato Root October 22, 1805



The Lewis and Clark expedition were traveling near the mouth of the Deschutes River on this day in 1805. Meriwether Lewis temporarily dropped back from the rest of the party to observe the natives digging great quantities of a root from the bottom of the Deschutes River. It looks familiar, but is also different, perphaps a different species or variety then what he has seen. The arrow head leaves spring up from the base of the plant and the starchy tubers grow from the roots, much like a potato. The natives dried and pounded the roots into a compressed meal made into cakes that they traded to the Corps of Discovery. This helped to sustain the Corps through the long winter months.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Joe Meek

Have you met Joe Meek yet? Meet Joe Meek this Saturday the 26th at 11:00 and 1:00. Ranger Jeremy Martin portrays the this colorful mountain man and fur trapper. Tall tales and his most infamous adventures.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Lewis and Clark Expedition



It was on September 20, 1805 that the Lewis and Clark Expedition were saved from the brink of starvation by the Nez Perce Indians in the Present-day Weippe Prairie. It was the Camas root and dried fish that no doubt saved them. The Camas root made up a good portion of Nez Perce diet. Not to different from the potatoes that are being harvested here in the Baker City Valley.

Friday, September 13, 2013

1848 Quote




August 15th- East valley of Powder River is a spacious plain, very level, and would be as handsome a valley as  my foot ever trode upon, were it covered with the rich grasses of the eastern states.
Riley Root - 1848

Newest Little Pioneer



Labor Day Wagon Encampment-2013
Newest and Youngest Volunteer
 


Thursday, August 22, 2013

Wagon Encampment

The Oregon Trail Pioneers will be pulling in to rest for a couple of days and would like to share their stories with you. Come see and experience pioneer life on the trail.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

singing Coyotes




This morning is so bright and crisp a hint of fall in the air. The Coyotes thought so as well. They were singing a wonderful tune this morning. What a Grand place we live in..

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Author Brooks Ragen

 Brooks Geer Ragen, author of the new book
The Meek Cutoff
will speak at the
National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
on Wednesday, August 21 at 1 p.m.


 

From 2006 to 2011, Ragen and a team of specialists traced the route of the Meek Cutoff through central Oregon, locating wagon ruts, gravesites, and other physical evidence from the most difficult parts of the trail. He will speak about his experiences documenting that route, using surviving journals from members of the 1845 party, maps, and aerial photographs.
The Meek Cutoff from the Oregon Trail was an 1845 event when an estimated 2,500 emigrants left Missouri for the Oregon Territory. About 1,200 emigrants in more than two hundred wagons accepted fur trapper and guide Stephen Meek's offer to lead them on a shortcut. The resulting disaster has become legend, depicted in numerous books and a recent movie.

Those who followed Meek experienced a terrible ordeal. Lost for weeks with little or no water and a shortage of food, the party struggled across the trackless high desert from the Snake River in present-day Idaho to the Deschutes River near Bend, Oregon.
Brooks Geer Ragen is chairman of the board of directors of Manzanita Capital and lives in Seattle, WA. Ragen will be available to sign copies of his book following the talk.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Dr. Balthasar to visit NHOTIC

Dr. Balthasar
and his Magic Miracle Medicine Show
will be at the Interpretive Center
Friday, August 16th through Monday, August 19th.


El Dr. Balthasar y su espectaculo magico de la medicina mi lagrasa estara en el centro Interpretativa el Viernes, 16 de Agosto hasta el lunes, 19 Augusto.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Thursday Outdoor Club

Last week, July 4th, Thursday Outdoor Club participants panned for gold!
Look what fun they had.........



This week, we'll be learning all about the animal world with "Carnivores, Herivores, & Omnivores".  The program is designed for kids ages 8 to 12, begins promptly at 1:30 PM on Thursday. The fee is $2.00 per child.
Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Heidi Muller & Bob Webb to perform at NHOTIC on July 11th & 12th!

Performance times are 12:00 on Thursday, July 11 and 10:30, 12:00 and 2:00 on July 12th.
In addition they'll lead a mini-dulcimer camp for kids ages 8 to 12 on Thursday from 1:30 to 3:00. Come out and join us!

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Thursday Outdoor Club---June 20th


Thursday Outdoor Club---for kids ages 8 to 12!
$2 per participant---1:30PM to 3:00 PM
Pre-registration not required

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Thursday Outdoor Club on the Oregon Trail

Thursday Outdoor Club offers something special just for kids, every week through end of July.  Check the schedule for an activity, call ahead to reserve a spot, and join in the fun learning about history and the outdoors with other kids.  This Thursday, June 13th, try out a variety of musical instruments with Rick Meyers.   1:30 pm to 3:00 pm.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Rick Meyers here June 11, 13, & 14!

Drop by the Interpretive Center to catch a program by musician Rick Meyers. His show "Making Old Time Music" features a delightful mix of historical information, playful dialogue, audience participation, and pioneer music played on the banjo, guitar, autoharp, spoons, musical saw, jewsharp, noseflute, limberjack, harmonica, ukulele, washboard, and washtub bass. 
  

He'll  perform on Tuesday, June 11 at 10:30, 12:00, & 2:00, on Thursday, June 13 at 12:00, and again on Friday, June 14 at 10:30, 12:00, & 2:00.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Our New Exhibit is Opening Soon

Our new summer exhibit opens to the public on June 21, but Trail Tenders members can join us for a sneak peek on June 19.... read more below to learn what this exhbit is about




Sinners & Saints: Indelicate Stories of Emigrants in the West offers a unique opportunity to explore concepts of tolerance and diversity in the 19th century.
A collection of stories drawn from first-person accounts are woven into narratives that highlight the morals and values of pioneers, early settlers, and Native America tribes of the Columbia Plateau. Presented in a story booth format, these tales describe individuals who traveled the Oregon and California Trails, settled into burgeoning towns, and the choices they encountered along their way. This intimate exhibit creates a space to explore and reflect on timeless topics of survival, love, family, vice and spirituality. 

Monday, June 3, 2013

Run 2 the Ruts!

Over 100 runners & walkers turned out for our
3rd Annual Run 2 the Ruts!


Place winners were:

5K (men):
Dan Lees
Bob Radke
Jessie Whitford.

5k (women):
Shelly Schauer
Lacy Smith
Elizabet Madison

10K (men):
Tim Vanernlugt
Aaron Harrell
Dr. James Davis

10K (women):
Erin Thompson
Daisy Walden
Nellie Pryor

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Meet the Pioneer Photos


We had a great Memorial Day Weekend Oregon Trail Event - lots of visitors escaping the rain, dutch oven cooking, roving pioneer personalities, and Karen Haas' presentations. The pioneers have gone back on the trail, and now, we're looking forward to National Trails Day this coming Saturday, and the annual Run to the Ruts race.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Oregon Trail Pioneers come to life Memorial Day Weekend


We're prepping for a weekend with more than usual historic re-enactors, bringing the Oregon Trail days back to life by depicting pioneer characters. Narcissa Whitman has already made an appearance. Saturday and Sunday, we've set up the quilting frame, have a gunsmith, rag dolls, and then some "characters" who will be available to tell you have life on the Oregon Trail. Memorial Day weekend is, strangely, traditionally very rainy on this usually dry side of Oregon, so we always plan lots of things to do inside. Any nearby campers and tourists can find lots of dry things to do here.  If there is enough of a sun break, we might do some dutch oven cooking.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Another gorgeous day

It's another fantastic sunny spring day at Flagstaff Hill and the Interpretive Center...there've been a lot of them this spring.  It's a lot of work for staff and volunteers right now preparing summer programs and repairing trails, but we still have time to get out and enjoy the greening up of the great outdoors. RV'rs are returning from the south, and students are making their end of school year field trips.  There's still snow on the Wallowas and Blue Mountains, so the Hell's Canyon Scenic By-Way Loop is still not fully open up to Joseph; but, visitors are reporting it's a great spring day trip to drive the stretch between Baker City and Oxbow. With green fields and snow capped mountains, it's a special treat for the eyes this time of year.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Make a Sunbonnet

The sunbonnet is an iconic symbol of frontier womanhood. A utilitarian fabric hat to shade the face and a short cape to protect the neck from wind and sun.  Never intended as a high fashion item, pioneer women nevertheless did their best to make them as attractive and feminine as possible, whether in a farm field or on a frontier trail.  Patterns were printed in fashion magazines and shared amongst women, but like many every day clothing items, very few originals exist. Nobody saves their work clothes for posterity! We’ve used historic patterns, as well as copied patterns from real examples, to recreate the historic style for our interpreters.  We’ll be teaching how to make a historic style sunbonnet on Saturday, May 11th, in a workshop from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Interpretive Center. $20.00 fee includes fabric, supplies and pattern. Bring your own sewing machine; basic sewing skills required.  Call 541-523-1844 for more information or to register.   

Friday, April 5, 2013

April 23 is Baker County Day!

Join the Trail Tenders at the Center on April 23 for a celebration of our local heritage. Interpretive programs will feature local talent, including the living history stories of "John Stewart" and "Joe Meek"

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

A yellow-crowned kinglet.....

....stopped by NHOTIC today. A tiny bird, and one we hadn't seen here before this afternoon. The bird books says it's a common species-----but it was "unusual" to us.


Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Trail Tender Members Always Visit for Free


We have launched a new membership program, with a long list of great benefits

 All Levels of Membership receive the following benefits:

 

  • Free Admission to the Interpretive Center & Programs
  • Free Admission to Special Events & Exhibits
  • 25% Discount in the Oregon Trail Shop
  • Newsletter with events and activities
  • Free or Discounted Registration for Workshops
    Free Training in Interpretation for becoming a guide
  • Members-Only Social Events
  • Members-Only Previews of New Exhibits
View the different membership levels and sign up online at trailtenders.org/membership

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Early Bird Registration is a Month Away!

There's still plenty of time to start training for this scenic fun run on June 1st

However! You'll need to register for either the 5K or 10K race by April 15 to make sure you'll get to wear a sweet moisture-wicking logo shirt on Race Day

Race Information and Registration Available Here

(And don't forget to sign up by April 15)

Monday, March 11, 2013

Wagons Ho! An Interactive Oregon Trail Experience

Our hands-on children's exhibit is now open in the Flagstaff Gallery. Stop by and pack the wagon, try on some pioneer clothing, measure how many steps you'd need to take to walk the length of the Oregon Trail...or compose some pioneer poetry.


The exhibit will be open through June 4th.

Thursday, February 28, 2013

"People of the Plains"


Michael 'Band Hand' Terry is a Native American historian, replica maker, author and actor/stuntman of Seminole descent.  His informative program gives an overall picture of what 18th and 19th Century Plains Indian life was like.  Michael Terry provides a historically accurate and objective overview of Native American history and the impact of westward migration on those cultures. Performing
June 15-18 at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. More information please visit http://www.warriorsplus.com/

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

"George the Ground Squirrel"

"George" the ground squirrel is back! Our fuzzy little friend was seen grabbing a bite to eat and basking in the sun. Guess he doesn't know it is still winter.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Crochet a Shawl Workshop

Crochet a Shawl Workshop

March 2, 2013; Saturday
10:00--3:00
Bring a Lunch!
"Must Know How to Crochet"

Shawl Workshop

Come and crochet an old-fashioned shawl. We will get you started on a simple traditional pattern. Must know how to crochet. All supplies included $25.00 per kit. Space is limited; pre-registration required.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Log Cabins for Kids!

Jack made a cabin this morning:



So did Ava:



Aren't they great?

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

More Workshops!

“Edible Log Cabins for Kids”
February 18, 2013; Monday
Ages 5 & up
11:00-1:00
$3.00 plus admission

Celebrate President’s Day and learn about early settlers’ homes in Baker Valley. Build an edible “log cabin” to take home. Space is limited; pre-registration required. For additional information, or to register for the workshop, please call 541-523-1844.



Sneak peek: painted rock workshop coming up in March...... 


Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Wagons Ho!

Everyone's favorite exhibit is set to return to the Flagstaff Gallery in February

We are bringing back the wagon for another season of packing, but we've got some new features that we are excited about too, including a new display about animal habitats.

As in prior years, please be sure to call ahead and make a reservation if you are planning to visit with a school group. We also have lots of resources for pre- and post-visit activities.

Our visitor information assistants will be happy to help you plan your visit, so give them a call at 541-523-1843, and let us know if you have any questions about this interactive exhibit for kids of all ages.
(download the PDF Flyer here)
-

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Save the Date: Rag Rug Workshop, January 19th

Call to reserve a space!

Rag Rug Braiding Workshop
January 19, 2013; Saturday
Ages 12 & up
10:00-1:00
$8.00 plus admission fee

A three hour workshop learning two rag rug braiding techniques applying practical pioneer life skills. This classic American frontier craft recycles scrap fabric to create beautiful rugs, chair pads, and trivets. By the end of the workshop, you will have a finished trivet (hot pad) or the beginnings of a rug. 



No experience necessary; supplies included.
Space is limited; pre-registration required. For additional information, or to register for the workshop, please call 541-523-1844.

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Planning for the New Year




 

We're only five days into 2013, but we've already got a full calendar of events lined up at the Interpretive Center, and we are working on adding even more!

You can download a PDF copy of our event flyer here or visit our new 'real-time' calendar of programs and events over here 
There are a great series of workshops that will be coming up too, so keep an eye out for that post soon.

And of course, we couldn't put on any of these events and workshops without the help of our wonderful volunteers! If you are interested in getting involved at the Center, here is a list of the many ways that we can use your help as a volunteer this year.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Flagstaff Gallery Exhbit Schedule for 2013

Wagons Ho! An Interactive Oregon Trail Experience
 February 16 - June 4
This popular hands-on exhibit returns! Test your pioneer skills with a full-scale replica wagon, try on pioneer clothing, and join in the trail activities. An engaging educational experience for visitors of any and all ages.

Sinners & Saints: Indelicate Stories of Emigrants in the West

Tolerance and diversity in the Wild West?
This exhibit presents lesser-known tales of unique individuals who traveled the Oregon and California Trails. A variety of stories highlight the morals and values of pioneers and early settlers.

Enduring Patterns: A Quilted Heritage
Fabric is a necessary part of our daily lives, but it's what we do with the cloth that creates its significance. View traditional quilt patterns and techniques used in the American West, and vintage quilts alongside modern interpretations of the same patterns. 

For questions about our exhibits program, please contact
Gypsy Burks, Exhibits Specialist at 541.523.1835 or gmcfelter at blm dot gov