News Release OR-038-2010-09
For Immediate Release
April 20, 2010
News Contact: Sarah LeCompte, (541)523-1825
May Programs at National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive
Center Baker City, Oregon: The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is
offering several living history presentations and “interactive” opportunities for visitors
during the month of May.
Interpreter David Jason will present living history dramas on mountain man “Probably
George Malvern” and mining camp entrepreneur “Albert Fenner” on weekends throughout
the month.
Student Activity Days are offered May 3, 11, 19, and 27th. This is a great opportunity for
school classes and home schoolers to experience hands on pioneer activities such as
outdoor cooking, folk dancing, weaving, and packing a wagon. Students can also learn
outdoor skills such as mapping, using a compass, and reading animal tracks. These
programs are free for students and chaperones. The interactive children’s exhibit “Pack
Your Wagon” continues through July, with eight learning activity stations for youngsters.
On Saturday May 22nd, an introductory Dutch Oven cooking class will teach the basics of
this outdoor skill, with all equipment and supplies provided at a nominal cost of $20. Preregistration is required.
Memorial Day Weekend May 29th-31st will again bring the annual Wagon Encampment
living history event each day from 10:00-2:00. Costumed volunteers and living history
specialists recreate the look of a stop on the Oregon Trail, with demonstrations of cooking,
crafts, music, gold panning, and black powder shooting. Interpreter Karen Haas will be in
the Leo Adler Theater with her living history presentation “Narcissa Whitman” about the
pioneer missionary who crossed the overland trail in the 1830s to eastern Washington.
The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, operated by the Bureau of Land
Management, is located 5 miles east of Baker City, Oregon on Highway 86. Take Exit 302
from I-84. The Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission for adults is $8,
seniors are $4.50, children 15 and under are free. Federal passes are accepted. Visit
oregontrail.blm.gov for more information about the Center, or call 541-523-1843 for
updates on programs and events. For information on other events and activities in Baker
County, Oregon, call 1-800-523-1235 or check www.visitbaker.com.
-BLM-