Saturday June 20th, 2026
Our Trails of Time Living History Festival was a big success, thanks to our hard-working volunteers, our generous sponsors, and our knowledgeable historical interpreters. A big thank you to Karen Rainsong, our executive director, who put so much of her time and energy into making this day engaging and well planned.
We had about 250 people come out throughout the day, and folks learned about history, pet some goats, tried different activities and listed to Deitrich Peters from the Grand Ronde tribe talk about culture, play flute, and tell stories. The plankhouse was packed with people each time he did a presentation.
Our location was Dorris Ranch living history village, and the weather cooperated with overcast cool skies in the morning and sun in the afternoon. Our staff person Emma showed folks around the pioneer cabin, sang an old song, and helped them grind grain and try the hand pump organ.
Many interesting conversations were had about history of Oregon, including with Troy Dunham (from Southern Oregon) at the covered wagon, who brought all kinds of items that would have been brought on the Oregon Trail, and who shared about settlement of the west and the impact on Indigenous tribes.
One of our booths included historical posters about Black pioneer settlers and their lives, provided to us by Oregon Black Pioneers. We had a board member, Ann Dockendorf, and her friend Arlene doing spinning of wool on their spinning wheels and talking to folks about Black history. Lots of folks were interested and some great conversations were had!
We were thrilled to welcome our partners in nature and history education to present to the public, including our friend and colleague Jess Lambright of Wild Alive Outside. Jess presented cordage making and basketmaking, and had people of all ages sitting with her and learning throughout the festival. She was thrilled to be there and wants to continue helping us bring this kind of education to people in the future.
Our friends Deitrich Peters and his son, Deitz II brought out one of their tipis and presented cultural items such as regalia, flutes and children’s Indigenous storybooks inside. Deitz the elder did flute playing and storytelling twice during the day, with the plankhouse packed with people of all ages listening and appreciating culture. (Tipis were used in Eastern Oregon by the Wallowa Tribe and are part of modern Native culture in the area.)
Deitz’s engaging storytelling style enthralled listeners as he told the story of the first flute, and Ant and Bear. Deitz is the Cultural Director of the Native American Cultural Encampments held several times each summer in the area. He loves sharing his culture with others.
A hearty thank you to the Museum of Natural and Cultural History for their booth highlighting Oregon history, and the Lane County History Museum for their presence as well. People from all walks of life enjoyed talking with these historians and learning more about Oregon.
Our fur-trapper historical interpreters Mark and Midori Hanus and Scott Dano provided a lot of context for the history of Metis and other peoples in Oregon throughout the 18th to 19th centuries. Their engaging conversations and hands-on activities such as touching animal pelts was appreciated. Attendees learned about the impacts of overtrapping some animals like beaver, impacts of colonization upon the land and First Peoples, and about trade relationships between groups living here and passing through this area.
Live music was played by musicians from the Old-Time Fiddlers Association and they played some well known tunes as well as doing some “jamming.” The music helped weave a wonderful atmosphere as folks roamed the village learning and sharing history.
The gold panning and mining history booth was brought by Matthew Hewlett of the Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days festival. Folks of all ages got to try panning for gold and learning about the history of the Oregon gold fever. And our board member Marsha worked hard to provide some lovely raffle baskets with different themes such as “Oregon’s bounty.” We raised several hundred dollars thanks to her efforts!
An important feature at the festival were the six signs “This is Kalapuyan Land” to remind visitors that this place is the traditional homelands of the Kalapuya people. Each one included a statement about the history of the Grand Ronde tribe (from their website) and read in order they formed a snapshot timeline of the tribes’ history.
Everone was pleased to meet Oak and Orion, the two dwarf goats and their owner, Angela Petty. Oak and Orion are male “wethers,” so they don’t produce milk. Instead, they are small-scale urban land stewards! They graze and browse in neighborhood backyards, alleys, and green spaces. Along with prescribed burning, herbivores can support natural ecosystems by eating blackberries and other invasive-species, removing fuel loads, sequestering carbon, providing disturbance, and fertilizing. Oak and Orion also enjoy engaging with human friends through events, school visits, and public grazing. It was so interesting to meet them!
Carolyn Bard and her family members came out to help teach about fiber arts like spinning wool and helped staff the welcome booth. They were so friendly and talkative, laughing and sharing with everyone. And our board member Elizabeth Starr-Lilly presented how to work the loom, while board member Steve Williamson had a history booth focused on Asian history of the area and also about Opal Whiteley’s history. Steve is a well known and beloved member of the Asian Celebration committee.
CASA of Lane County came out and ran the pioneer clothes washing booth next to the log cabin! Folks were encouraged to bring their returnable bottles and cans to the festival to donate to them.
Thank you to Karen Rainsong and the SCEC board, staff and volunteers for putting on a wonderful festival! And of course, a big thank you to our generous sponsors who helped us make the day successful: the law offices of Brian Thompson, Springfield Utility Board, and the Copy Shop.
We are glad that so many folks got to learn about Oregon’s history and culture. See you again soon!
