Touching History Mobile Museum brings the Washington County Museum right to your classroom, community center or neighborhood group. Choose from seven informative, educational and entertaining presentations on major topics of local history, all taught by experienced, professional educators. Using a kit of artifacts from the Museum’s collection, presenters demonstrate how the objects were used and explain them in the context of the lives of the people who used them.
Programs
Atfalati-Kalapuya: First People of Washington County
Explore the lives of the indigenous people of the Tualatin Valley, the Atfalati branch of the Kalapuya tribe. Students learn how the Atfalati dressed, what they ate and where they lived. In addition, students get to handle furs, stone tools, baskets and try their hand at a traditional craft.
Chinook: Master Traders of the Northwest
The “Wapato Lowlands” – the region on the lower Columbia River with Sauvie Island at its heart – was once one of the richest, most densely settled areas north of Mexico. This presentation explores the Chinook’s way of life. Students learn native Chinook trade language, called “Wawa,” play a traditional game and investigate artifacts.
On the Oregon Trail
Learn who traveled the emigrant trails and why. Students play a critical thinking game to decide what was necessary to pack and what had to be left behind. By participating in their own journey West, students learn about the hardships and responsibilities children and adults faced on the Oregon Trail.
School Days
Discover the world of a pioneer classroom, circa 1880. The teacher engages the pupils in participatory lessons in history, spelling, elocution and mental math in the style of teaching used more than 100 years ago.
Lewis and Clark: The Science of Discovery
When Lewis and Clark pushed their boats into the Missouri River in May of 1804, the Corps of Discovery was launched. Students examine the methods and tools of travel and navigation, discover flora, fauna and the native Americans encountered. They also consider the contributions this expedition made to the United States.
Silicon Forest: Touching Technology
Do you know how many everyday products use technology developed right here in Washington County? Through the lens of a local company, students play a game, learn about jobs in the technology field and participate in a challenge to learn about the high-tech culture unique to Washington County’s past, present and future.
Braceros: The Men of Migrant Labor
This presentation highlights the root beginnings of migrant labor in the United States. While American men were fighting in WWII, the Braceros traveled to Oregon and other states, under a treaty with Mexico, to help farmers bring in their crops. Learn the history of the Braceros program and how it helped shape Washington County. Students use Spanish vocabulary, handle artifacts and learn about crops.
Learn More…
Generously funded by the following sponsors:
- Cultural Coalition of Washington County
- PGE Foundation
- Juan Young Trust
- The William G. Gilmore Foundation
- U.S. Bank/U.S. Bancorp Foundation
- Oregon Community Foundation
- The Edward and Romell Ackley Foundation
