The Archaeology Roadshow is a large-scale public outreach event held on Portland State University campus and in other communities in Oregon, designed to promote stewardship of Oregon’s heritage and educate adults and children about the value of archaeology to all citizens. The fair-like experience brings together community organizations (Tribes, federal and state agencies, private companies, avocational organizations), and PSU students and faculty who host hands-on activities that relate to heritage, science, and Indigenous history and contemporary Tribal interests in our region. The Roadshow grew out of a 2012 Public Archaeology class project that took place in PSU’s Cramer Hall and attracted 180 visitors. We have since grown in many ways — including providing support to partners in Harney County, Bend, and in 2023, The Dalles, Oregon to host Roadshow events in their communities. We hope to expand to other communities in the future.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, we could not host in-person events. We launched this website in 2021 to reach visitors virtually. Our many supporters stepped up to create virtual exhibits and gave live lectures and panel discussions which we recorded for visitors to view at any time. In 2023, we returned to live, in-person events. This website will continue to be the hub for the Archaeology Roadshow, providing help to exhibitors, sponsors, and the general public who want to learn more about archaeology and heritage.
The Archaeology Roadshow has many layers of benefits. The public learns more about our region’s rich and complex human past and its connections to us today. Visitors also learn about the range of organizations that are engaged in archaeology and heritage activities — and why this work truly matters to us all. Participating college students learn about the importance of public engagement through creating an exhibit of their own. The Roadshow also provides an opportunity for organizations to address their own public outreach goals and at the same time, forges connections among individuals and organizations in our state who are passionate about heritage, site stewardship and public education.
The Archaeology Roadshow Team
And our Amazing Volunteer Planning Committee:
Tracy Alexander – Membership Officer, Deschutes County Historical Society, Bend, Oregon
Shelby Anderson – Associate Professor, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon
Kelly Cannon-Miller – Executive Director, Deschutes Historical Museum, Bend, Oregon
Chris Donnermeyer – Heritage Program Manager, U.S. Forest Service, Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, Hood River, Oregon
Steve Hussey – President, Archaeological Society of Central Oregon, Bend, Oregon
Kelley Martinez – Archaeologist, Archaeological Investigations Northwest, Portland, Oregon
Virginia Parks – Archaeologist, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon
Scott Thomas – Archaeologist, retired, Bureau of Land Management, Burns, Oregon
Suzanne Thomas – Archaeologist, retired, U.S. Forest Service, Burns, Oregon
Lexi Williams-Larson – Archaeologist, Archaeological Investigations Northwest, Portland, Oregon
Shana Withee – 4H Extension Coordinator, Oregon State University (Corvallis, Oregon), based in Burns, Oregon
Jim Withee – President, Harney County Historical Society, Burns, Oregon
Henry Behrens – Portland State University Student, Portland Oregon
Michel Waller – Central Oregon Community College, Bend Oregon
Amber Tilton – US Army Corps of Engineers, The Dalles Oregon
Lisa Commander -Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, The Dalles Oregon
PSU Student Projects:
Shelby Anderson – Professor, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon
Sarah Clay – Event Coordinator
Administrative Support:
Becky Hoven – Office Coordinator, Department of Anthropology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon