For thousands of years, human beings have made a living on the River, the Columbia River. The rich ecosystem, the water and salmon runs have provided people with an environment with optimal resources. After the treaties were signed with the Columbia River tribes, Euro-Americans and Asian Americans made their way to the river to fish, harvest trees and live. Later, touring the Columbia River Gorge became a destination for visitors to the Pacific Northwest. All of these lifeways have a signature on the landscape in the form of archaeological sites, which tell us rich story of those who have came before us. Join Oregon Parks and Recreation Department archaeologist, Nancy Nelson, for an evening of discovery and learn more about The River.

About the Speaker:
Since 2006, Nancy has been the archaeologist for Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department. For the last year, her focus has been working in the Willamette Valley and Columbia River Gorge state parks. From 2009-2013, Nancy was the President of the Association of Oregon Archaeologist. She received her education from Oregon State University and the University of Oregon in Anthropology. During her education, she assisted the Coquille Indian Tribe and the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians on cultural resource projects. Nancy worked for the Yakama Nation as their archaeologist in the Yakama's forest. Also, from 2002-2006, she was the Cultural Resources Manager for the Ak-Chin Indian Community in Arizona. Nancy has one child, two cats and four chickens.

These monthly, free events are open to everyone interested in Oregon and Pacific Northwest history. Co-sponsored by like-minded historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers and historians who expound on topics from Lewis and Clark to shipwrecks, hop growing to women pioneers and far, far beyond. It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp