Presented by Chelsea Rose, historical archaeologist

This talk will highlight the recent archaeological work and findings of the Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project (OCDP), a multi-agency partnership that has been excavating sites across the state in order to better understand and share the history of Oregon's early Chinese residents. With a focus on rural communities, remote mining camps, and railroad construction, this collaborative project has provided important insight into the Chinese experience and role in the settlement and development of Oregon.

About the Speaker:

Chelsea Rose is a historical archaeologist who focuses on the settlement and development of the American West. She graduated with honors from the University of Oregon and received her graduate degree in Cultural Resources Management from Sonoma State University. Rose’s recent work has included research in the Jacksonville Chinese Quarter, the homestead of frontier photographer Peter Britt, the native Hawaiian mining camp of Kanaka Flat, and the Historic Applegate Trail. Rose has been working with state and federal agencies to create a research partnership that focuses on Oregon’s Chinese migrant history and regularly works with the media, students, and community volunteers in an effort to promote archaeological awareness and encourage historical stewardship.

The Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project is a collaborative multi-agency partnership dedicated to research and education on Oregon's early Chinese population. The project is currently working on sites from across the state, within investigations focusing on Chinese railroad workers associated with the Oregon and California Railroad and its early attempts to cross the Siskiyou mountains (1883-1884), gold mining in the Blue Mountains (1860-1910), and rural Chinese communities. The archaeological field school, public volunteer opportunities, and outreach events planned for the summer of 2019 make the project and its findings accessible to Oregonians with an interest in the underrepresented history of our state. 

Photo Credit: Chelsea Rose, SOULA

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