Lane County Historical Society :: History Road Shows

Curriculum Resources,
Tours, Trunks & Road Shows

For answers to questions regarding the items listed below you may contact the Museum's Education Coordinator, by email or by phone at (541) 682-4242. To make a reservation request, you may use our online form. PLEASE NOTE: Any reservations initiated from this website will only be confirmed when you are contacted by LCHM's Education Coordinator.

Road Show Request Form

This program is available on a limited basis from November through mid March. For scheduling details, contact the Education Coordinator, at (541) 682-4242 or via email. Let us bring history to you! Historic Interpreters in period dress visit your classroom with artifacts and replica items. They give first hand accounts of real people and events. Hands on History Road Shows' topics include Lewis and Clark, the Civil War, Westward Migration, Fur Trading at Fort Umpqua, World War II in Oregon and the Shelton-McMurphey Johnson House.

TEACHERS, PLEASE NOTE: Through the generosity of a Teaching American History Grant, Road Shows are presented FREE to Lane County teachers and their students!

Westward Migration and the Skinners

Learn about life on the trail as Eugene and Mary Skinner talk about their background and share their experiences crossing the plains as emigrants and finally settling in the Willamette Valley. Grades 3-12

Civil War: Siege of Vicksburg

Mississippi 1863. Hear the story of Pvt. Louis Renninger, Private in the Union Army, and awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroism at the battle of Vicksburg. Learn what daily life was like for a Civil War soldier, try on the gear, see and touch artifacts actually used in the Civil War.

Learn about the Confederate side of the war. "July 4, 1863; Vicksburg, Mississippi has just fallen into Union hands!" Meet Mrs. Mary Ann Webster Loughborough. Wife of Confederate Captain James Loughborough, she lived under siege for two months in a cave. Grades 5-12

Lewis and Clark

Follow Native American guide Sacagawea as she travels with Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery in search of the Northwest Passage. Grades 3-12.

Fur Trading at Fort Umpqua,

Fur Trapper Francois Deneau takes you back to 1831 as he tell of his experiences trading with the Hudson Bay Company at Fort Umpqua. Learn what daily life, caring for the gardens and livestock was like at the fort. See a demonstration of fire starting with flint and steel. Write a letter to Francois online. Grades 3-8.

Shelton-McMurphey Johnson House Families

A docent will travel with the trunk full of household items to talk about the lives of the families who lived in Eugene's most famous house from 1889-1949. Grades 3-8.

World War II: The Oregon Homefront

Mrs. Mabel Anderson tells the story of life in Lane County during World War II. Topics include rationing, the use of propaganda, war bonds, Victory Gardens, and much more. Grades 5-12. NEW!

If You Were a Pioneer

A lively interactive program designed for pre-schoolers and led by an experienced guide. This program includes songs and stories about pioneer life.

Interpreters

Scott Dano: As Fur Trapper Francois Deneau, Scott tells the story of life at Fort Umpqua in 1831.

Nancy Gowins: Nancy performs as Mary Skinner for the Westward Migration presentation and as Mrs. Mary Ann Webster Loughborough for the Civil War presentation. For the Lewis and Clark Road Show Nancy tells of her experiences as Sacagawea with the Corps of Discovery.

Jennifer McConochie: Jennifer is a costumed interpreter for the preschool and kindergarten program, "If I Were a Pioneer," and leads school tours at the museum.

Harold Slavik: Harold is an experienced Civil War re-enactor and interpreter and performs as Union Army Pvt. Louis Renninger for the Civil War. He also performs as a Confederate Soldier, demonstrating the military experience on both sides of the war.

Steven Crain: Steven is a retired teacher and experienced interpreter & historian. He performs as Eugene Skinner for the Western Migration program.

Steve Coady: Steve has an extensive background in historical re-enactment. He performs as George McMurphey for the Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House program. In addition, Steve performs as Forest Ranger C.B. MacFarland, telling the story of the early days of the U.S. Forest Service in Oregon.

Heather Hill, CIG: Heather is a Certified Interpretive Guide and performs as Mabel Anderson for the World War II: Oregon Homefront program. She assists with the other programs as needed.

The interpreters bring trunks holding many hands-on artifacts both authentic and reproduced which help to illustrate these true stories.