May at the Museum is trying out a new format this year, but the goal of the longtime lecture series remains much the same.
“To provide an opportunity to our community to learn more about the history of Central Oregon,” said Bowman Museum Director Sean Briscoe.
The 2024 version of the free series will feature two events, both held on Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. at the museum. But unlike past lecture series, the two individual sessions will provide specific presentations on the same historical topic: Central Oregon from 1825 to 1889. Central Oregon’s history during this time is deeply intertwined with the expansion of the United States into the Western frontier, as well as the interactions between indigenous peoples, fur trappers, settlers and ranchers.
On May 9, Historian Steve Lent will provide a lecture about the time period, which was marked by exploration, settlement and conflict in the region. Lent's lecture offers insights into the complex and dynamic history of Central Oregon during the 19th Century, highlighting the diverse experiences and challenges faced by those who shaped the region’s development. Through exploration, settlement and conflict, Central Oregon's history serves as a microcosm of the broader forces shaping the American West during this transformative period.
Then, the following week, on May 16, the series transitions to a multi-speaker re-enactment.
“We step back in time with our captivating history program, ‘History of Central Oregon: People from our Past.’” Briscoe said. “People from our Past delves into the lives and legacies of remarkable individuals who left an indelible mark on Central Oregon's history. Join us as we uncover the adventures of William Thompson and Peter Skene Ogden and discover the pioneering spirit of Lorene Lakin and Anne Glaze.”
“This provides an opportunity for history to come to life,” Briscoe said, noting that the second part of the series builds off what Lent is speaking about in the first part.
Although the two lectures are connected, people who can only attend one session or the other will not miss out on the history shared during the series.
“If they can only make it to part two,” Briscoe offered as an example, “they definitely won’t lose out on the history of that time period.”
The reason for the new approach that connects multiple presentations is twofold. Briscoe said museum leaders wanted to change the program a bit, and they also wanted to resume the popular People from our Past programs, which had been put on hold for the past couple of months.
“Our history in Central Oregon is more than just what’s written in textbooks,” he added. “It’s real people who really lived it. So, we thought it would be a neat approach to have the history and get the personal stories behind that.”
Briscoe expects the series to be a lot of fun, and he encourages anyone who is interested in local history to attend.
“Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the fascinating stories of the past and gain a deeper understanding of the people who shaped our collective heritage,” he concluded.
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