Living History School
Connecting kids with history
Note: we are no longer offering pre-visit slideshows due to rising fuel costs
School-group tours are offered in the SPRING and FALL.
Call 954-7213 for more information
Costumed living history interpreters lead students through a historical adventure around the Ranch, emphasizing relationships between people, the environment, and history.
Click on any image to see photos from a recent school tour. Be sure to scroll through the thumbnail row, below.
There are currently three tour themes to choose from.
Lewis and Clark: A Voyage of Discovery
Enlist your students in the Corps of Discovery and embrace the challenges of life in 1805. Explore the woods, sketch scientific finds, and learn from the Clatsop Indians. We provide a journal and compass to all new recruits.
People of the Land: Kalapuyas, Trappers, and Pioneers
Who lived in the Willamette Valley before us? During this educational tour, students experience the lives of Kalapuya Indians, Hudson's Bay Company Trappers,and Oregon Trail Pioneers. Learn the traditional hunting methods of the Kalapuya. Visit the HBC trading post and examine furs. Lend a hand with chores at the pioneer cabin.
Pioneer Homestead: Life after the Trail
Experience the life of a Oregon Trail immigrant at the Masterson homestead. Step back in time to 1852 when William, Eliza and their five young children settled their donation land claim on what was to become Dorris Ranch. Visit their log cabin, help tend to the crops, grind grain, bake corn bread, split firewood, pump water, and more. We provide poke bonnets and straw hats to the children.
A FIELD TRIP TO DORRIS RANCH INCLUDES
• A packet for teachers full of pre- and post-trip activities, name tags, and a class resource list.
• School bus transportation for Springfield school students is paid by Willamalane.
• Classes are invited to bring a sack lunch to eat at the Ranch, after the program.
• We can accommodate up to 30 students each day.
COST
note: costs have changed as of Fall 2008
$2.50 per Springfield student.
$3.00 per student for all other areas.
Adult chaperones/teachers are free.
Payment: one check made payable to Willamalane Park District, sorry we don't take cash, multiple checks, or purchase orders.
REGISTRATION
Electronically: You can also register using our online form. When you register online, you will be able to immediately download the teacher information packet! We will contact you within a few days. Reservations will only be confirmed when you are contacted by Dorris Ranch Education Coordinator. Click here to register electronically.
By phone: Registration is accepted over the phone by calling Scott at (541) 954-7213, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations will be accepted until all program dates have been filled. Questions feel free to email me at scottd@willamalane.org
Tour cancellations: Although we do our best to plan available dates, on occasion, dates are subject to change due to orchard harvest or spray schedule adjustments.