Oregon Trail Day

Anthropology class brings Oregon Trail to life

News contact: Laura Hancock, University Advancement, 541-962-3585 
Source contact: Linda Jerofke, Anthropology, 541-962-3179 

LA GRANDE, Ore. May 13, 2016 – Linda Jerofke, Ph.D., and members of her cultural anthropology class are bringing pioneers and other historical figures to life for Oregon Trail Day May 20 at Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area.

Jerofke, an anthropology professor and associate dean at Eastern Oregon University, is partnering with the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest on the event and is also working with EOU’s theatre department to create period costumes for her students to wear.

Their portrayal of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, John Henry, John Fremont, William Clark, along with pioneers, gold miners, railroad workers, flintknappers and a Pony Express rider, will enrich the experience for park visitors. Fourth-graders from Greenwood Elementary School will also be participating as part of their studies on the Oregon Trail.

“This is an excellent opportunity for EOU students to experience applied anthropology and to give back to our community,” Jerofke said. “We are all very excited about it, and I hope to partner on more projects like this in the future with organizations such as the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.”

For more information and directions to the Oregon Trail Interpretive Park visit the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest website or contact Jerofke at 541-962-3179 or ljerofke@eou.edu.