Events
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February 2026
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Exhibits & Events
Wild Things and Wagon Dreams
Terri Axness
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​Terri Axness is the preeminent artist of Baker Valley in the sense that her work's subject matter is not only strictly of this region, but more so she has the uncanny ability to strike the balance of whimsical and realism that perfectly match the tone of the community. The sculptures feel born not labored over, and the essence of the geography and spirits that inhabit this special place between the Elkhorns and the Eagle Caps are literally enshrined in these unique objects. We are honored to be presenting a concise collection of new large scale works specifically made for this exhibition. On view through March 15th, 2026.
Sara Barton: Basketmaker
Thursday, April 23rd through Saturday, April 25th
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We're thrilled to begin our Oregon Folklife Residency, funded by the James and Marion Miller Foundation, with Sara Barton demonstrating Basketmaking and Rabbit Nets. Sara Barton is a traditional Basketmaker who hails from a long line of Basketmakers. Though her own ancestry is a mix of Mono Lake Paiute and Yosemite Miwuk, she now assists the Burns Paiute in keeping their traditions. She will be in the Wagon Box Theater all day with special presentations throughout the day on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Sara will be demonstrating Rabbit Nets in addition to Basketmaking. Sara recently worked with the Curator of Churchill County Museum in Fallon Nevada who allowed Sara to look at a historic Rabbit Net in their collection. She created a new technique for creating this historically important tool and is engaging new tribal members in the history and construction of Rabbit Nets, ensuring this Burns Paiute tradition is not lost.
Mildred Quaempts: Dentalium Piecework
Thursday, August 13th through Saturday, August 16th
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Mildred Quaempts is master in Umatilla dentalium piecework and joins us as a part of our Oregon Folklife Residency in the Wagon Box Theater. A member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, she carries on the tradition in her tribe, recently completing a wedding veil and cape. "I first observed and helped use dentaliums with my grandma, Annie Joe, better known as 'Tquannanmy' when she was applying them on medallions or on dresses. I was 9 years old. I used to travel with her to Indian wedding trades and saw other young girls wearing hairpieces made from dentalium. I love looking at old photos of individuals using dentalium." Mildred uses smoked hide or white hide, old beads, cowrie shells, and two-inch dentalium shells to decorate dresses, hair pieces and unique wedding veils for brides. She is also a Umatilla language speaker. She will be in the Wagon Box Theater all day with special presentations throughout the day on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
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Oregon Trail Days
Saturday, June 13th, 10am to 4pm
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Join us in Geiser-Pollman Park as we circle the wagons and celebrate our history! Carter Junction will play music throughout the event, Karen Haas tells excellent stories of life on the trail and we'll be dressed in our pioneer finery all day. Hansen Wheel and Wagon Shop is travelling all the way from South Dakota and will have a wheelwright demonstration. Crossroads will bring activities for all ages for a festive day in the park! Stay tuned as we announce additional parnters and activities.
Clair Kehrberg: Leatherwork
Thursday, September 24th through Saturday, September 26th
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Clair Kehrberg is a master leatherworker, gear maker, and saddle maker in John Day. She will be demonstrating her craft in the Wagon Box Theater as a part of our Oregon Folklife Residency all day on Thursday, Friday and Saturday with special presentations throughout the day. She grew up in eastern Oregon’s ranch country and continues to ranch with her husband in John Day. Kehrberg is well-known for her intricate leather work and brings her skills to chinks and chaps as well as to elegantly hand-tooled leather briefcases, handbags, earrings, and more. Clair, an experienced teacher, is extremely articulate about her craft, how she learned, from whom she learned, and the intricacies of leatherwork.
Harris Sisters: Beadwork and Seamstress
Thursday, October 15th through Saturday, October 17th
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We welcome Katie Harris Murphy and Mary Harris from Pendleton to the Wagon Box Theater for three days of demonstrations in traditional beadwork, sewing and embriodery. Members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation the sisters are Nimiipuu, Cayuse, Umatilla & Karuk. They create traditional Regalia to preserve their tribal heritage. Come learn the historical and ceremonial significance of traditional dresses while observing the expert craftsmanship preserved by these culture keepers. In addition to demonstrating, Katie and Mary will offer special presentations three times a day.
Great events are in the works!
Check back soon for more great events that educate, engage and celebrate our history at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. We have big plans for 2026 and hope you'll join us for some quality time on the Oregon Trail.