Celebrate the archaeology and history of our region at the Archaeology Roadshow taking place at historic Hanley Farm just outside of Jacksonville (1053 Hanley Road) on Thursday, August 20 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
For more than a decade the Archaeology Roadshow has been inviting the public to learn about the science and adventure of archaeology through events in Portland, Burns, Bend, and The Dalles. This year the project is collaborating with the Southern Oregon University Laboratory of Anthropology and the Southern Oregon Historical Society to bring the event to the Rogue Valley for the first time!
The 2026 Archaeology Roadshow will feature dozens of exhibits and hands-on activities hosted by archaeologists and community members from universities, Tribes, governmental agencies, archaeology companies, museums and nonprofit cultural and historical organizations. This family friendly event introduces visitors of all ages to local heritage and the science and art of archaeology and history in a fun, engaging way, while instilling a sense of stewardship and respect for Oregon’s diverse and complex history.
This year’s theme is “Fire & Water,” two things fundamental to the human story for all times and places. Our very existence depends on water – and all the plants and animals critical to our survival require water too. Fire is just as profound to the human experience – responsible for transforming the earth and shaping how humans interact with those landscapes. Fire keeps us warm, heats our food and gives us light. Of course fire can cause great harm, but history and traditional knowledge teach us that fire has been an important positive force in the human story as well.
Come to the Archaeology Roadshow and learn first-hand about the ways that human lives in our region, past and present, have been shaped by fire and water.
Here’s just a small sample of what visitors will learn and experience:
- Watch how Indigenous communities used baskets to cook food;
- Explore how fire lookouts in Southern Oregon were once used to fight and manage fires;
- Learn about local watershed and drought history, and what you can do to protect our water resources today;
- Try your hand at the ancient art of atlatl throwing, or practice ceramics cross-mending just like an archaeologist;
- Learn how archaeology deepens our understanding of historic Chinese diaspora communities across Oregon;
- Discover why we use the term “amphibious” to refer to a 1946 fire engine once in the fleet of the Ashland Fire Department;
A panel of experts in archaeology and geology will be on hand to identify the personal objects visitors bring. Stone, bone, plant and historical items are welcome. Experts will do their best to determine the object’s age, possible function and anything else they can. Limit – 3 objects. No financial appraisals.
Food will be available for purchase from some of Southern Oregon’s favorite food trucks: Las Palmas Mexican Cuisine, Mary Jane’s Bento, and Kona Ice.
Accessibility information: Hanley Farm is an outdoor venue comprised of gravel pathways and grassy lawns. Most of the exhibits and activities will take place on a large, flat, grassy area that is wheelchair accessible. ADA parking is also available. Service animals are welcome, but no other pets are permitted on the property.
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