Are you interested in Living History? Do you enjoy teaching or learning about early Oregon history. Why not volunteer at Champoeg State Heritage Area?

Volunteer opportunities at Champoeg SHA are as diverse as the programs and resources of the park. This is not a HOST position and does not include living sites.

History and archaeology buffs, carpenters, artists, students, gardeners, blacksmiths, early farm life enthusiasts, and many more people have found in the park a place to share their skills. Each volunteer's contribution makes a big difference!

The park includes an array of resources unparalleled in the State Park System. Extensive archaeological collections, reconstructed and historic buildings, engaging programs and special events, historic trails and stunning landscapes. It is a park like no other.

Most volunteers are dedicated interpreters who bring to life the people of the late 1800's. It’s not simply a matter of putting on a costume. You get to learn period skills, such as using a blacksmith’s forge or cooking over a fire.

Volunteers often research mid-19th century life to deepen their own understanding and share it with the public. Often, volunteers’ other hobbies come to life at the Park, since volunteers also help behind the scenes with gardening, sewing, and repair projects.

Champoeg volunteers support and assist the staff in a variety of unique projects and interesting activities. Special training sessions are offered throughout the year and volunteer possibilities include: 

Re-enacting (portraying the past with hands-on living history)

Behind the scenes support

Research

Craft/Skills demonstrations

Not only is Champoeg a beautiful natural park with trails, camping and outdoor recreational activities, but it is steeped in the history of the Pacific Northwest. It has been a meeting place of the Kalapuya Indians; a gathering place of fur trappers and traders; a shipping hub and small town.  It was at Champoeg in 1843 that the vote for a provisional government west of the Rocky Mountains took place.

Opportunities exist for volunteers to learn more about Oregon’s history and to take part in many of the living history events that are staged throughout the year.

Although a beautiful and remote setting along the banks of the Willamette River, Champoeg is only 7 miles from the city of Newberg, 25 miles from Portland and 20 miles north of Salem.

If you enjoy meeting with the public, exploring Oregon’s past through history and archeology and or hone your garden skills in our kitchen garden then perhaps Champoeg is for you. Come be a part of history.

The Park Volunteer Program is an important part of the excellent customer service we provide in Oregon State Parks.  For information on volunteering at Champoeg, contact me, Interpretive Ranger Dan Klug at 503-678-1251 x 222.  I’d love to hear from you!

This is not a hosting position with living sites.  It is for volunteer help.