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Museum at Rock Creek features 'Rivers that Were' program
Photos and story by James Hill
Washington County Historical Society is pleased to sponsor an Oregon Chautauqua program by Barbara Bernstein titled, “Rivers That Were.” This free program will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 15 at 3:30 p.m. in the Washington County Museum located on the Rock Creek Campus. This program is funded by the Oregon Council for the Humanities. The Washington County Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays except major holidays. Admission is free for PCC faculty, students and staff.
Bernstein, an award-winning public documentary radio reporter, explores the long-term consequences of over a century of redesigning rivers in the West. Through lecture, discussion, audio clips and a slide show, she recreates the landscapes, wildlife and cultures that once flourished throughout the Columbia River Basin. Bernstein explains the interconnectivity of the entire watershed, best exemplified by the life history of the salmon and the consequences of destroying its historic habitat to suit commercial and industrial needs.
The “Rivers that Were” program forces audiences to consider how water issues in their own communities contrast with the concerns of neighboring but drastically different regions. How do we balance the need for natural habitat and human habitation in an urban environment? Can we create a built environment that retains a harmony with the natural world? By promoting understanding of these complex questions, participants can appreciate the interdependence of the many parts that contribute to our watershed’s whole.
The Oregon Council for the Humanities was founded in 1971 as an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. OCH believes that knowledge and ideas are fundamental to the health of our communities. Our public and educational programs encourage Oregonians to learn about and discuss social, cultural and public issues. Please visit OCH on the web at www.oregonhum.org to learn more.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »