Beyond Chinatown: Uncovering Oregon’s Rural Chinese History

Presented by Chelsea Rose, Research Archaeologist, Southern Oregon University.

Recorded at McMenamins Kennedy School, September 30, 2019.

This talk highlights the recent archaeological work and findings of the Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project (OCDP), a multi-agency partnership that has been excavating sites across the state in order to better understand and share the history of Oregon's early Chinese residents. With a focus on rural communities, remote mining camps, and railroad construction, this collaborative project has provided important insight into the Chinese experience and role in the settlement and development of Oregon.

Chelsea Rose is a historical archaeologist who focuses on the settlement and development of the American West. She graduated with honors from the University of Oregon and received her graduate degree in Cultural Resources Management from Sonoma State University. Rose’s recent work has included research in the Jacksonville Chinese Quarter, the homestead of frontier photographer Peter Britt, the native Hawaiian mining camp of Kanaka Flat, and the Historic Applegate Trail. Rose has been working with state and federal agencies to create a research partnership that focuses on Oregon’s Chinese migrant history and regularly works with the media, students, and community volunteers in an effort to promote archaeological awareness and encourage historical stewardship.

Experience Oregon Series