Welcome Educators!
We are proud to introduce the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum. Located in the middle of the National Scenic Area in Stevenson, Washington, it is ideally situated to interpret the natural and cultural history of this beautiful region. We invite you and your students to explore the Museum, which was designed for all age levels.
The first floor introduces the culture of the first peoples, the impact of the contact with other cultures, the emigration struggle to the West, early community development, transportation and the harvesting of resources. The grand gallery compares the Native American technique of dip netting for fish with the mechanical device, the fishwheel. Interest in the history of the timber industry is stimulated by the massive Corliss steam engine and a 1921 Mack log truck.
The mezzanine level emphasizes natural history with displays about geology, botany and entomology. Future exhibits will include displays to further the study of Gorge flora and fauna. An exciting explanation of the geological creation of the Gorge is presented in a 12-minute program in the main theatre. The theatre comfortably accommodates 45-60 students.
The second floor galleries tell the stories of real people who left their mark on local communities and concludes with an 8-minute DVD program, a light-hearted approach to the past and the future of the Gorge. This theatre seats 24 at a time.
We are positive you will agree that the learning opportunities are endless. The staff is willing to work with you to design visits around your specific curriculum needs. We can offer, for example, story-telling, a fact-finding scavenger hunt, Native American legends or petroglyph rubbings. The intent of the staff is to provide support for the particular subject the students are studying. Suggestions are most welcome. We also offer a “traveling trunk” program for a nominal fee. This is often requested before a visit as an introduction to the group tour. For more information, email or call the Museum office. The staff will be pleased to answer your questions.
Admission is charged based on $6 per student. However, admission for teachers, the required number of chaperones, and bus drivers is free, making the total cost less than $6 per person.
NOTE: We require one chaperone per five students; additional adults pay the group rate. Please allow 1-2 hours to tour the facility. To include an activity, additional time is required. Call to register a tour anytime between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Our phone numbers are (800) 991-2338 and (509) 427-8211. The Fax number is (509) 427-7429. You can download the Teachers Guide here or contact us by email!
Come experience 15,000 years of history!
