ILLUMINATION Project Celebrates American Indian and Alaska Native History
Explore the rich history and lived experiences of American Indian and Alaska Native communities in Springfield and rural east Lane County with a history screening and panel discussion at the Wildish Theater. This special event is part of the Springfield History Museum’s latest window exhibit, ILLUMINATION. This inspiring, community-driven project celebrates the voices and contributions of historically underrepresented groups through a rich collection of oral histories, photographs, and personal stories.
The Springfield History Museum and Morning Star Creative welcome friends and families of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate ILLUMINATION on Saturday, February 8th, from 4:30 – 6:30pm at the Wildish Community Theater, 630 Main Street, downtown Springfield. This special event will feature a screening of excerpts from ILLUMINATION American Indian and Alaska Native oral history interviews followed by a panel discussion with story team members Kunu Bearchum, Megan England and Princess Mason, as well as interview participants including Sheena Puls, Esther and Shannin Stutzman, and Leo White Horse.
Guests are encouraged to stay for the after party that will begin at the conclusion of the program. There will be delicious fry bread and soup provided by community members with support from Chifin Native Youth Center of Springfield Public Schools. There will also be tribally influenced music with Fish Martinez and guest dancers from the University of Oregon.
About the Exhibit
ILLUMINATION is an ongoing initiative of the Springfield History Museum that celebrates the rich histories and experiences of historically underrepresented communities in Springfield and rural east Lane County. Each collection is developed by a team with lived experience and affinity with the highlighted community. Through interviews, photographs, and research, this project reveals the interwoven identities that make up Springfield’s past and present.
“Today, we’re not just preserving history; we’re highlighting voices that have shaped Springfield’s story, fostering a richer understanding and appreciation of the diverse communities and experiences that continue to define our shared identity.”
– Mindy Linder, Community Engagement Specialist, Springfield Public Library and History Museum
This year’s exhibit explores the American Indian and Alaska Native experience in the region. The project team includes Kunu Bearchum (Northern Cheyenne, Ho-Chunk), Princess Mason (Klamath, Western Shoshone), and Megan England (Siletz), with exhibit advisor, Dr. David Lewis (Grand Ronde). Special thanks to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz for their support in providing historical resources and ensuring content accuracy.
Highlights of the collection include oral history video interviews and photographs of local Native community members such as Derek Kimbol (Klamath Modoc), Sheena Puls (Assiniboine, Gros Ventre, and Arapaho), Leilaini Sabzalian (Alutiiq), Esther and Shannin Stutzman (Coos, Komemma Kalapuya, Siletz), and Leo White Horse (Sicangu Lakota). These individuals represent a range of backgrounds and ties to the region.
Megan England, a member of the project team, encourages the community to explore the collection, noting, “You’ll discover stories of identity and belonging, language revitalization, ecological stewardship, education, and the impact of building community with other Native people.”
Why ILLUMINATION Matters
Prior to ILLUMINATION, the Springfield History Museum’s collection included only a few photographs representing the experiences of non-white Springfielders. This project has significantly enriched the collection, adding 35 new oral history video interviews and over 150 photographs that celebrate and showcase the diversity of Springfield’s community.
Event Details
The ILLUMINATION exhibit features a storefront window display on Main Street and 6th Street at the Springfield History Museum. Visitors will also find oral history videos, photographs, historical content, and project team biographies online at https://wheremindsgrow.org/illumination.
Join the community on Saturday, February 8th, from 4:30–6:30PM at the Wildish Community Theater, 630 Main Street, downtown Springfield, to celebrate the extraordinary work of the ILLUMINATION team and honor the voices of Springfield’s American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Support and Partners
This project is made possible in part by a grant from Oregon Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities, as well as support from:
- Springfield Utility Board
- Springfield Arts Commission
- The University of Oregon Many Nations Longhouse and Home Flight Scholars Program
- City of Springfield
- Springfield Public Library Foundation
- Friends of the Springfield Public Library and History Museum
- Comunidad y Herencia Cultural
- Chifin Native Youth Center of Springfield Public Schools
About the Springfield History Museum
The Springfield History Museum, managed by the Springfield Public Library, serves as the City’s official historical repository and interpretive center. The Museum’s mission is to foster awareness of Springfield’s history, connect the past to the present, and celebrate the diverse communities that call Springfield and rural east Lane County home. Regular Museum hours are Thursday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Admission is always free.
