Singing Creek Educational Center

Just in case there is a question, SCEC in NOT affiliated with Willamalane in any way. We are renters of the space at the Dorris Ranch Living History Village ONLY. How and what we teach and share is completely up to us. We have been sharing about living history and culture in Lane County since 2006, taking great care to work with Native American friends and colleagues to make sure our teaching is accurate, respectful, and centers diverse voices. This is more than just a politically correct stance for us, it informs everything we do, from research and professional development, to training staff, partnerships with others, and public events. Our founding Executive Director did get her start working at Willamalane 20 years ago in the living history program, but she left there for several reasons and started her own living history organization to do it differently. If you have any questions please visit our blog to read about our history and philosophy.

Latest News - singingcreekcenter.org Our Perspective on Teaching Oregon’s History Sep 10, 2025 | Education, Pioneer/ HistoricalSinging Creek Educational Center has been asked about our association with the term “pioneer” and whether our programs strive to portray pioneers with historical accuracy. The answer is yes, we do commit ...

https://www.chronicle1909.com/2026/06/04/living-history-festival-coming-to-springfield/

Living history festival coming to Springfield - The Chronicle SPRINGFIELD – Singing Creek Educational Center is hosting a Living History Festival at Dorris Ranch on June 20, with history interpreters, activities, live music, and indigenous storytelling. The free, family-friendly event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and marks its first year at this new loca...

Join us for a free public Native American Encampment in McKenzie Crossing, OR with Deitrich Peters and other Tribal folks sharing culture including dancing, flutes, drumming, crafts, foods and more. June 12th - 14th.

Step into Oregon’s past at "Trails of Time", a free, family-friendly Living History Festival hosted by Singing Creek Educational Center. Join us on Saturday, June 20th from 9:30 to 4:30 at Dorris Ranch Living History Village in Springfield.
Enjoy kids’ activities, Indigenous storytelling, hands-on history, a raffle, and fun for all ages. Bring the whole family for a day of discovery and adventure.
https://www.singingcreekcenter.org/event/trails-of-time-an-oregon-living-history-gathering/

Trails of Time: An Oregon Living History Festival - singingcreekcenter.org Join us for a family-friendly gathering with history interpreters, acitivities, live music, meet-a-goat, and indigenous storytelling and food. Local history educators and enthusiasts will be on hand dressed in the time period they are portaying and doing authentic chores, activities and crafts. Lear...

*May 31st, 1:00-3:00 at Hendricks Park*
Learn about the Kalapuya Indigenous people, past and present, with instructor Karen Rainsong, SCEC's Executive Director. This presentation and guided hike is best for adults and teens.

As we walk, we'll earn about native plants and their uses as well as tools such as baskets, digging sticks, cordage, the atlatl and more. Listen to a Kalapuya story (permission for Karen to tell this story has been given by Esther Stutzman, a local Kalapuya elder.)

Kalapuya Ways hike and talk at Hendricks Park May 2026 - singingcreekcenter.org Learn about the Kalapuya Indigenous people, past and present, with instructor Karen Rainsong, who is the Exec. Dir of SCEC. This presentation and guided hike is best for adults and teens. Learn about native plants and their uses as well as tools such as baskets, digging sticks, cordage, the atlatl a...

It was so much fun being Mrs. Mary Skinner (Packard) at the Eugene Masonic Cemetery on Memorial Day! I created a whole journal full of her story and talked to folks all day long as they stopped by her grave site. She and Eugene Skinner were the founder of "Eugene City". We also had staff in other ghost roles: Emma as Jane Eakin, and Justin A. as Ed McClanahan, hanging out at their family plots. It was loads of fun and we look forward to developing this program more so we can bring it to your school or park!- Karen Rainsong

Please join us this Sunday, May 24th 1:00-3:00 for an Indigenous-led ceremony, Healing the Heart of the Mother. For details, visit

Healing the Heart of the Mother: An Indigenous-led Ceremony - singingcreekcenter.org Join us for a wonderful indigenous-led ceremony to bless and heal the heart of the Mother Earth. Using allies such as cedar, camas and sage we will tap into the heart center and connect to the Earth, showing our respect and gratitude to all living beings. See more...

SCEC is looking for a tech-savvy volunteer to help with fundraising and admin tasks in preparation for the June 20th Trails of Time: an Oregon Living History Festival. See the link for details:

www.singingcreekcenter.org