StoriesHere Podcast

Folklife Stories with John Fenn – This episode includes some surprising stories and a peek into the life of a folklorist.  Those stories range from a shootout in Texas to the work of preserving Native American language and cultural heritage materials.

John is the Head of Research & Programs at the American Folklife Center, part of the Library of Congress.  He’s married to a folklorist so his kids think that is what everyone does!

The song sample at about 8 minutes is “Coal Miner's Blues” from The ToneWay Project.  Learn more at

https://toneway.com/songs/coal-miners-blues

This conversation ranges from dinosaurs, stars, drugs, personal computers, and much more...all in the Land of Enchantment.  We are honored to talk with Margie Marino, Executive Director of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque.  Visitors of all ages rave about the range of things to do and learn at the Museum.  New Mexico had a sea coast?  Microsoft was founded there?  Those and more surprises in this fun conversation.

This episode is an interview with Dana Whitelaw, Executive Director of the High Desert Museum just south of Bend, Oregon.  This Museum is all about wildlife and living history, a place that immerses visitors in the unique environment of Central Oregon’s desert region.  Here's an excerpt from the website at highdesertmuseum.org.

This unique museum reveals the natural world and cultural history of the West’s High Desert region through artful exhibits, alluring animals, engaging programs and meaningful history. Whether you’re a local or planning to visit Bend Oregon, discover why we’re a top-rated Thing to Do in Bend by TripAdvisor!

The Museum is just 5 minutes south of Bend or 10 minutes north of Sunriver on Highway 97, but it feels like stepping into a different time and place. Get close-up views of native wildlife such as river otters, porcupines and birds of prey. See art through a different lens. Chat with historic characters who’ll share tales of early Oregon explorers and settlers. Visit an authentic homestead and sawmill from 1904. Learn about Native American culture and history, and delight your children with one of many fun, hands-on programs. You’ll be glad you came!

Among many stories from today's conversation with Alice Parman is the time she was in the ring with Muhammad Ali!  Just one of the many events of note from her career with museums.  Now as a consultant, she helps museums all over the country with their planning and organization.  Part 1 - 8 minutes, Part 2 - 22 minutes.

Alice is the author of Exhibit Makeovers: A Do-It-Yourself Workbook for Small Museums. She has been the President of the Oregon Museum Association, taught courses in personand online. She honed her managerial and problem-solving skills as department head at a large museum and director of two smaller non-profits. You can find out more at her website, aparman.com.

Can you guess the place that's the favorite birding spot of a world champion of birding? (spoiler alert: It's in Oregon!). This conversation with Noah Strycker covers his adventures as a young rock-star of birding, far from the birder stereotype and a leader of the resurgence of interest in birding by people of all ages.

Noah is the author of the New York Times Editor's Choice book Birding Without Borders about his world record setting 'Big Year'.  It's a remarkable book, with adventures of interest to people whether you are a birder or just like a good rollicking travel story.

The first round-the-world airplane flight started where?  Bob Hart, Executive Director of the Lane County History Museum describes the original Eugene Air Park, built at the urging of Mahlon Sweet, whose name was given to today's main airport in Eugene. Image: Eugene Airport

Many surprising stories in this episode, from a conversation with Bob Hart, Executive Director of the Lane County History Museum.  Find out more about the Museum at lchm.org.

There are many wonderful surprises in this episode, a conversation with Dr. Tom Connolly, Director of Archeological Research at the University of Oregon.

For example, the stories of the 10,000 year old intact sandals.  And then learning that the archeology of Oregon is of surprising depth and importance.  Oh, and yes, about those camels….

Image: Museum of Natural and Cultural History

Pioneer stories from an interview with Bethany Nemec of the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.

The early days of Portland, Oregon, as told through this interview with Patti Larkin, Curator of the Pittock Mansion. Henry Pittock was the owner of the Oregonian newspaper, who came across on the Oregon Trail and became one of the most influential people in early Oregon.