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Rivers Cultural Center Museum gathers within its walls, the
wonders of more than a century of history. The museum exhibits
trace the settlement patterns of the Northern Paiutes, Basque,
Japanese/Americans, Hispanic, and Euro American immigrants. The
visitor's exhibit tour begins with an educational film, designed
to provide a historical context to the exhibit gallery.
From
the orientation theater, visitors enter a life scale diorama of
a Northern Paiute camp along the river.
The diorama leads to exhibits on the reservation period and removal
of the Paiute from the Malheur Reservation as the cattlemen move
into the region.
In 1883, the arrival of the Oregon Short Line Railroad brought
a new focus to the area, opening up new markets in agriculture
and improved accessibility for new settlers.
A history of the valley's irrigation walks you through the early
efforts to irrigate by water wheels, to private ditch projects,
federally funded irrigation dams, and finally a stroll through
a giant siphon tube.
Experience the evacuation and the war effort of the Japanese Americans
as the visitor walks through a barrack in the internment camp.
Encounter personal recollections of individuals from the community
to understand the period of World War II and the Japanese American
loyalty and dedication to this country.
A second major exhibit gallery describes contemporary Cultures
and Communities. Five re-created building facades serve as the
backdrop for discussion of the issues faced by the modern settlers
in Eastern Oregon and Western Idaho.

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