Underground History is a regular monthly feature on the Jefferson Exchange. The segment spotlights little-known aspects of Oregon's history through the lens of archaeology and is produced in collaboration with the Southern Oregon University Laboratory of Anthropology. SOULA Director Chelsea Rose co-produces the segment.
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The Martin family went missing on December 7, 1958 after heading east from Portland in search of greenery for holiday wreaths. The following spring, the bodies of two of the three daughters were recovered from the Columbia River but, despite search efforts, the fate of the rest of the family remained a mystery. Fast forward several decades to 2025, and enter Archer Mayo: artist and professional diver with a penchant for solving mysteries. -
Chelsea RoseSummertime is peach, tomato, and archaeology season! While investigations happen throughout the year, field schools, public outreach, and big excavations peak during the warmer months. By fall, our boots are dusty, feet are sore, and labs are overflowing with the summer’s haul.
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Archer Mayo joins host Chelsea Rose on Underground History. -
For most of us, there is a soundtrack to our lives. Songs from our childhoods, our weddings, or the background for the big and small events, parties, and road trips that shape us. Music is inherently ephemeral, and often only made available to archaeologists via ancient instruments or illustrations, but archaeological investigations from a former commune in Northern California have provided an exciting opportunity to explore the “sonic debris” from the mid-20th century. -
Chelsea Rose talks with researchers offer historical context and education about the history of Black Americans in Oregon. -
Chelsea Rose digs into the recent past in this episode of Underground History.
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The Alta Heritage Foundation sends trained dogs and archaeologists to homes burnt by wildfires to recover cremains left inside. There is never a cost to the families.
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America's favorite tuber has a long history in our region, including the 1950s invention of the tater tot in Oregon.
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Underground History recently participated in an international effort to promote “RealArchaeology.” This coordinated media blitz was done in response to the rise of pseudoarchaeology and scientific conspiracy theories, as well as to amplify resources where real archaeological content was being produced and shared, and to both pre- and de-bunk false stories and theories that are circulating. Archaeologists certainly aren’t the only ones on the firing lines in what is becoming an increasingly post-truth era, but there are real concerns, and consequences, when false historical narratives gain traction. -
Southern Oregon Historical Society archives contain a legacy of landscapes from 19th century painters.
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Vast deposits of environmental and archaeological knowledge have been frozen in time—until now. -
Underground History discovers 19th century Chinese salmon canneries
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Public historian, Finn J.D. John joins Underground History to discuss some of the stranger aspects of Oregon's past
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