Diasporas have existed over time because, migration has always been a part of human history.
In the US for instance, historical records show that in 1862 gold was discovered in Grant County; bringing miners and other enterprising individuals to the area. It also suggests that for many years, majority of miners in the County were Chinese immigrants; and that a placer gold claim was sold to a Chinese-owned and operated mining company during that era.
The Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project (OCDP) is an award-winning initiative that explores the lives of Chinese immigrants through archaeology and historical records.
Jacksonville, Oregon is home to the oldest urban Chinese community in the Pacific Northwest. The OCDP is therefore led by the Southern Oregon University Laboratory of Anthropology, in collaboration with Oregon State Parks, the Oregon Historical Society, the Portland Chinatown Museum and others.
The project brings to light a new dimension on the evolution of diasporas, by interpreting the history of immigrant Chinese gold miners in Oregon via archaeology and historical records.
In unearthing the history of Oregon, the project has investigated, and further produced studies which show activities of Chinese mining in the Blue Mountains, Malheur National Forest for instance.
Archaeological field schools, public lectures, academic conferences and many outreach projects have all been part of the initiatives’ agenda in uncovering history.
To know more about the Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project, kindly visit the WEBSITE.
By: Theresa R. Fianko
Additional Information: Chelsea Rose
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