The High Desert Museum in Bend delivers the kind of engaging, hands-on educational programming that can’t be provided in a classroom. It’s no coincidence that schools near and far bring students to experience this Oregon treasure for themselves, or that on any given day you’ll encounter families from across the U.S. and Canada exploring the museum and grounds.

Meet Jason, who grew up in Bend, went off and earned a history degree, and recently returned to teach visitors about life in Central Oregon circa 1904. Meet Jean, who’s been volunteering at the museum for almost twenty years. The wonder on the faces of children at the High Desert Museum says everything you need to know about why the Cultural Trust plays an integral role in building a healthy Oregon future.

Editor’s Note: This is the first in an eight-part series of the Oregon Cultural Trust’s Field Guide to Oregon Culture, which spotlights cultural attractions around the state. The Cultural Trust supports more than 1,300 nonprofits statewide in the development of arts, heritage, and humanities programs. Learn how your free contribution can enrich lives at CulturalTrust.org.