“Doing history” is an active process of inquiry that calls for multiple methods and drawing conclusions based on evidence. This section explores several ways we understand the past: archaeology; documents & images; and oral testimony. Each investigative method has benefits and drawbacks. Together they shape a rich picture of the past. Once you’ve seen how we know about Chinookan history, we invite you to apply the analytical methods presented here for yourself:

• Digging In presents an overview of archaeological methods and interpretation
• Reading the Record explains historical approaches to analyzing documents and photographs
• Voicing the Past identifies the importance of oral testimony to the history of Chinook