From its humble origins in 1971 as a project of three Minneapolis student teachers, The Oregon Trail™ computer game improbably became a nationwide phenomenon and shaped the historical imagination of an entire generation. But how? And what exactly was it teaching us beyond the dangers of cholera and dysentery?
Join Minnesota Historical Society Program Specialist Jacob Rorem on a wagon ride down memory lane in this interactive program marking 40 years since the release of the first fully graphical edition of The Oregon Trail™ game.
Together we’ll:
-Learn how Minnesota’s pioneering educational technology industry made this computer game a widespread part of growing up in the 1980s and 1990s
-Hit the trail and play through the game with commentary, trivia, and historical maladies.
-Explore the many adaptations, parodies, and Indigenous responses to the game.
This free event will take place in the museum's central Mill Commons. This event also takes place at the Minnesota History Center on October 11, 2025.
Jacob Rorem is a Program Specialist at the Minnesota Historical Society who creates, delivers, and supports public programming. He received his PhD in Theatre History & Performance Studies from the University of Minnesota. His doctoral research focused on how the history and mythology of the Oregon Trail has been staged and performed in the 20th century through monument building, pageantry, museum exhibits, and The Oregon Trail™ game.
This event is free and open to the public and registration is not required, but attendees are encouraged to RSVP. Tickets are not required for admission.
RSVP here:
https://www3.mnhs.org/events/31284424367
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