Stephen Dow Beckham

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Stephen Dow Beckham is an American historian known for his work with Native Americans and the American West, especially the Pacific Northwest and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. He has authored many works, and is a Professor Emeritus of History at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon.

Beckham earned his bachelor's degree in history and biology at the University of Oregon in 1964. He earned a master's degree and PhD in history/anthropology at University of California, Los Angeles in 1966 and 1969, respectively. Since 1977 he has been teaching at Lewis & Clark College. Beckham is also a leading authority on Indian law. He has been called as an expert witness in many land-use issues, including reservations, casinos, and fishing rights. He also is the lead instructor for the Indian Law Summer Program at Lewis & Clark Law School.

Additionally, Beckham has helped to develop many museums and exhibits both in the Pacific Northwest and around the world. Some of his projects include The Literature of the Lewis and Clark Expedition touring exhibit, the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles, the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City, The High Desert Museum in Bend, and Oregon, My Oregon at the Oregon Historical Society.