idaho Humanities Council awards 38 grants at fall meeting

he Idaho Humanities Council, the non-profit, state- Tbased affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, awarded $92,043 in grants to organizations and individuals at its recent board meeting in Boise. Thirty- eight awards include five Research Fellowships, six Teacher Incentive Grants, seven Planning Grants, 14 public humanities programs, including six projects funded through the National Volume XIV, No. 1 Endowment for the Humanities We the People program explor- ing American history and culture, and six awards to libraries The Newsletter of the Idaho Humanities Council Winter 2010 for the NEH Picturing America program exploring American art masterpieces. The following projects were funded: MajoR and MInI GRants talking about ‘let’s talk about it’: 25 Years By Ron McFarland University of Idaho

Editor’s note: 2010 marks the 25th anniversary of “Let’s Talk About It,” the statewide library reading-discussion program that Alaska poet and environmental writer Gary Holthaus and musician Lauren has brought library patrons and Pelon will travel to Idaho in March to present a thoughtful program of music scholars together face to face and readings called “The Story of Music, Stories from Home,” in Boise, Lewiston, and Driggs. to discuss books from various Picaresque II (Red Wing, Minnesota) was awarded $6,685 to themes over the course of a sea- bring musician Lauren Pelon and poet Gary Holthaus to Idaho son. The program has been a to present a unique series of programs of music and spoken partnership between the Idaho word called “The Story of Music, Stories from Home.” They Commission for Libraries and the will make presentations in Lewiston, Boise, and Driggs in Idaho Humanities Council since March of 2010. Pelon is an internationally recognized singer its inception, with loyal and valu- and musician of ancient and modern instruments and Holthaus able support for more than a is a poet, essayist, and scholar. Pelon will play as many as 20 dozen years from US Bancorp. different instruments and Holthaus will read from works of For a quarter century, the pro- such diverse poets and philosophers as Scott Momaday, Gary gram has been administered by Snyder, Scott Russell Sanders, Confucius, and Yupik Eskimo ICL librarian Peggy McClendon, L to R: LTAI Coordinator Peggy McClendon, IHC Director Rick Ardinger, and former who recently has retired, replaced IHC Chair Ron Pisaneschi accept a check from U.S. Bank Senior Vice President Robert elders. The project director is Lauren Pelon. Aravich this past summer in support of the 2009-2010 “Let’s Talk About It” program. Us by Betty Hoffman. Peggy annu- Bancorp has been a longtime supporter of the statewide library reading-discussion pro- Lewis-Clark state College (Lewiston) received $2,000 to ally has solicited applications gram that brings scholars and library patrons together for book discussions help support the 23rd annual Native American Awareness from libraries all over the state At the time, however, I was rather apprehensive Week scheduled for March 8-12, 2010 in Lewiston. This event to participate in the five-book program, and she has about my upcoming book discussion, and features PowWows, panel discussions, storytelling, a banquet, recruited “Road Scholars” to lead discussions in I remember wonder- and speaker presentations on topics related to preserving the some of Idaho’s most rural towns, often over snowy ing whether culture and history of Native Americans. The project director roads for modest honoraria. Library patrons are the protester is Bob sobotta. extremely grateful, and despite the distance and inclement weather, scholars enjoy meeting with and herself might show up and the College of arts and sciences at Idaho state University leading discussions with patrons about books from turn the eve- (Pocatello) was awarded $2,000 to help support funding of a many themes. In 1994, the IHC awarded Peggy ning to acri- special retrospective issue of the journal Rendezvous, which McClendon its award for “Outstanding Achievement mony. She did recently lost funding due to state budget cuts. This 40th- in the Humanities” for all she’s done for the pro- not. Instead it year anniversary edition will consist of two commemorative gram. On behalf of the Idaho Humanities Council, was the cute volumes featuring a sampling of some of the best essays and the many participating “Road Scholars” and many r e d - h e a d e d articles published over the last four decades. The first volume libraries throughout the state, we thank Peggy for librarian and was launched in early November; the second will be released in her service and wish her well in her future endeav- maybe a half- the spring of 2010. The project director is sharon sieber. ors. University of Idaho English Professor Ron dozen local resi- dents, all women, the salmon arts Council (salmon) received $1,500 to host McFarland has been involved in the LTAI program ages ranging the Improv Shakespeare Company of Seattle, on January 16, nearly since the beginning, and in commemoration from the thirties 2010, at the Sacagawea Center in Salmon. The evening will of the program’s silver anniversary, we asked Ron to seventies prob- feature actors in full Shakespearean costume, offering a perfor- to write a little about his experiences as a “Road ably. A couple of them had lived through the Great mance, workshop, and lecture, followed by audience discus- Scholar” for the program. Depression. sion. The community will have an opportunity to learn more Having now tallied nearly seventy “Let’s Talk about Elizabethan times through an interactive experience. nfortunately, I have lost the letter to the About It” presentations for the Idaho Commission The project director is Mary Cerise. editor of the Lewiston Morning Tribune U for Libraries since my first appearance on dated sometime in the early 1990s October 7, 1986, in Coeur Idaho state University’s Reading Project (Pocatello) was and protesting my upcoming visit to Elk d’Alene, I should confess awarded $2,000 to help bring Greg Mortenson, Director of River (population about 150) to lead dis- that my memory inclines the Central Asia Institute, to Pocatello to speak about the cussion of John Steinbeck’s Grapes of to accumulate episodes so CAI and his book Three Cups of Tea. The New York Times Wrath for the “Let’s Talk About It” series. that perhaps two or more of bestseller is about the The letter was the product of a former the four times I have visited author’s work to build public school teacher and frequent con- Elk River have combined schools in remote areas tributor to regional newspapers, and as I to bring about this single of Afghanistan and recall it went something like this: “John winter memoir. It is January Pakistan over a 15-year Steinbeck—well known, fellow trav- 11, 1993, and I arrive at the period. Mortenson’s eler, wrote propaganda novel, Grapes of community center to find the book has received Wrath. Why does UI English professor place pretty well snowed in, numerous awards, and promote such trash? Do our tax dollars but I chivalrously take the Mortenson was a nomi- promote Communism?” Miss Hughes’s shovel from the librarian and nee for the Nobel Peace letters were clipped and concise. Some clear a path to the door. It’s my Prize this year. He has years thereafter I encountered her at Boy Scout training in action. established over 90 one of the town’s small cafes. She was For the event I’ve brought schools, providing edu- a large woman stuffing manila enve- a VHS clip from the renowned cation to over 34,000 lopes with her outrage. I read many of her letters on Henry Fonda film, directed by John Ford, which students, the majority of the opinion pages over the years, and I do not recall Greg Mortensen, author of Three Cups of won two Oscars in 1940. Like most presenters, I’m Tea, will speak in Pocatello about his work whom are girls. The one that approved of anything. She died about ten to build schools in Afghanistan. years ago at the age of 88, and I find that I rather probably over-prepared and have taught the novel miss her clipped notes of disapprobation. (See grantS, Page 5 (See ltai, Page 3) From the Director Exploring the life and work of Mark twain in 2010 By Rick Ardinger

ne hundred years ago this president of Pitzer College and author of Mark Twain in OApril 21 will mark the death of the Company of Women (University of Pennsylvania Press, American literary icon Mark 1994) among other works, has a new biographical work Twain. He came in with Halley’s Comet forthcoming in March from Alfred Knopf on Twain’s last in 1835 and went out with it in 1910, years. Another of our scholars, Gary Scharnhorst of the Vol. XIV, No. 1, Winter 2010 as the story goes. Although his work University of New Mexico, recently compiled a complete Idaho Humanities is published three times a continues to be read and re-read, and collection of interviews Twain gave over the course of his year by the Idaho Humanities Council new collections and editions of his life. 217 W. State Street work continue to appear—even a previ- We don’t need a centennial to explore the works of a lit- Boise, Idaho 83702 ously unpublished work in 2009—the erary giant, but the occasion does offer a timely opportunity (208) 345-5346 new year will bring some new works to reflect on a writer who to this day is often the target of Toll Free: (888) 345-5346 by and about Twain in commemoration library patrons still seeking to ban his work. Through humor Fax: (208) 345-5347 of the centennial. Always interested in he tackled our worst hypocrisies with an acerbic vengeance. www.idahohumanities.org educating through commemoration, the IHC is planning its own Religion, race, war, gender inequality, American imperial- activities for teachers this summer. ism, “the Gilded Age,” the U.S. Congress--we can only Board of directors Idaho teachers are invited to apply to attend the IHC’s week- imagine his take on the healthcare debates. long summer institute “Why Mark Twain Participating teachers in Chair Still Matters: Exploring the Mississippi our institute will focus intensely Jeff Fox, Twin Falls River Books,” July 11-16, on the cam- on four classics, Huckleberry pus of the College of Idaho in Caldwell. Finn, Tom Sawyer, Life on the Vice Chair Teachers may apply online by March 1 Mississippi, and Pudd’nhead Katherine Aiken, Moscow (see related article on page 9). Room, Wilson, but the institute will meals, and texts will be provided. explore the entire gamut of Fran Bahr, Coeur d’Alene We’ve lined up five of the finest Twain’s work, the time in Lisa Brady, Boise Twain scholars in the nation to come to Idaho for that week, and which it was written, his use Mindy Cameron, Sagle we are working on a schedule that includes some evening public of humor to influence or com- Kathy Canfield-Davis, Coeur d’Alene events that will be of interest to general audiences. Although the ment upon social issues, and Trent Clark, Soda Springs schedule is not as yet complete, check our website this spring his enduring relevance. Terry Engebretsen, Pocatello for updates—or, better yet, send your email address to (info@ If you know a teacher of Vince Hannity, Boise idahohumanities.org), and we’ll email you a notice about any free any grade or discipline who Christine Hatch, Idaho Falls public lectures when we finalize the schedule. would benefit from this experience, please let him or her Alice Hennessey, Boise One of our scholars, for example, Laura Skandera-Trombley, know of this great opportunity. v Marc Johnson, Boise David Lachiondo, Boise Bert Marley, Boise CSi’s Jeff Fox elected iHC Chair Kevin Marsh, Pocatello Ann McCormack-Adams, Lapwai t its fall meeting, the board of directors Fox also is an avocational musician who Martin L. Peterson, Boise Aof the Idaho Humanities Council elect- plays guitar, bass, and saxophone. Over the Ron Pisaneschi, Boise ed Jeff Fox, Executive Vice President years he has played in big bands and small Christopher Riggs, Lewiston and Chief Academic Officer at the College of groups. He also has been involved off and on in Shelton Woods, Boise Southern Idaho, as IHC’s new chair. Fox has jazz radio for over 20 years. Currently, he is a served on the IHC board for six years. He will host on JazzWorks, a nationally syndicated jazz serve a two-year term as IHC’s chair. radio broadcast on National Public Radio sta- staff He succeeds Ron Pisaneschi, Director of tions across the country. Rick Ardinger Content for Idaho Public Television, who served He began his association with the Idaho Executive director two two-year terms as IHC’s chair. Fox has Humanities Council in the mid-1990s as a [email protected] worked for the College of Southern Idaho for 22 scholar in the “Let’s Talk About It” program Cindy Wang years. Prior to becoming Vice President at the (see related article), and for many years traveled Grants and Fiscal officer College of Southern Idaho, he served as chair of the English, to libraries around the Magic Valley in that capacity. In [email protected] Languages and Philosophy Department, and before that a pro- 2003, he joined the Idaho Humanities Council as an aca- fessor teaching composition, modern Humanities, Japanese, demic board member, and he has served for several years Jennifer Holley and British Literature. on the Executive Committee. v special Projects Coordinator [email protected] Wilma Bowler administrative assistant three new members elected to iHC board [email protected] he Idaho Humanities Council (IHC) Board of Directors as an IHC board member and as two-term Chair of the Telected three new members to its 20-member board Council. He has lectured at IHC institutes for teachers from Lewiston and Boise to serve three-year terms and through IHC’s Speakers Bureau. He also served as the Idaho Humanities Council, a nonprofit on the board, beginning November 1, 2009. Chairman of the board of the national Federation of State organization, receives funding from the national Lisa Brady (Boise) is an Humanities Councils, advocating for the work of the 56 Endowment for the Humanities and from Associate Professor of history at humanities councils in the states and territories. In early other foundations, private corporations, and Boise State University. She fills a 2009, he offered Congressional committee testimony in individuals. IHC’s mission is to increase the SW Idaho Academic vacancy. Lisa support of funding for the National Endowment for the awareness, understanding, and appreciation of holds M.Ed. and Ph.D. degrees Humanities and the state councils. the humanities in Idaho. It accomplishes this from Montana State University and Christopher Riggs (Lewiston) is an Associate through educational projects for the general the University of Kansas respec- Professor of history at Lewis-Clark State College. He public and various target audiences. the tively and has been teaching at fills a North Idaho Academic Council plans and conducts projects on its own BSU since 2003. Lisa is a special- vacancy. Chris holds M.A. and in concert with other organizations such ist in environmental history and and Ph.D. degrees in his- as universities, colleges, libraries, civic clubs, served as a lead scholar in IHC’s tory from the University of professional associations, historical societies and 2008 summer teacher institute “‘A Colorado and has been teach- museums, and other cultural, educational, and Word for Nature’: Exploring Environmental Literature.” ing at LCSC since 2001. community entities. IHC also provides Lisa also served as IHC’s consulting scholar and lecturer He is a specialist in Native grant support for humanities for the tour of the Smithsonian traveling exhibit “Between American history and has projects throughout Idaho. Fences,” when it toured six Idaho communities in 2008- published extensively in his 2009. Her book War upon the Land: Nature and Warfare in field. Over the years, he has Opinions expressed in Idaho Humanities do not necessarily the American Civil War is forthcoming from the University participated in and served as reflect views of the Idaho Humanities Council or the National of Georgia Press. a consultant for many IHC- Endowment for the Humanities. Marc johnson (Boise) rejoins funded humanities projects the IHC board as an At-Large mem- and programs, dealing with Native American history, the ber after a three-year hiatus. Johnson History of the American West, America in the 1960s, and is President of Gallatin Public the Vietnam War. MISSION STATEMENT Affairs, a Pacific Northwest public The IHC board is comprised of Academic, Public, The mission of the Idaho Humanites affairs/relations management firm. and At-Large members representing all regions of the Council is to Marc holds a degree in journalism state (N, SW, and SE). Four members are appointed by deepen understanding of from South Dakota State University. the governor. Terms are three years, renewable once. human experience by The former press secretary and Several members rotate off the board each fall as terms Chief of Staff for Idaho Governor expire and new members are elected. The IHC board will connecting people Cecil Andrus, Marc served earlier fill several vacancies in the fall of 2010. v with ideas.

Idaho Humanities 2 ltai (Continued from Page 1) before, perhaps taking two or three weeks to cover it in a college class, so this will be an entirely different sort of experience. We’ll meet for an hour and a half 25 Years of talking about Books and ideas or so, and after I’ve made a few sweeping statements Peggy McClendon about the Depression era setting, about Steinbeck, Let’s talk about It Coordinator (retired) and about the novel’s stature (published in 1939, it Idaho Commission for Libraries won a Pulitzer Prize in 1940), I’ll introduce a few he Idaho “Let’s Talk About It” (LTAI) alyst for “Let’s discussion questions to get the talk underway. If the project is celebrating 25 years of bring- Talk About group resembles most of those I’ve met with over T It,” a national ing rural Idahoans and program scholars the years, a couple of them will not have finished the together to read and discuss books in public humanities pro- novel—perhaps more than that. Maybe two or three libraries. The project has been sustained through gram that would will not like the novel, while two or three may think a partnership between the Idaho Commission for bring adults to it’s wonderful. Libraries and the Idaho Humanities Council, with the library to If we’re dealing with an unfamiliar book like special funding from Us Bank for the past dozen discuss books Robert M. Utley’s Billy the Kid: A Short and Violent years. Thousands of participants, 275 program and to explore Life, as we were in Kellogg about five years ago, no scholars, and 83 libraries have supported programs c o n t e m p o r a r y one will have encountered it before, but a classic like with their desire to read, connect, and grow. The life and culture. The Grapes of Wrath is likely project’s 14 humanities-based “themes,” focus LTAI participants to have something on diverse topics, including Idaho literature, read five books of a track record American classics, multicultural literature, aging, related to a single with the group, and the environment. Multiple copies of over 130 humanities theme Peggy McClendon and such is the titles are part of the LTAI collection. and discussed case in Elk River When I was them under the guidance of a humanities scholar. this wintry night hired in 1985 to Scholars play a central role in LTAI programs-- nearly seventeen coordinate “Let’s they are the humanities link between the book and years ago. Almost at Talk About the reader. The LTAI model lifts informal discus- once I hear protests It,” the Idaho sions to a more rewarding level by introducing to the effect that State Library critical essays on the books and having the scholar ours is a bowdler- (now the Idaho help connect text, concepts, critique and scholar- ized version of The C o m m i s s i o n ship. Grapes of Wrath, a for Libraries or In the past 25 years, the model has been adopt- censored text, edited ICFL) had just ed-–and adapted-–by hundreds of libraries across and cleaned up for received a grant the country. LTAI has reached more than four mil- squeamish readers. Not so, I insist. At which point from the National lion people around the United States. two of the ladies jump up and head through the icy Endowment for Let’s talk about It comes to Idaho night toward the small library a block or two away. the Humanities In 1984, representatives from the Idaho State They return a few minutes later, embarrassed to con- to implement a fess that indeed we’re all reading a reliable text. What Betty Hoffman, new LTAI Library, the Association for Humanities in Idaho, coordinator pilot project in has thrown them off, and what works well as a prompt and the Idaho Library Association attended nation- six southwestern al training and wrote a grant to fund a six-series for further discussion, is that they remember having Idaho libraries. The project planners wanted to been quite disturbed with various events and some of pilot project in southwestern Idaho. I was hired to create humanities-based programs for adults that coordinate the pilot and write a grant to continue the language in the novel when they read it as teenag- could easily be replicated in rural Idaho com- ers, thirty or forty years before. funding. The theme that was used--“Family”-- munities and hosted by public libraries. Library focused on the contemporary American family Over the twenty-odd years that I’ve worked as a programs for adults were scarce, and librarians presenter for LTAI, always under the supportive direc- since World War II. had neither the time nor resources to develop such In my tenure at the ICFL, I have had the plea- tion of Peggy McClendon, one of those people who events. We thought then, as we do now, that once simply should not ever be allowed to retire, I have sure to work with librarians across the state--from out of school, rural Idahoans have few continuing Bonners Ferry to Montpelier--and program schol- made incursions into 23 Idaho towns, mostly here in education opportunities, and cultural offerings the panhandle, and have surely worn out my welcome ars in Idaho, eastern Washington, and northern were limited. The book club phenomenon was Utah who have dedicated themselves to taking in Sandpoint, where I have imposed no fewer than nascent in 1986, and a user-friendly interface for fourteen times. I should either be given a key to the their expertise in the humanities from the college the Internet was still years away. campus to small town gatherings of friends and city, or ridden out of town on a rail. I have watched The success of the pilot project led to the that group move from the lovely-but-cramped quar- neighbors looking for an opportunity to expand establishment of a statewide project which has their reading horizons. Both scholar and reader ters of the old Carnegie building to their new, state- subsequently been funded by the Idaho Humanities of-the-art digs, and I have been involved in significant have been equally enriched by the experience. Council, with the exception of a two-year grant A favorite quote that succinctly sums up the changes in the method of opera- from the National Endowment for the Humanities tion. Back in LTAI experience comes from a program partici- from 1990-92. Typically, 15 libraries participate pant, who said, “Hearing others’ perspectives chal- the 1980s, per- each program year (September through May). haps two dozen lenged me to think outside my ‘box.’” LTAI has p a r t i c i p a n t s How it all began helped many readers “read outside the box” too. would show up The American Library Association (ALA) As I prepare to retire, I look back in appreciation and be divided launched the nationwide “Let’s Talk About It” for being a part of bringing over 460 series and into four or five program in 1982 with a $1.5 million grant from the 2,290 programs that provided intellectual stimula- breakout discus- National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). tion and a sense of community to thousands of sion groups. The The program model developed from a book dis- Idahoans who have participated. It is a legacy of presenter would cussion group that began in the mid-1970s among words, ideas and fellowship that I hope continues v open the affair friends in a small Vermont town. This was the cat- for 25 more years. with some general observations about the writer and the book, then visit the Saving McCall residents from the throes of cabin fever individual groups pretty much listen- fter the deep dark of McCall’s programs, since for years— ing in and kibitz- ing; then the groups would AWinter Solstice, after decades, to tell the truth—my own reconvene and in the final fifteen minutes or so the the air takes on a sharp mother has been one of these visit- presenter would sum up what he or she had overheard. dry cold, Valley County resi- ing scholars, enjoying her discussions Additional comments? Refreshments. Out the door. dents still anticipate months with readers around Idaho. She has And yes, refreshments do count, as much for the before they can touch bare earth passed on her love for reading with host group as for the visiting scholar. Who can forget again. It is at this point in the others to me, and “Let’s Talk About.” the chocolate smorgasbord in Sandpoint for our dis- year that McCall Public Library It has been the perfect venue for us to cussion of Joanne Harris’ Chocolat or the pastry feast hosts the “Let’s Talk About It” continue the tradition. in Nezperce for Diana Abu-Jaber’s The Language series. And over the years, I In the grocery store, at restau- of Baklava? These books figure in the popular new would credit this program for rants, walking down the street…for 10 theme, “We Are What We Eat.” saving countless McCall resi- months now, patrons have been asking Today virtually all of the discussion groups, most dents from the throes of cabin me when the next program will be, of which now average about 15 participants, prefer fever. what theme we will use, and who the to meet as a committee-of-the-whole. With smaller “Let’s Talk About It” is the visiting scholars will be. They have groups it’s easier to sit around in a circle or at a couple only opportunity for our patrons to continue their not forgotten last year’s program, and they are of tables. What? You’ve only read the first twenty quest for life-long learning and to connect with eager for more! v pages of Their Eyes Were Watching God? That’s okay. fellow citizens under the guidance of a visit- Meg Lojek, Programs Librarian ing scholar. I have been honored to coordinate McCall Public Library (See ltai, Page 4)

Idaho Humanities 3 ltai (Continued from Page 3) Maybe you won’t mind reading this paragraph on page 72. Thank you. On we go. It’s mostly a mutual appreciation society: I liked this; I didn’t like that. ltai: “i learned much more than i taught” And this is why. Should our approach be more rigor- jeff Fox, Chair ously analytical, more intense? Shouldn’t we mix it Idaho Humanities Council up a bit more, go ahead and offend each other from LtaI “Road scholar” time to time? But then what of those who have not read “the assignment”? Some of them simply do not et’s Talk About It” is one with an invitation to discuss Alexie’s show up, but often those who have read only part of of the most important pro- word choices, and what ensued was L one of the best discussions of authorial the book do come in. Their friends are there; it’s a grams the IHC provides, in good chance to get out of the house, a cure for cabin my opinion. It reaches a commit- choice, censorship, and artistic theory fever in February. ted and passionate population of that I have ever experienced. Fortunately, in an odd way, I am accustomed to readers and thinkers in our rural Another night in Wendell, I was pre- having students show up even in 400-level English communities, and it gives those pared to speak on a book about pioneers literature classes unprepared (those would be junior readers and those communities an in the Rocky Mountain West. The group and senior English majors), so I’ve learned how to opportunity to examine the human of about 15 men and women, elders of roll with the punches. Especially when I was first experience, the chance to look at the community, spoke their stories that performing as a presenter, my impulse was to give the world through other eyes, and night, stories of pioneering grandpar- in to my egocentric urge to lecture. Why not? The ultimately to reflect on our own ents (and in some cases parents) who folks in Mullan, or Grangeville, or Pierce seemed to lives, inspirited as a result of the settled this land. Many had brought enjoy it, and it was easy for me that way, so why not? journey. old journals and memorabilia of the The answer, of course, lies in that word “Let’s.” But I first connected with the Idaho Humanities forbearers. They verified fact in what we had read, then I can remember all too well those nights when Council in the early 1990s when I was invited to added important human perspectives on the life it came off something like this: “Let’s All Listen to be a scholar for LTAI. At the time, I had been in and times of people they had known, people who ME ***Ron McFarland*** Talk About it.” Two days Idaho for only a few years, and so I welcomed the could have written the book we discussed that later, when I’d write my report to Peggy McClendon, chance to take my passion for teaching literature night. There, we affirmed our humanity, proved I’d find myself thinking in the confessional mode: and reading and discussion on the road to libraries once again that literature is a catalyst for an exami- “They paid attention very well. A wonderful time was around the Magic Valley. As a scholar for LTAI, I nation into the human condition. had by me. Hurray for me.” was honored to share my thoughts and then par- There were many such nights over the years, Of course there are times when the one-man-show ticipate in rich and lively discussions of great and and while the audiences and the libraries changed as can hardly be avoided, like one evening in Orofino thought-provoking works. I traveled to Wendell, Gooding, Hagerman, Jerome, before that group got going really well. When my wife One night, I was to lecture on a Sherman Ketchum, Twin Falls, Hansen, and Filer, I learned Georgia Tiffany (now also an LTAI presenter) visited Alexie collection of short stories, many of which much more than I taught, and I was enriched by there last March, we agreed that it was one of the best are riddled with what might be considered “inap- these evenings, and I have always been thankful for groups we’d ever encountered, right up there with the propriate language.” I admit to some trepidation the chance to make those human connections and Priest River bunch. But this event occurred before when I walked into the library in Hansen and saw promote the mission and vision of IHC by “deepen- that—when I was presenting James Welch’s novel, about ten women, all of whom had the look of ing public understanding of human experience by Fools Crow, and it happens that I knew Welch pretty “pillars of the community.” I opened the evening connecting people with ideas.” v well, and had written and published commentaries on his work, and had taught this novel on at least a couple of occasions with some success. So I was loaded for bear. What did I not know about James Welch and ltai: “Fresh . . . shocking . . . incredibly moving this novel? Well, what did it matter, since only four people perspectives to familiar books” showed up that evening, including the host, Chris susan H. swetnam Ashby, and my wife? Georgia had finished the novel, Idaho state University as had Chris, and one of the other two in attendance LtaI “Road scholar” had nearly finished it. An elderly lady from the assisted living center where we met joined us just to ow many ‘Let’s Talk About their enthusiasm even as I yearned listen in, but she hadn’t read a word of the novel and HIts’ have you done?” my for the road. appeared to be occupying a different mental space. doctoral student, Steven, Because those readers bring We stalled for time. My wife plinked out a few tunes asked last month as he considered fresh, sometimes shocking, some- on the piano. Several folks from the center passed his first. times incredibly moving perspectives by, giving me brief false hopes, inasmuch as they did Who knows? Twenty-five years’ to familiar books. “Oh, my python have books in hand, but I believe they were headed for worth, but I haven’t kept track. Maybe does that,” somebody told Ford in a Bible study meeting. We began. a hundred, a hundred and fifty. What I Idaho Falls regarding a work by But no sooner did we begin than a youngish cou- do remember is the year I led thirteen Flannery O’Connor. In Chubbuck, ple walked through the door and joined our group—a discussions, when scholars were in when Yoshiko Uchida’s Desert Exile 50% increase in participation, just like that! But right short supply. was on the agenda, two dignified away I noticed that their copy of Fools Crow had a dif- Why? What’s kept me, and what Japanese couples arrived ready to ferent cover from ours, so I asked to have a look at it. kept my late husband Ford, coming back for more, share their Idaho experiences during World War II. It turned out that these nice folks had read a different putting in all those freeway miles late at night in That night, we simply listened. Fools Crow. Their book was the nonfiction account of winter snows and autumn chills and nights plas- Because, when one of the books I wrote is up, the life of a Sioux medicine man named Fools Crow, tered with blooming spring stars--nights when the the people want to pick my brain about the writing who died in 1989. Welch’s novel concerns a Blackfeet real work of an early class at the university loomed process, many asking because they have manu- leader, who also becomes a medicine man, but dur- dead ahead the next morning? scripts under their beds or in their heads. Because ing the 1870s; it was published in 1986. Thomas E. Because the people count on those sessions to I might do just a little toward helping at least a few Mails’s Fools Crow, based on interviews conducted in stretch their minds, as evinced by nights like the of those books along. the 1970s, was published in 1990. The couple decided one when Ford drove through a horrific blizzard Because of the librarians--those hard-working, to stay, though, and from time to time I would draw to Challis to find much of the adult population dedicated, imaginative people who always remind them into the discussion by asking such clever ques- waiting eagerly. As evinced by all the times I’ve me, especially when my own energy is flagging tions as, “Now, what do you think your Fools Crow been pinned over the punch and cookies by read- around mid-semester, what vocation means. ers who didn’t want the discussion to end, loving Especially Peggy. We’ll all miss you. v (See ltai, Page 5)

ltai brings quality education to our rural area jean Elsaesser, Volunteer Coordinator West Bonner County Libraries he West Bonner Libraries in Priest River greatest. People enjoy the interaction with the There are still more series to enjoy, many Tand Blanchard have enjoyed eight years scholars. They bring so much to the discussion more books to read within each series, many more of “Let’s Talk About It” programs. Our and add background and depth to the readings. patrons who haven’t yet had a chance to partici- first program was held in the fall of 2000 when “Let’s Talk About It” also has been the impe- pate. This program brings quality education to our we were working on establishing a library district tus for the formation of other “BookTalks” at rural area and allows people to interact and enjoy in the area. Our meetings took place at Panhandle each branch. The discussion groups often turn the company and diverse opinions of others in State Bank, our community sponsor. There was to the Idaho Commission for Libraries for books the community. LTAI continues to foster support a large turnout for the “Tough Paradise: The from the LTAI series. It’s a great resource for for our libraries. We truly appreciate the efforts Literature of Idaho” series, and the program had them. The diversity of the series is wonderful. of the Idaho Humanities Council, Us Bancorp, a positive effect on our efforts to become a library The Lewis and Clark series was fascinating with the Idaho Commission for Libraries and our local district. both Allen Pinkham from the Nez Perce tribe and sponsor, Panhandle State Bank, to bring entertain- This program is fun. The scholars are the Jack Nisbet, author of Mapmaker’s Eye. ment and education to the adults in our area. v

Idaho Humanities 4 ltai (Continued from Page 4) might have had to say about this?” A similar question might apply to one other major Those of us who have been involved in the program Certain features of the “Let’s Talk About It” piece of the demographic puzzle: the age thing. With over the years, or even just a year or two, have participated program have become constants and may (or may the almost famous exception of “that time when” in or witnessed the expansion of themes and book titles in not) prove to be instructive. The demo- an English teacher at Sandpoint High invited an effort to broaden audiences, encompassing everything graphics of the participants, as I have (coerced?) his class to attend the LTAI ses- from “Lewis and Clark” (mostly nonfiction) and “The seen them, would look something like sion on Emily Dickinson, for which my wife Western Experience” (mostly fiction) to “Our Earth, Our this: 80% or more female, average age Georgia was the presenter, youth has remained Ethics” (mostly nonfiction) and “American Characters” over 50, white, middle class, and dis- largely unresponsive to the program. And this (mostly fiction). Popular themes include “Family,” and tinctively, definitively small-town. The might suggest that the future of the program “Working” and “Living in the Modern Rural West.” The largest cities I have visited two or more is in jeopardy. To bring in more young par- theme that I’ve had high hopes for, thinking of how read- times are Moscow and Coeur d’Alene; the ticipants, whether teenagers ers might want to expand their world—not focus resort town of Sandpoint’s population now or under-thirties: well, to on the West, rural or otherwise—is called “Across reaches to about 8,000 (it was around 5,500 appropriate the bard, it’s Cultures and Continents,” featuring mostly fiction in 1990); Bonners Ferry, Grangeville, and a consummation devoutly from China, India, Nigeria, Cuba—the four corners Orofino boast populations between about to be wished. The why may of the world, so to speak. We are often too insular, 2,500 and 3,500; at least a half-dozen of the towns be obvious enough, but how? Serve too comfortably parochial, and we should encour- I have visited list populations under a thousand resi- pizza, one is tempted to say; give age each other to expand our horizons. Maybe we dents, with Elk River being the smallest at 150 or so them extra credit for this or that should do as my father’s Rotary Club used to: each (Weippe follows at around 370). class; make it “a couples thing”… one bring one; that is, each member bring a friend Although I have given presentations in Orofino Surely the manifest premise to the next meeting. and Weippe when nearly half the group has been of “Let’s Talk About It” is that Both my wife and I remain excited about “Let’s male, most of the LTAI sessions I’ve been involved we Americans need to be reading Talk About It.” The program has played an important with tend to support the demographic stereotype that more, and one way of achieving role in my life as a teacher, reader, and thinker. I’m women are the readers in the family or in the commu- that end is to arrange book discussion groups at the looking forward to that seventieth foray into the next small nity. Sometimes, teasingly, I’ll ask, “Where’re all the community level. The local library seems an obvious town, the next reading group, the next book. My Google guys?” The usual answers: “My husband doesn’t read enough venue, but sometimes the librarian must feel search doesn’t even show a population for the town I’m much (except the newspapers—sometimes).” “My like a cashier at Safeway on Saturday—slammed. about to visit: Blanchard, Idaho, population . . . v husband only likes nonfiction books.” “My husband She or he may have little or nothing in the way of only reads stuff like Tom Clancy or sci-fi.” personal time or resources to sustain the existing So, should we create a sort of “For Men Only” group of participants, let alone to build a new kind of Ron McFarland has taught literature and creative theme? Peggy McClendon and I have talked about base for the program. Moreover, I suspect that LTAI writing at the University of Idaho since 1970. He is a this guy-theme idea off and on, but I’m inclined to nourishes a latent premise of sorts: the desire to former Idaho Writer-in-Residence. His latest book, The agree with her that it would be risky. It might be fun advance the appreciation of (God help me for saying Rockies in First Person, is a critical study of regional to try, though. this) “good literature,” or at least “good writing.” memoir (2008). grantS (Continued from Page 1)

ISU Reading Project encourages students and com- season, including eight new documentaries on the language, immigration changes, and the history of the munity members to read the same book, and offers life of Dolly Madison, the beginnings of the modern Basque people and their place in America. The exhibit opportunities for discussion among ISU students and environmental movement, the stories of James Earl is scheduled to debut at Ellis Island on February 1, the community. Activities will begin in November Ray and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the “Triangle 2010 – April 30, 2010, and will be in Boise thereafter and continue through February. Bonnie Frantz is the Fire” (the largest industrial disaster in American his- for the next couple of years, including during Jaialdi: project director. tory), the life of Wyatt Earp, the conflicts among early International Basque Cultural Festival in July 2010. American dinosaur paleontologists, the history of the Patty Miller is the project director. the University of Idaho (Moscow) received $1,750 American whaling industry, and the WW II bombing to help fund the eighth annual Native American Film campaign against Germany. Five programs examin- Kootenai-shoshone area Libraries (Hayden) Festival, titled Sapatq’ayn Cinema. The festival will ing the 1930s also will be re-aired. The project direc- received $3,988 to bring independent actor, Melinda be held at Moscow’s Kenworthy Theater on March tor is Penny traylor. Strobel, to Idaho for a tour of a new one-woman show 26-27, 2010. The festival helps facilitate dialogue titled Western Women: Pioneers and Prostitutes. on issues of history, race, and contemporary Indian the Provo theatre Company (Provo, Utah) was Beginning February 22, 2010, in Coeur d’Alene, the and American life. The films are primarily written, awarded $3,000 to complete a documentary film ten- show will tour to public libraries in Moscow, Post directed, and acted by Native Americans. The open- tatively titled “Moscow Classics.” The film focuses Falls, Pinehurst, Sandpoint, and end in Bonners Ferry ing evening will feature a drum song welcome and on Professor Louis Perraud, a recently retired Classics on March 1. It will explore the lives of five pioneer remarks by Nez Perce Elder Horace Axtell. The proj- professor at the University of Idaho. Perraud was women, Dr. Bethenia Owens-Adair, Oregon’s first ect director is janis johnson. the university’s last remaining Classics professor, woman doctor; Mathilde Schroeder, who homestead- and after he retired in 2008, the Classics major was ed a ranch near Keuterville, Idaho; Sister Loyola, one the University of Idaho school of journalism and discontinued. While the film focuses on Perraud as of six nuns from Belgium to begin a boarding school Mass Media (Moscow) was awarded $5,668 to devel- a gifted teacher, it also explores the decline of educa- for the daughters of trappers in Oregon; Molly b’Dam, op and professionally videotape a Readers Theatre tion in the Classics throughout the U.S. The film a prostitute in Murray, Idaho; and Charley Parkhurst, presentation exploring the history of court cases sur- is expected to be completed in early 2010. Craig a woman stagecoach driver in California. Melinda rounding freedom of the press. The public program Harline is the project director. strobel is the project director. scheduled for Constitution Day, September 17, 2010, will be a dramatization of five key events in history, the national oregon/California trail Center REsEaRCH FELLoWsHIPs using word-for-word excerpts from cases tried in the (Montpelier) was awarded $3,000 to help support The IHC board awarded five Research Fellowships to U.S. Supreme Court. The program will highlight a Heritage Festival to take place in July of 2010 in Idaho scholars. The board awards a limited number of the relationship between freedom of expression and conjunction with the Smithsonian Journey Stories Research Fellowships once a year to assist humani- a democratic society. It will be recorded and a free exhibition. The Center is one of six locations in Idaho ties scholars in major research for articles, books, and DVD will be made available to teachers for classroom hosting the traveling exhibition. Festival events will other scholarly efforts. use. dinah Zeiger is the project director. include historical exhibits, film and photography dis- plays, hands-on workshops, lectures and local history Keith Petersen, Idaho’s State Historian (Moscow), the Wallace district Mining Museum (Wallace) projects. Becky smith is the project director. received $3,500 to complete a biography of U.S. received $4,500 to help digitize its collection of Army Captain John Mullan (1830-1909), who led the artifacts, photographs, and historical paper ephemera the Institute for Pacific northwest studies at the crew in the 1860s that built the Mullan Military Road related to the mining history of the Silver Valley. The University of Idaho (Moscow) was awarded $2,500 across northern Idaho, the first engi- museum is entering to help support publication of a book exploring Idaho neered highway in the west, stretch- the second year of a history and culture entitled Idaho’s Place: Rethinking ing more than 600 miles from Walla four-year project to the Gem State. The book features essays, photographs, Walla to Fort Benton, Montana. The electronically cata- and oral histories that offer “scholarly investigation as road became the corridor for the first log the collection. well as popular understanding” of Idaho history with- telegraph line in North Idaho, the The main goals of in the broader context and geography of the Pacific Northern Pacific Railroad, Highway this automation proj- Northwest. Featuring essays by some of Idaho’s best 10, and later Interstate 90. ect are to improve historians, the book is expected to be released by collections manage- the University of Washington Press in 2010. adam Ron Hatzenbuehler, Idaho State ment, expand accessibility, and improve interpreta- sowards is the editor and project director. University History Professor tion. The project director is jim McReynolds. (Pocatello), received $3,500 to the Basque Museum (Boise) received $6,500 to complete a book-length compara- Idaho Public television (statewide) received help develop a major new exhibit entitled “Hidden tive study of Thomas Jefferson and $12,300 to help support statewide broadcast of the in Plain Sight: The Basques” that will be on display Abraham Lincoln. Hatzenbuehler 22nd season of the American Experience series. This at Ellis Island and at the Boise Museum in 2010. states that while there are numerous award-winning series will feature new shows this The exhibit will showcase Basque culture, origins, (See grantS, Page 6)

Idaho Humanities 5 grantS (Continued from Page 5) studies of each American political icon, there are sur- the Garden City Library (Garden City) was project director. prisingly few comparative studies. He plans his book- awarded $1,000 to support their “Bells for Books” length comparative study of their positions on race, program, a mobile literacy project to bring the library Hayden Library (Hayden) received $1,800 to help federalism, citizenship, the power of the presidency, to neighborhoods where residents would not have the support the first three speaker presentations in an and more to be accessible to the general public. opportunity to come to the library, specifically serving eight month series from October 2009 through June low-income and non-English-speaking families and 2010. Joanne Klein, Boise State University History Cheryl Hindrichs, Boise State University Assistant at-risk students. Professor, will present “The Murder Mysteries’ View Professor of English (Boise), was awarded $3,500 of British History,” addressing racism and anti-Semitic to complete a book on late modernism in litera- douglas stanWiens, Timberline High School teacher views in literature. William Johnson, retired Professor ture, particularly the works of three major writers, (Boise), received $952 for “The Boise Architecture of English at Lewis-Clark State College, will present American poet Hilda Doolitle (H.D.), British novelist Project,” an on-going award-winning program for “Thoreau: Wilderness and the Wild,” exploring the Virginia Woolf, and German critic advanced placement history courses and history club art of wilderness and the role of nature in our daily Walter Benjamin, who developed members. The main program is a website with posted lives. Janet Worthington, an adjunct English Professor the poetics of high modernism. photos and short summaries of Boise’s historic build- at Boise State University, will present an historical She argues that between 1920 and ings. It has existed for about four years and has portrayal of Louisa May Alcott and discuss the stories 1940, writing style and innovation documented over 150 buildings. This year they plan woven into quilts, their historical significance and was influenced by social, econom- to document about 50 more buildings. The project ties that connect a community. Karen Yother is the ic, and political tensions, shifting goals are for students to learn local history, appreci- project director. classes, new technologies, gender ate different architectural styles, and contribute their ideologies, and more. Her goal would be to complete research to the community. This year they will also PLannInG GRants a book about how writers used forms from other expand the project to include a third-grade collabora- Planning grants are awarded at any time to assist spon- arts (music, painting, and cinema) in their writing to tion with Collister Elementary School. sors in planning and developing projects. respond to the culture of their time. Madelaine Love, English and History teacher at the University of Idaho (Moscow) received $1,000 Leslie durham, Boise State University Associate Skyline High School (Idaho Falls), was awarded to support research and planning of a UI History Week Professor of Theater Arts (Boise), received $3,500 $500 to help support the Field Science/English class, for high school teachers. The project director is Ian to complete a book about the difficulty women play- incorporating Senior English research and writing Chambers. wrights confront in getting their plays performed with laboratory science classes. The paper is the on American stages. Though a number of contem- required senior research paper. Students may write on Idaho state University (Pocatello) received $1,000 to porary women playwrights have any subject dealing with Idaho and the environment. support planning meetings and two “pilot” community won some of the highest awards The students share their work with parents and also presentations in American Falls and Lava Hot Springs for their plays, Durham demon- are involved in a Museum of Idaho contest. for the “Big Read” project, which encourages commu- strates statistically how extremely nities to read and discuss the same literary works. The difficult it has been for women sandra Gray, Washington Elementary teacher project director is sherri dienstfrey. playwrights to have their plays (Pocatello), received $1,000 to bring author Gary performed. Despite public protests Hogg to the school for a one-day workshop on writing. Rathdrum/Westwood Historical society (Rathdrum) on and off Broadway decrying the Hogg will present an all-school was awarded $1,000 to support a planning meeting with injustice of this fact, in 2008, fewer than a fifth of the assembly, conduct grade-level several consultants to develop an interpretive plan for plays performed were written by women. writing workshops to each class, renovating the old Kootenai County jail and the annex and then present a workshop to near it as a museum with historical displays and research Erika Kuhlman, Associate Professor of history at teachers. The program will also space. Ellen Larsen is the project director. Idaho State University (Pocatello), was awarded include an ISU student working $3,500 to complete a book on the history of widows in the classroom with students on Cassia County Museum (Burley) received $1,000 and widowhood, fallen soldiers, their relationship to writing skills, and a workshop on to support scholar consultants Keith Petersen, Mary each other, and to the nation’s war memories after new writing skills presented by ISU professor Janice Reed, and Tom Blanchard in setting long-range goals WW I. In a book about the after- Klug. to enhance interpretation of the museum’s collections. math of the Great War, Kuhlman Valerie Bowen is the project director. explores not just the stories of PICtURInG aMERICa GRants the immense number of fallen The National Endowment for the Humanities awarded Folksinger Rosalie sorrels (Boise) was awarded $1,000 soldiers, but of the culture of several Idaho libraries the Picturing america pack- to support preparation of a booklet to accompany an grief, the wives and children left age of 40 large, high-quality reproductions of selected album of traditional and regional folk music. The book- to survive without husbands and American masterpieces. These pictures allow citizens let will provide extensive interpretive information about fathers, the culture of memory, to learn about history and culture in a fresh way. the history and stories behind the music on the record- and how nations chose to grieve They help introduce library patrons to their artistic ing. sorrels is the project director. and honor the fallen soldiers. Kuhlman will explore heritage, and provide an opportunity for them to gain not just widowhood among Americans, but of other a deeper appreciation for American history. The Idaho trailing of the sheep Festival (Hailey) was awarded countries as well. Her aim is to argue against the Humanities Council awarded six grants for library $1,000 to support planning for an archival project that notion that the battle front and home fronts during programs exploring aspects of these masterpieces. will assemble 13 years of the recorded histories, stories the war were somehow entirely separate from one and traditional accounts of sheep life around Idaho another. american Falls district Library (american Falls) and the west. The planning team will include Western received $500 to support a special Veteran’s Day com- Folklife Center scholars. The project director is Mary tEaCHER InCEntIVE GRants memoration, featuring a scholar lecture and an essay austin. The IHC awards grants of up to $1,000 twice a year contest. Harriet newlin is the project director. to K-12 teachers and educational organizations to ana Maria schachtell (Boise) received $750 to support enhance teaching of the humanities in the classroom. Burley Public Library (Burley) was awarded $500 creation of a CD based on the books Latinos in Idaho for a presentation by Idaho State University Political and Jesus Urquides: Idaho’s Premier Muleteer. Alicia susan stagliano, a teacher at Valley View Early Science Professor David Adler on the Bill of Rights. Garza, Kathy Hodges, and Maria Carmen Gambliel will Childhood Center (Bonners Ferry), received $1,000 Valerie Bame is the project director. serve as consultants. The ultimate goal will be a work- for several activities related to the Human Rights shop on corridos (storytelling through music), with the activities conducted by the school district in col- jerome Public Library (jerome) received $650 students and local musicians creating a series of corridos laboration with the Boundary County Task Force. for both student and adult art classes incorporating about Hispanic historical figures over the past 150 years. Included in the project are guest speakers, an essay several historical photographs from the sets, and the The project director is ana Maria schachtell. v contest, and a field trip to the museum at North Idaho methods of producing the art depicted in the pictures. College. Stagliano hopes to teach students about The project director is Laura Burnett. civic engagement and active citizenship. The pro- grams will provide opportunities for creative humani- tHE nExt DEaDlinES the Blackfoot Charter Community Learning For iHC grantS ties education in an under-served and educationally Center (Blackfoot) was awarded $500 to support under-funded area of the state. classes on Native American history, a day-long pro- The next deadlines for Idaho Humanities Council gram presented by Brenda Honena on local Native grant proposals are january 15 and september Lynn Maciosek and Marilyn Mangum, teachers American traditions, and a “finger feast” held just 15, 2010. IHC strongly recommends that pro- from Pinehurst Elementary School (Pinehurst), were before Thanksgiving. shirley Virgin is the project spective applicants contact staff to discuss their awarded $1,000 to conduct four evening workshops director. project ideas before writing their proposals. focusing on the cultures of four different countries Applicants also are strongly encouraged to sub- throughout the school year. The workshops will be the Coeur d’alene Public Library (Coeur d’alene) mit a rough draft of their proposal for staff cri- open to students and their families and will feature received $1,000 to help support a program titled tique several weeks before the deadline. Grant music, art/craft, literature, drama, and games from “Fiber & Fabric: Art Born of Necessity.” They will guidelines and application forms, as well as each country. The four countries to be examined are host an exhibit of locally crafted quilts, knitting and information about IHC grants and activities, are Africa, Russia, Australia, and China. The teachers weaving in November, will have a demonstration available on IHC’s website at have integrated literature in their classroom and plan day with hands-on introductions to these crafts, and www.idahohumanities.org, or by to use this opportunity to expand the information to a will feature a guest speaker, Idaho State University calling 208-345-5346. larger community audience. Art Professor Rudy Kovacs. david townsend is the

Idaho Humanities 6 largest audience ever heard timothy Egan in Coeur d’alene ational Book Award-winner Timothy Egan, supporter Mark Brinkmeyer and the Idaho Forest Nauthor of The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt Group and to north Idaho title for generously 1 and the Fire That Saved America, gave the sponsoring the evening. IHC thanks media sponsors 6th Annual Northern Idaho Distinguished Humanities Idaho Public television and the Coeur d’alene Lecture in early October at the Coeur d’Alene Press for promoting the event, and Borders Books Resort to the largest audience in six years in Coeur for facilitating books sales (with a portion of the d’Alene—more than 400. sales going to support IHC programming). Earlier in the day, Egan also spoke to 350 The IHC is grateful to Benefactors for their students at Coeur d’Alene High School. Prior to added generosity, including the following firms speaking at the Resort, Egan greeted more than and individuals that purchased BenefactorTables: 150 Benefactors at the beautiful home of denny North Idaho College, Gallatin Public Affairs, davis and Kathy Canfield-davis, sponsored by the Idaho Forest Group, North Idaho Title, Hagadone Hagadone Corporation. 3 Corporation, Witherspoon Kelley, Virginia and Enormous thanks goes to Graydon Johnson, Intermax Networks, Joe longtime and Lynn Morris, Coeur d’Alene Press, Idaho Public Television, and Scott and Mary Lou Reed. Thank you also to Martin Wells and Susan 2 Briehl, Gary Williams and Joy Passanante, Emily Duvall, Fran Bahr, David and Jan Moseley, Joe and Sharon Lind, Sid and Kathy Smith and Dean and Cindy Haagenson for the student scholarship donations. We thank IHC’s northern Idaho board members, Kathy Canfield davis, Mindy Cameron, and Fran Bahr, and the plan- ning committee: Virginia johnson, Ginny deLong, Cindy Haagenson, nancy Flagan, Fay sweney, judy Meyer, Katie sayler and joann nelson, whose dedication to the humanities in their com- MADE POSSIBLE BY munity made this evening possible. Lastly, CONTRIBUTIONS FROM: tremendous thanks to Karen Yother for her instrumental assistance in helping to arrange, plan, and coordinate this event. v HAGADONE CORP.

Photos courtesy Donnel Schmidt. 1 – The Big Burn author Timothy Egan speaks to a sold-out crowd at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. 2 – Benefactor Reception hosts Denny Davis (L) and Kathy Canfield-Davis pose with Timothy Egan. 4 3 – Timothy Egan passes a signed book back to a patron. 4 – Author Timothy Egan signs a book for a student at Coeur d’Alene High School. lincoln scholar Harold Holzer spoke to more than 600 in Boise

braham Lincoln historian Harold Holzer gave statesman, Boise state Radio the 13th Annual Distinguished Humanities and Idaho Public television were A invaluable partners. Hotel 43 also Lecture in late-October in Boise to more than 600 1 people. Holzer’s talk “Why Lincoln Still Matters” was generously donated a gorgeous well received by a loyal following of IHC supporters. suite for Mr. Holzer. Earlier in the day Holzer was interviewed for Idaho Brent and Carol Lloyd Public Television’s Dialogue program and attended a opened their lovely home to 200 Benefactors Reception at the Benefactors for a pre-dinner 4 reception. The reception was generously supported by the Boise Co-op and jim Wisner. An additional thank you goes to Laura Jonio and Barnes & Noble for facilitating book sales, with part of the proceeds going to support IHC programming. The IHC also is grateful to the following firms and individuals that purchased Benefactor Tables: Holland and Hart, Promontory Road group, the College of Idaho, The Idaho Statesman, Gallatin Public Affairs, Futura Corporation, McDevitt and Miller, Hawley Troxell, Northwest Nazarene University, Idaho Public Television, Jim and Louise McClure and Steve and Carol Trott. 2 Thank you to some very generous individuals and organizations who helped

share the evening with area students MADE POSSIBLE BY CONTRIBUTIONS FROM: through their donations to the student scholarship fund: Jake and Alice Forsythe, William and Judith Collins, Futura Corporation, Idaho Power Foundation, Sarah Churchill, Lane Williams, Judy Bloom, Fran Bahr, Paul and Peggy Street, 3 Judy Austin and Don Bott, Paul March, Photos courtesy of the Visual Media Group Steve and Marsha Smylie, Sisti and Rory 1 – Lincoln historian Harold Holzer speaks at the 13th Annual O’Connor, Tom and Alice Hennessey, Distinguished Humanities Lecture in Boise. beautiful foothills home of Brent and Carol Lloyd. Chuck Guilford, Michael Faison, and Mike and Penny 2 – Harold Holzer signs a book and speaks to a patron at the The IHC thanks its underwriters for helping make a Barrowcliff. Barnes and Noble table. very successful evening. Thank you to the officeMax 3 – (L-R) IHC Chairman Ron Pisaneschi, Carol Lloyd, Harold Finally, tremendous thanks to the event volunteers Holzer and Brent Lloyd pose for a photo at the Benefactor Boise Community Fund for generously sponsoring the including Pam Fonshill, Kate Riley, Mark and Julie Baltes, Reception. evening. In addition, IHC’s media sponsors the Idaho Spence Holley, Phyllis Ward, and Linda Perkins. v 4 – (L-R) Sharon Price, Carole McWilliam, Joan O’Neall and Park Price enjoy the Benefactor Reception.

Idaho Humanities 7 Have dinner with award-winning historian and teacher Elliott West in idaho Falls on april 22

istorian Elliott West, to freedom. IHC’s Distinguished Humanities Lecture & Dinner with Elliot West Hauthor of many award- To tell the 7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 22, 2010, University Place Bennion Student Union, winning books about story, West Idaho Falls the history of the American begins with the West, including The Last early history of Name ______Telephone (____)______Indian War: The Nez Perce the Nez Perce Address ______City ______Zip ______Story (Oxford University Press, and their years # ______Benefactor Tickets @ $70/ person 2009), will be the guest speaker of friendly at the IHC’s 3rd Annual Eastern relations with ______Benefactor Tables for 7 @ $490 Idaho Distinguished Humanities white settlers. # ______Attending Benefactors Reception Lecture and Dinner on Thursday In an initial # ______General Tickets @ $35/person evening, April 22, at University treaty, the Nez ______General Tables for 7 @ $245 Place in Idaho Falls. Tickets will Perce were go on sale soon on IHC’s web- promised a # ______Vegetarian Meals (include name of guest) site at www.idahohumanities.org large part of # ______Donation for student scholarship tickets or by calling (888) 345-5346. their ancestral The event so far also is homeland, but Paying $ ______by check. Make checks payable to: Idaho Humanities Council sponsored in part by the discovery Charge $ ______to my credit card: the Post-Register, and of gold led to q Visa Idaho public Television a stampede q Mastercard which have supported of settlement q American Express IHC’s Distinguished within the Nez Card # ______Exp. Date ______Humanities Lecture Perce land. Please print name as it appears on the card ______in Idaho Falls since N u m e r o u s Signature ______the beginning. injustices at the hands of the U.S. gov- A professor ernment combined with the settlers’ q I am unable to attend, but enclosed is my donation to the IHC $ ______of history at the invasion to provoke this most accom- If purchasing a table, please attach a sheet with names of guests. Otherwise, their tickets will be held under University of modating of tribes to war. your name at the door. Arkansas, West Having researched government, mil- If paying by credit card, you may use this form and fax it to (208) 345-5347. Reservations will be made upon is also the author itary records, and contemporary inter- receipt of payment. All reservations will be confirmed by letter. Tickets will not be sent, and table designations will be available at the door. If you are supporting student scholarships to attend, you will receive a special of Growing Up with views, West offers a riveting account of acknowledgement letter and recognition from IHC at the dinner. Idaho civics teachers are working with the IHC the Country: Childhood on the Far- the flight of 800 Nez Perce, including to identify scholarship recipients. For more information, call (888) 345-5346. Western Frontier (1989); The Way to the West: Essays many women, children, and elderly, on the Central Plains (1995), which received the across 1500 miles of mountainous ter- Please clip and complete this form and return it to: Western Heritage Award; and The Contested Plains: rain. He gives a full account of the bat- Idaho Humanities Council Indians, Goldseekers, and the Rush to Colorado tles--and the unexpected turns, brilliant 217 W. State St., Boise, ID 83702 (1998). The latter book received five awards includ- stratagems, and heroism that occurred ing the PEN Center Award. along the way. And he brings to Recognized for his exemplary teaching as life the complex characters from well as his scholarship, West has been recog- both sides of the conflict. The book nized by his university and by the Carnegie sheds light on the war’s legacy, Foundation for outstanding teaching, and cur- including Chief Joseph, whose rently is one of three national finalists to be speech of surrender, “I will fight recognized in 2010 as the best college teacher no more forever,” became as cele- in America. A contender for the Cherry Award, brated as the Gettysburg Address. West is in the running to receive a $200,000 prize West’s presentation will be sponsored by Baylor University for inspiring the third annual East Idaho and Well-behaved Women Seldom Make History. The classroom teaching. Distinguished Humanities IHC hopes the annual lecture will become a signature West’s latest book, The Last Indian War is an Lecture in Idaho Falls. Past cultural event for residents of Idaho Falls and the sur- unforgettable portrait of the Nez Perce War of 1877, speakers have included presi- rounding area. the last great Indian conflict in American history. dential historian and biogra- For more information about the dinner and lecture, It was, as West shows, a tale of courage and inge- pher Robert Dallek (2008), contact the Idaho Humanities Council at (888) 345- nuity, of desperate struggle and shattered hope, of and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Laurel 5346; or purchase tickets online at www.idahohuman- short-sighted government action and a doomed flight Thatcher Ulrich (2009), author of the Midwife’s Tale ities.org. v iHC releases unique CD of historical idaho songs

he Idaho Humanities Council announces the studio recordings, wax cylinder, reel-to-reel, project is about the content of Trelease of The Idaho Songbag, a CD of and cassette recordings, and some historically based songs more than two dozen historically based songs more recent field record- you won’t find elsewhere, not inspired by Idaho people, places, and events from the ings of musicians perform- th so much about who performs mid-19 century to the ing songs in their kitchens them.” present. Performed by and living rooms. Two exceptions are musicians as diverse “It’s a work of historical recordings by folk icon Pete as folk music icon preservation in the tradition of Seeger, singing a song he Pete Seeger to Salmon Alan Lomax to gather this sam- wrote in the 1970s protest- River loner “Dugout pler of music unique to Idaho,” ing further dam develop- Dick” Zimmerman, says Rick Ardinger, Executive ment in Hells Canyon, and The Idaho Songbag Director of the Idaho Humanities beloved Idaho songwriter features songs about Council. “It’s a labor of love for Pinto Bennett, who per- mining, murder, labor Gary, who came to the IHC with a forms a song based on disputes, politics, proposal to travel the state in search a story told to him by protests, and cowboy of Idaho’s musical heritage--and one his own grandfather about laments, and comes song has led to another.” a revenge-killing, Basque Country fugi- with an illustrated Nampa musician Gary Eller gathered the historically based So far, Eller has gathered more tive who settled near Mountain Home during the Great 72-page booklet of lyr- songs from a variety of sources for than 1,000 Idaho songs. Depression. ics and stories behind The Idaho Songbag as part of his Inspired by Idaho folksinger Rosalie Sorrels’ song- ongoing Idaho Songs Project. Idaho City’s Beth Wilson, for example, sings a the songs. book Way Out in Idaho (1991), published for Idaho’s song that was first published in the Idaho World news- The CD selections are the work of Nampa resident statehood centennial a generation ago, Eller met with paper in the 1880s. Fellow Idaho City musician John and “song catcher” Gary Eller, who several years ago Sorrels, recorded himself singing several songs from Thomsen performs a humorous song he wrote about began traveling around the state, thanks to an IHC her out-of-print book, and found hundreds more nuclear potatoes. St. Maries musician Earl Gleason grant, to search archives large and small, scour the obscure and little known songs he has recorded for the sings a song of labor woes in north Idaho logging internet, meet with musicians in public “song swaps,” first time. camps. Givens Hot Springs musician John Larsen sings and gather recordings of musicians both well known “This is not a CD featuring Idaho’s best-known a catchy autobiographical tune written by an inmate and unknown who have either written original music musicians,” Eller says. “That’s really not its purpose. of the Old Idaho Penitentiary in the 1950s. Former or passed along old songs they’ve learned from oth- With a couple of exceptions, most featured on The ers. The Idaho Songbag is a compilation of polished Idaho Songbag are not professional musicians. The (See SongBag, Page 12)

Idaho Humanities 8 iHC summer teacher institute to explore works of Mark twain daho teachers of all grades and disci- Participants will explore novel as a literary genre. Iplines are invited to apply to attend some of Mark Twain’s best The texts to be studied include: Life on the the Idaho Humanities Council’s known novels, stories, and Mississippi, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The 2010 weeklong summer institute, essays in the context of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and Pudd’nhead titled Why Mark Twain Still Matters: time in which they were writ- Wilson. Daily topics will focus on Twain’s development Exploring the Mississippi River Books, ten. Participants will enhance as a writer as well as his greater cultural presence. scheduled for July 11-16 at the College their understanding of late- The lead scholars for the week are Gary Scharnhorst, th of Idaho in Caldwell. Successful appli- 19 century American his- Professor of Literature at the University of New Mexico, cants will receive lodging and meals, tory, and the use of the novel and Laura Trombley, President of Pitzer College in texts, and the opportunity for optional as a vehicle for influencing California. Both are nationally recognized scholars of public opinion on the issues th college credit. Those traveling more “Why Mark Twain Still Matters: Exploring the Twain and 19 century American literature. Other schol- than 250 miles one way may be eligible Mississippi River Books” is the theme of the of the day, and will gain a ars joining them for the week include Michael Kiskis, for a modest travel stipend. the dead- IHC’s 2010 weeklong summer institute, July better appreciation of Twain’s 11-16, at the College of Idaho. Teachers may Elmira College, New York; Tom Quirk, University of line for applications is March 1. apply online by March 1 to attend. uniquely American sense of Missouri-Columbia; and Ann Ryan, LeMoyne College, Supported in part by the IHC’s humor. New York. The week may also feature other guest endowment for humanities education and a grant from Teachers will study how this master storyteller speakers, films, and evening programs related to the the National Endowment for the Humanities “We the became a national personality, a larger-than-life spokes- topic. People” program, the institute will feature daily pre- person who, through humor, influenced public opinion Teachers interested in applying online or in more sentations by scholars immersing teachers in the life on issues of race, government, gender equality, morality, information about the institute should visit www.ida- and work of the American literary master. Teachers religion, war, manifest destiny, and America’s emerging hohumanities.org or contact the Idaho Humanities th will be selected by April 1 and sent texts to read in role as a 19 century imperial power. At the same time, Council at (208) 345-5346. v advance of the institute. they will learn how Twain transformed the American

Smithsonian exhibit on Journeys to tour idaho in 2010-2011

he IHC will bring a unique Smithsonian each of the six Idaho communities. While on display, TInstitution traveling exhibit to six Idaho each community will develop around the exhibit communities in 2010 and 2011 titled Journey its own local programming, ranging from school Stories. Journey Stories will use engaging images, projects, to lectures, films, local displays, reading and audio, and artifacts to tell stories that illustrate the discussion series, and other activities limited only critical roles travel and movement have played in by the imagination. Project scholar and Boise State building our diverse American society. the exhibit University Associate Professor of History, John Bieter, will visit the Boundary County Historical society will also give the opening talk at each of the six grand (Bonners Ferry), the national oregon/California openings. trail Center (Montpelier), Blaine County Historical Journey Stories has been made possible in Idaho Museum (Hailey), olde school Community Center by the Idaho Humanities Council, the national (Fruitland), jerome Public Library (jerome) and Endowment for the Humanities “We the People” the Hayden Branch Library (Hayden) between Program and southwestern Region Greatest need May 2010 and March 2011. Fund in the Idaho Community Foundation. v Journey Stories – including tales of how we and The development of transportation technology our ancestors came to America – are a central element was largely inspired by the human drive for freedom. of our personal heritage. From Native Americans to Our transportation history is more than trains, boats, new American citizens and regardless of our ethnic buses, cars, wagons, and trucks. Journey Stories or racial background, everyone has a story to tell. Our will examine the intersection between modes of history is filled with stories of people leaving behind travel and Americans’ desire to feel free to move. everything – families and possessions – to reach a The story is diverse and focused on immigration, new life in another state, across the continent, or even migration, innovation, and freedom. It includes across an ocean. The reasons behind those decisions accounts of immigrants coming in search of promise are myriad. Many chose to move, searching for in a new country; stories of individuals and families something better in a new land. Others had no choice, relocating in search of fortune, their own homestead, like enslaved Africans captured and relocated to a or employment; the harrowing journeys of Africans strange land and bravely asserting their own cultures, and Native Americans forced to move; and, of course, or like Native Americans, who were often pushed fun and frolic on the open road. aside by newcomers. The exhibit will be on display for six weeks in

‘With Malice toward none’: Bridging Cultural Divides by james Leach, Chairman to the greatest expansion of educational opportunity in the wake of a terrorist attack on our national Endowment for the Humanities in American history. I mention this conjunction of shores plotted from a mountainous Editor’s note: The following is taken from a speech by legislative initiatives signed into law on the same Afghani redoubt. The other was James Leach, former Republican Congressman from day because at a time of national peril Lincoln set precipitated against a country that Iowa and newly appointed Chairman of the National a precedent of investing in the future. Our Manifest was not involved in the plot against Endowment for the Humanities, at the Federation of Destiny was facilitated by public investments in America but was thought to be on the State Humanities Councils National Conference on infrastructure and learning. verge of developing weapons of mass November 6, 2009, in Omaha, Nebraska. It outlines We gather here today in another trying period. We NEH Chairman destruction, a thesis since debunked. James Leach the new Chairman’s concerns about civility in today’s come to affirm our commitment to revitalization of a In making assumptions about society and touches upon his interest in seeing critical aspect of American life: the humanities. the wisdom and manner of intervening in the affairs initiatives that inspire programs that promote civility The Congress and the president have thoughtfully of other countries, would it have been helpful for and bridge cultures. seen fit to recognize the importance of the work of the policy-makers to have reviewed the history of the NEH and of the state humanities councils by entrusting French colonial experience in Algeria, the British and was raised 300 miles east of here in Davenport, a us with a higher level of funding than we have seen Russian experience in Afghanistan, the French and wonderful community sited on the westward side in 14 years. But, still, in inflation-adjusted numbers U.S. experience in Vietnam? I NEH appropriations are barely more than a third of Would it have been helpful to study comparative of the Mississippi, as Omaha is of the Missouri. 1979 levels and remain less in unadjusted dollars than religions and observe the historical implications of the These two towns vie with St. Louis for the appellation in 1994. Crusades and their relevance to peoples in the Middle “Gateway to the West.” St. Louis was the first An important aspect of my job is to make clear that East today? And what meaning might be found in our significant provisioning center for trappers, traders while there is a cost to all government programs, little own colonial history—the asymmetric tactics, for and sod-busters, but the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi was at Davenport. A decade later, can be more costly to society than short-changing the instance, of Francis Marion, the South Carolina patriot Omaha supplanted both St. Louis and Davenport as humanities. The humanities are the soul of society. known as the Swamp Fox, who attacked the best the frontier’s eastern edge with the passage of the To illustrate why humanities matter, let me trained army in the world at night and then vanished underscore the relevance of scholarship and its into impenetrable swamps during the day? Pacific Railroad Act of July 2, 1862. On this extraordinary day 16 months into his intersection with what has been dubbed “the public The NEH advances scholarship in these and other presidency, Lincoln not only launched the Union humanities.” areas. But how does a society translate scholarship The United States is currently intertwined in two into public policy? This is a challenging undertaking Pacific Railroad on a path to the sea but signed the Morrill Act establishing land-grant colleges which, civil wars, both more than a third of the way around because it involves multiple parties—serious scholars matched 80 years later by the G.I. Bill, amounted the world, each with a unique set of problems. One is (See lEaCH, Page 10)

Idaho Humanities 9 lEaCH (Continued from Page 9) on the one hand and a curious public and professional Where do the humanities, the NEH and the state As party-line attitudes and voting have become policy-makers on the other. humanities councils fit in? harder edge, Congress is taking on some of the traits of A monk contemplating alone in a cave may be The poet Walt Whitman once described America European parliaments. The majority party is increasingly admirable, but wisdom that isn’t shared is noiseless as an “athletic democracy.” What he meant was that viewing itself as the legislative party of governance; the thought in the forest of humankind. Likewise, American politics in the 19th Century was rugged and minority, the opposition. thoughtful scholarship that is available but unread vigorous and spirited. So, in some ways there is nothing Far better it would be for all legislators to consider by policy-makers who might have limited interests new in what we are witnessing today. Indeed, the 19th themselves responsible for governing and for both or ideological biases is a prescription for social error Century was riddled with nativism, anti-immigrant, sides to recognize that the other has something to say with many costly dimensions. anti-Catholic sentiment and, of course, toleration for and contribute. In a society as complicated as ours has On the assumption that this is neither a time for human degradation implicit in slavery and indentured become, it is irrational to think that Republicans cannot scholarly cave-sitting, nor vacuous citizenship, the servitude. find some Democratic initiatives helpful to society and role of the state humanities councils is critical. We have progressed but not as far as we should or that Democrats cannot from time to time vote with Some of you are aware that I have suggested can. And, as history has shown, societies can regress Republicans. that the NEH focus on a “bridging cultures” theme. as well as advance. Citizen vigilance is thus every As for attitudes, the public goal should be to recognize What is meant and how do our institutional pieces fit generation’s responsibility. that it is great to be a conservative or libertarian; great to together? be a liberal, a moderate, or progressive. But it is not great Whether the NEH and the state councils should to hate. It is not great to refuse to respect one’s fellow include foreign dimensions in public cultural “rancorous, socially divisive citizens at home and refuse to endeavor to understand engagement is not a choice. We are in an interdependent ideological assertions are being fellow peoples abroad. world, and how we lead or fail to lead will be directly The decency and fairness with which political related to how well we come to understand and respect made with such frequency that decisions are made are generally more important than other peoples and other societies. It will also depend few are thinking through the the outcome of any issue. The “how” almost always on how we come to understand ourselves—our own matters more than the “what.” history, values and diversity of experiences. meaning or consequences of I spent three decades in Congress but began a public In a political setting that is bordering on a civility the words being used. Public career in the State Department. In the few weeks I have crisis at home and a civilization crisis abroad, it is my been privileged to head this unique independent agency intention to launch on behalf of the NEH a “civility officials are being labeled I have been impressed with the analogies that exist tour,” visiting every state in the union and helping between the State Department and the NEH. initiate discussions about the state of American ‘fascist’ and ‘communist.’ one The various state and territorial humanities councils civility. member of Congress has even are like domestic embassies tied loosely into the NEH in It is impossible for a thinking citizen not to be Washington. The difference with the State Department concerned about American public manners and the suggested that colleagues be is that in the humanities the energy flow is inverted. In discordant rhetoric of our politics. Words reflect investigated for ‘un-american foreign policy our ambassadors make recommendations emotion as well as meaning. They clarify—or cloud— and then in Washington the State Department in thought and energize action, sometimes bringing out activities.’” consultation with the White House determines policy. the better angels in our nature, sometimes lesser In the public humanities Washington may give a bit of instincts. I love Whitman’s celebration of the common advice or suggest direction but decision-making is in the There is a mantra all our mothers taught us that man and his artist’s sense for our post-Civil War councils. Leadership is decentralized. sticks and stones break bones but names don’t hurt. frontier democracy, particularly his use of the athletic Likewise in the academic humanities. The ferment of Unfortunately, in the social life of our nation this isn’t analogy. ideas come from outside Washington. Panels of experts always the case. I come from a state that has a football team, the Iowa drawn from across the land are assembled to peer-review We have all followed the reactions of a Member Hawkeyes, that at least so far has played remarkably proposals for grants that emanate from every corner of of Congress who blurted on the House floor that the well this year. What is impressive is that the coach and the country and sometimes abroad. Washington may President of the United States was lying in a speech to the players, like the coaches and players of the teams suggest categories of interest but the creative work is the Congress. On the other side of the aisle a Member they face, are taught to play hard as a unit and by the done by scholars at hundreds of academic and cultural described Republican health care plans as amounting rules. Their opponents—Wisconsin, Michigan, Penn citadels. to a desire that people simply “die quickly.” State—are rivals rather than enemies. The teams respect The paucity of respect reflected in the above each other. The referees throw flags if they see a clip or “Bridging cultural divides comments pale, however, to a background of a player is off-side. and developing a sense for increasingly spiteful partisan rhetoric. In a political By contrast, in politics there are few rules and no system characterized by historic antipathy to referees. The public has to make judgments influenced a common humanity are extremes, the decibel level of partisan voices is rising. by some candidates who have larger megaphones, often moral and social imperatives. Rancorous, socially divisive ideological assertions paid for by well-heeled interest groups, than others. are being made with such frequency that few are Nevertheless, the goal of politics should be to emulate the together, we in the humanities thinking through the meaning or consequences of the best in American competition—coaches like Joe Paterno words being used. Public officials are being labeled and Kirk Ferentz, Tom Osborne and Bud Wilkinson, are obligated to help advance “fascist” and “communist.” One Member of Congress John Wooden and Pete Carril, Dean Smith and Dan an ethic of thoughtfulness has even suggested that colleagues be investigated for Gable, Vivian Stringer and Lisa Bluder; players like Nile “un-American activities.” Kinnick, Bill Russell, Bill Bradley, Shane Battier, Flo rather than conformity of Hyman, and Tim Tebow. thought, decency of expression In politics we sometimes assume great leaders “it is impossible for a thinking are presidents. Some like Lincoln and FDR have rather than coarseness in citizen not to be concerned been. But I have an affinity for those never elected to anything: scholar/statesmen like George Kennan who public manners.” about american public manners compassionately understood the Russian people and In the public humanities there is little Washington yet masterminded our Cold War containment strategy and the discordant rhetoric of may suggest that hasn’t been experimented with or that reined in their totalitarian elite; Ted Sorensen who inaugurated before. All of the councils represented here was the voice of a Camelot President; Harry Hopkins our politics.” have programs—from the “Café Society” in Illinois to who devised a WPA program that instilled vastly greater Most bizarrely, some in public life have toyed federal resources in the arts and humanities relative to “Think and Drink” in Oregon to “Reflect” in Montanato Maine’s “Literature and Medicine” series to this state’s with hints of history-blind radicalism—the notion of the GDP during the Great Depression than we devote “New Nebraskans” and “Good Life” initiatives—that “secession.” today. anticipate or might be considered part of a “bridging Even the most cursory study of history would Past Congresses have often been feisty, but what is cultures” rubric. reveal the gravity and implications of such polarizing so confounding about today’s politics is the break with The reason I consider it important from NEH’s language. We fought a war across two oceans to defeat one central aspect of American tradition. Historically, perspective to refocus and reframe programmatic legislative decision-making has generally been based fascism and spent billions and sacrificed thousands approaches with a cohesive theme is to emphasize that to hold communism at bay. And a century and a on what might be described as a Hegelian give-and- divisive attitudes and malicious words can, like hate half ago, over 600,000 Americans were killed in a take between the parties—the thesis being one party’s speech, jeopardize social cohesion and even public bloody civil war over the question of secession. That perspective, the antithesis the other’s, and the synthesis safety. Conversely, healing approaches such as Lincoln’s war, we thought, settled two issues: that slavery was being legislation that accommodates concerns of each. call for a new direction “with malice toward none ” incompatible with humanist, democratic values and Over the last several decades, however, a trend has can uplift and help bring society and the world closer that these United States are indivisible, inseparable developed or, more precisely become accentuated, together. from each other. We are a union, after and above all. where legislative compromises are being made almost Bridging cultural divides and developng a sense for The increasing use today of the vocabulary of exclusively within whichever party controls Congress a common humanity are moral and social imperatives. cultural wars and secession is deeply troubling. We rather than between the parties. The desire of the majority Together, we in the humanities are obligated to help have a unique national culture with a mosaic of to accommodate the minority is waning, as is the desire advance an ethic of thoughtfulness rather than conformity subcultures. A critical question is whether we treat for the minority to allow legislative “successes” for the of thought, decency of expression rather than coarseness our many cultural differences with dignity and respect majority. Balanced debate has been superseded by issue in public manners. and as opportunities to grow and learn, or as divisive distortion and notions like the common good have given traumas worthy of warring over. way to partisan and interest group calculations. Civilization requires civility. Thank you. v

Idaho Humanities 10 iHC Warmly thanks idaho Humanities Council Donors! Contributions made between november 1, 2008 and december 1, 2009 Champion ($2,500 +) Virginia Tinsley Johnson Steve & Cilla Garvan Mark & Dana Fuller The J.R. Simplot Foundation Anne Marie & Harold Jones Helen Grainger Wilson & Monte D. Wilson Friends of the Garden Valley Library James F. & Julie M. Wisner Errol Jones & Susan Rainey Catherine Gray Dick & Susan Gardner Mee-Ae Kim & Chris Grant Mike & Glenda Green Jim & Barbara Gentry Benefactor ($1,000 - $2,499) Lawrence & Kaye Knight Robert Guyon & Kathleen Kangas David Giles AJ & Susie Balukoff Peter Kozisek & Julia Robinson BASIC, Blanchard Ronald Goble Anonymous Kevin & Debra Kraal Robert & Willodell Hawley Ronald & Jane Goin George & Bev Harad David & Patricia Lachiondo Bob & Donna-Marie Hayes Peter Grubb & Betsy Bowen Tom & Alice Hennessey Leavitt & Assoc. Careers & Consulting Tom Heinrich Jr. Linda Hackbarth Sylvan Creek Foundation Edwin Litteneker Jay & Jo Henderson Bucky & Toni Halker The Adams Foundation Brent & Carol Lloyd Butch Hjelm Jean Hanson Don Lojek Dr. Robert Hoover Nina Hawkins Pioneer ($500- $999) Helen Lojek Chuck & Kathy Hosack Heatherwood Retirement Katherine Aiken Wallace Lonergan Ron James & Lili Zou Russ Hepworth Alaska Airlines Corinne Lyle Cynthia Carr Jenkins Isabel Holt Rick & Rosemary Ardinger Bert & Michelle Marley Daniel & Carmelyn Johnson Cynthia Hull George & Karen Baker Charles & Sonia Mastache Holly Kartchner IGIVE.COM Jennifer Holley John Matthew & Judy McKay George & Cassie Kelley Edgar Jacobs George & Sondra Juetten Ann Mattoon Kevin & Virginia Kirk Jerome Public Library Ron Pisaneschi & Virginia Bennett Alberta Mayo Bonnie Krafchuk Bill & Cheryl Johnson Marilyn Shuler Joe & Lyn McCollum Gail LeBow Patricia Keith Craig & Jane Spencer Rosemary McGrath Roger & Ruthi Lee Earl & Gwen Kimball Ken & Amy Mecham Bethea Lenzi Jonathan & Pamela Lawson Sponsor ($250- $499) Memorial Community Center Andy & Halena Lermer Steve Lee Fred & Betty Bagley Cathy R. Silak & Nicholas G. Miller Duane & Phyllis LeTourneau Bob & Ann Loucks Don Bott & Judy Austin Rodney & Lois Miller Don & Marcia Liebich Charlee Magnus Edd & Wilma Bowler Nels & Briane Mitchell Paul & Katie Link Maria Mallory Trent & Rebecca Clark Dr. & Mrs. Robert Morrell Louise & Terry Maley Mary Ann Mathews Archie & Marilyn Clemins Charles & Janet Mosier Steven & Pam Mayfield John & Mary Ann McHugh Patrick Day Craig & Carolyn Nelson Kathleen McClenahan John & Peggy McMahon P. Gary Eller & Teri Devine Jo Ann & Kay Nelson C. Thomas & Sabra McCreedy Susanne Miller Jeff & Evin Fox Hugh & Kaye O’ Riordan Patty Miller Betty J. Moore Mary Giannini & Art Harlow Skip & Esther Oppenheimer Clay & Barbara Morgan Gayle Moore Terry & Diana Gipson Owen & Janet Orndorff Dennis W. Ohrtman Native Idaho Daughters Jerry & Julie Glenn Arlene Oyer Loran & Ruth Olsen Susan Neal Charles Guilford Russell Wahl & Pamela Park South Bannock County Historical Center Douglas Nilson Vince & Janet Hannity John & Jackie Parrish Carl & Pat Olsson James & Benita Odenkirk Klara Hansberger Marty & Barb Peterson Sharon Ostrom Vauna Oliason Barnes & Noble Booksellers George & Janell Pfoertner Del Parkinson Mary Osterman Kevin Marsh & Erika Kuhlman Steven & Robin Piet Tara Penry Joel & Nikki Pearsall Lex & Celia Kunau Bob & Calista Pitts Daniel Peterson & Mary Foster Kim Philipps Patricia Libby Park & Sharon Price William & Kathie Phoenix Thomas & Susan Reeb David & Judith Lombard Mary Ellen & Dick Pugh Mrs. Rayborn’s Recycling Club Dorothy L. Reynolds Jo Anne Minnick through the Idaho Women’s Nick & Sharon Purdy Paul & Alexis Rippel Virginia Ricketts Charitable Foundation Mountain View Title Bruce Robbins & Maggie Chase Deborah Robertson Michael Moore Robert & Sally Richards Ed & Sheila Robertson Diane Ronayne Rick & Lisa Ogle Sylvia Robison Ken & Betty Rodgers Bob & Nancy Russell Jane Oppenheimer Mrs. Gustav Rosenheim Joseph & Rita Rodriguez Jeff Sherwood Dick & Susan Parrish Rudolph & Angela Rossmann Joan Rogosch Lewis & Doris Ann Smith Michael Reuling & Marianne McIntosh Charlie & Nancy Rountree Bob & Becky Sabin Tom Spanbauer Nick & Carole Stokes ROW Adventures Sheila Saunders Susan Stagliano Wood River Women’s Charitable Foundation Rep. John & Kay Rusche Gary Erickson & Harriet Shaklee Brent & Kay Stauff Member’s Fund in the Idaho Community Robert & Marian Rust Ken & Janet Sherman Tony Stewart Foundation Maria Salazar Jerry & Ann Shively Mary Trail Donnel Schmidt Max & Carole Smolinski Linda Werner Donor ($100- $249) Delbert & Alice Scott Bob & Bessie Skinner Ralph & Ann Wheeler Ingrid Adler Vickie Simmons Dennis Skinner Susan Wolfe Jane E. Ahrens J. Walter & Kristin Sinclair Gary & Julie Slee Ann P. Zollinger Jon Albertson & Vicki Rentmeister Rick & Carole Skinner Mary Sorenson Albertsons Community Partners Steve & Betty Slifer Jeri St. Clair & Robert Allen Gov. Cecil & Carol Andrus Wally & Mary Clagett Smith Randy Stimpson & Courtney Morgan Anonymous Joann Spence Calvin & Macey Swinson Brian & Jennifer Attebery Randy & Molly Steele John & Martha Tanner In MEMoRIaM Louie & Barbara Attebery Dr. & Mrs. Robert V. Studebaker Michael & Sue Tomlin In memory of Bob M. Lenzi Bruce Ballenger Susan Swetnam Jeff & Karan Tucker Robert Barclay Dr. & Mrs. Carl Tate Webb Van Winkle & Maureen Cunningham Bethea Lenzi John & Susan Bennett Tate Family Charitable Trust Robert Vestal In memory of Minijean Kirk Jean Betebenner Fred & Joan Thompson Susan Wallber-Ring Kevin & Virginia Kirk Borders Books Midge Thysell Dick Wandrocke In memory of William V. studebaker Paula Brown Sinclair William & Reva Tooley Michael Warwick Louie & Barbara Attebery Keith Browning Cutler & Nancy Umbach Theodore Watanabe Dr. & Mrs. Robert V. Studebaker Ross Burkhart Terry Walther Connie Weaver In memory of james H. Hardcastle Don & Karen Burnett Mark & Cindy Wang Susan Whaley & Bert Bowler Kathleen Hardcastle Stewart & Molly Butler Keith J. & Rowena Ward Milly Whitted In memory of Harry Magnuson Bob & Elaine Carpenter Otha & Helen Watts Delta Kappa Gamma Katherine Aiken Gary & Tona Casella Family Betty Weston Kathy Winterton In memory of Iris stevenson Mr. & Mrs. Pete Cenarrusa Virginia Willard Dick & Gerry Wisdom Vauna Oliason Doug & Deidre Chadderdon William & Dolores Winkle Janet Worthington In memory of Helen Bray Tom & Eve Chandler Ralph & Carolyn Wolter Ellie Ysursa Vauna Oliason Lennard Chin Family Shelton & Karen Woods In memory of sharon Van slyke Doug & Ann Christensen Virginia Woolley Volunteer (Up to $49) Maria Salazar Karen Christenson Stephanie Youngerman Anonymous Linda Copple Trout Chris & Susan Baughn In memory of johnny johnson Shirley Crowe advocate ($50-$99) Bruce Belzer James & Deleah Eavenson Barbara Dargatz Jan M. Alden Diana Benedick In memory of j.P. Whitted David & Deborah Dash Jeanne Allen Joe & Harriet Berenter Milly Whitted Jenny Emery Davidson & Mark Davidson Robert & Elizabeth Anderl Steve & Marsha Bjornn In memory of Robert severance Virginia DeLong Anonymous Mary Lee & Ray Blackford Edd & Wilma Bowler Fritz & Gene Dickey Scott K. P. Arnold & Maura L. Goddard Tom & Florence Blanchard In memory of Bert Colwell Melissa Lloyd Dodworth Fran Bahr Isabel Bond Edd & Wilma Bolwer Paul Dubman & Diane Newton Larry & Laureen Belmont Dorothy Brassey In memory of juliette Mustard Ted & Darlene Dyer Julio & Julie Bilbao Cambridge Museum Edd & Wilma Bowler Tony Edmondson & John Murray Mayor Sandi Bloem Kathleen Marion Carr In memory of Robert V. Hansberger Roy & Frances Ellsworth Dr. Roger Boe & Rep. Donna Boe Robert & Eleanor Carriker Nels, Briane and Brittany Mitchell Terry Engebretsen Karl Brooks Jean Chantrill In memory of jay Hill John & Sarah Etchart Max & Darlene Burke Lorraine & Charles Childers Bill and Delores Winkle Michael Faison Ceva Jean Bush Alan & Anne Christie In memory of Marjorie scott Forrest & Lynne Geerken Ann Carlson M. Marlin & Donetta Clark John & Kathy Grossenbacher Bethine Church Alan & Alice Crockett Jerry and Julie Glenn Dean & Cindy Haagenson Leo & Lulu Mae Coates Virginia De Long In memoy of Forrest Church Hagerman Valley Historical Society Dillon & Audrey Cole Frances & Michelle Dega Ann Mattoon Ron & Ellie Hampton Jim & Jerre Coleman Mary DeWalt In memory of amy M. Christie Charles & Dorothy Hansen James & Peggy Countryman Ben & Diana Dicus R. Alan and Anne Christie Orval & June Hansen Len & Mary Crosby Earl Druker Kathleen Hardcastle Anna & John Daley James & Deleah Eavenson In HonoR Ruth Harris Lyn Darrington Bill Eddy In honor of Bethine Church Ron & Linda Hatzenbuehler Robert & Anne DeBord Melanie Edwards Otha & Helen Watts Barbara Hawley JoAn Dilweg Constance Farmer Ann Mattoon Brad & Sandi Hill Jean Eberle Ken & Ethel Farnsworth In honor of Ron Hatzenbuehler Ernie & Carol Hoidal Jeanne & Sandy Emerson Steve & Wendy Floray Katherine Aiken Marilyn Howard Maria G. Essig Ray & Carolyn Frei In honor of anne Voillequé & Louise Pamela Howard Shirley Ewing & Bill Ondrechen Friends For Learning Dan & Gail Hunt Cheri Folkner Jane Fritz nelson Marjie Johnson Dr. Allan & Fran Frost Mary Jane Fritzen Ron & Linda Hatzenbuehler

Idaho Humanities 11 Nonprofit Org. US Postage PAID Boise, ID Permit No. 679

217 West State Street • Boise, Idaho 83702 Change service Requested Time for a change? Please let us know by checking the appropriate box below and returning with your label: q Name misspelled q Contact person changed q Wrong address q Received more than one q Remove from mailing list

SongBag South Bannock County Historical Center receives (Continued from Page 8) Idaho Fish and Game manager Stacy Gebhards, of Elsensohn award Lake Fork, sings a satiric song about the natural and he South The surprise award is in manmade challenges salmon face as they return from Bannock County recognition of outstanding the ocean to Idaho to spawn. Ione Thielke, the 1950s T Historical Center service by an Idaho museum “Musical Poem Recorder of Cascade, Idaho,” sings a (SOBANCO) in Lava Hot in the preservation and inter- song about wild horses in the Owyhees. Other features Springs is the 2009 recipi- pretation of local history. include two short songs from Frank Church’s 1956 ent of the “Sister Alfreda The award is named after Senate campaign; a song of 1850s Mormon pioneers; Elsensohn Award,” a Sister Alfreda Elsensohn, an 1880s Oregon Short Line railroad song, a ballad $10,000 award of pooled who founded the Historical about the infamous murder of Lloyd Magruder . . . resources of the Idaho Museum at St. Gertrude in and much more. Humanities Council, the Cottonwood. Sister Alfreda The Idaho Songbag CD was the final component of Idaho State Historical sought to collect, preserve, a larger three-year initiative of the Idaho Humanities Society, and the Idaho and interpret artifacts from Council to promote greater appreciation of American Heritage Trust annually Museum Director Cathy Sher (center), accepts the $10,000 Idaho County and the sur- Elsensohn Award from (L to R) Idaho Heritage Trust roots music, that featured a weeklong institute for recognizing outstanding rounding area to better edu- teachers, a traveling Smithsonian exhibit, and other representatives Tony Verilone and Jerry Myers, Idaho Humanities work of an Idaho museum. Council Board Member Kevin Marsh, and Idaho State Historical cate the public. It is her activities, all funded in part by grants from the Idaho Representatives of all three Society Trustee Jim Johnson. vision of Idaho museums as Community Foundation and the Paul G. Allen Family organizations met in Lava Hot Springs on Friday, exciting, interactive, interpretive, and educational insti- Foundation. The title of the CD is taken in homage November 20 to present the award to Museum Director tutions that the Award seeks to recognize by honoring to poet Carl Sandburg, who published the book The Cathy Sher. one outstanding Idaho museum each year. American Songbag in 1927. Earlier in the day Governor Butch Otter was in Recipients of the award are leaders in the field of The Idaho Songbag CD is available for $15 (plus $3 Lava Hot Springs to declare the town Idaho’s “Capital Idaho museums that will be able to use the $10,000 shipping and sales tax) through the Idaho Humanities for a Day,” and to issue a proclamation declaring award to move to a higher level of professionalism. Council website (www.idahohumanities.org), by call- November 20 “South Bannock County Historical Center The 2008 award went to the Bonner County Historical v ing (208) 345-5346, or through select record stores. Recognition Day.” Museum in Sandpoint. v

What are You reading? In each issue of Idaho Humanities, several readers tell us what they've been reading and what they recommend.

Reader: Sue Thilo Reader: Larry Hunter Reader: Harald Wyndham occupation: Community Volunteer, Hayden occupation: Attorney at Moffatt Thomas occupation: Poet and publisher of Blue Book: Peace Like a River by Leif Enger Barrett Rock & Fields, Chtd., Boise Scarab Press, Pocatello, Idaho Book: Lincoln President-Elect: Abraham Book: Grand Canyon and other Selected Lincoln and the Great Secession Winter 1860- Poems, by Amil Quayle 1861 by Harold Holzer

Peace Like a River The premise behind Grand Canyon is had been in a stack Harold Holzer’s book a strong collection of books by my bed is a description of of over 100 poems, for nearly three years. the “interregnum,” as many of them river After dusting it off and he refers to the four- poems written by the reading the first 18 month period that experienced boatman, pages, I fully under- existed between the Amil Quayle, who stood why Leif Enger’s presidential election lives in St. Anthony, first novel is a recom- and Lincoln’s inaugu- Idaho, but spent many mended favorite among ration. In the best of summers running the fiction readers. times, such a gap could Colorado River as a This deeply affecting story is told by be difficult; after the election of 1860, it was professional guide. Reuben Land – through his eyes as an 11 year- monumental. Those experiences plus a family rich in old boy in 1960’s Minnesota and as an adult Holzer effectively challenges the widely troubles and interesting characters put no looking back. He describes a tragic incident held thought that the interregnum was a period small amount of ‘true grit’ into these poems, that unravels his humble family, ultimately in which Lincoln did not distinguish himself. which are true in the way Frost’s poems are turning their world upside down. The storyline He would not commit himself to the burning true. They are not so much made things as is simple, but I found myself inspired by its issues facing his presidency; such as secession, the byproducts of a full life, gathered from the underpinnings of family love, heroism, human compromise on slavery, and the choice of his wild ride through the rapids of the day. kindness, and miracles. cabinet members. However, as Holzer points Anyone who has gone down big water in out, Lincoln “successfully maintained a mas- kayak, cataraft or pontoon, clinging to paddles, terly inactivity and public silence to prevent the ropes and hand-holds for dear life while run- spread of slavery, privately fought a bare-knuck- ning white thunder between rocks will relate to le political battle to bar unprincipled compro- these poems. Anyone who has lost friends to mise, and brilliantly introduced himself to the that water will find resonant thoughts here as press and people of the North with a new look, well. As Amil says about the Grand Canyon: new image, and a new style of informal oratory See how puny the words are / Do not believe along a triumphant voyage to the capital.” them / Go there. Holzer succeeds in educating us to the prob- lems Lincoln faced and how he masterfully con- fronted them. It is not a quick read, but it is well organized, interesting, and a further testament of Lincoln’s political genius.