IHC awards $86,767 to 38 grants at fall meeting

he Idaho Humanities Council awarded $86,767 in Tgrants to organizations and individuals at its recent board meeting in Boise. Thirty-eight awards include 18 grants for public humanities programs, four Research Fellowships, 15 Teacher Incentive Grants, and one Planning Grant. The grants were supported in part by funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities and IHC’s Endowment for Humanities Education. The following projects were funded: The Newsletter of the Idaho Humanities Council Winter 2014 Public Programs: The Ada Community The Edge of Wilderness Library, Boise, received th $2,000 to help support the Reflections on the 50 anniversary of the 1964 community-wide reading project in February and Wilderness Act March 2014. The library will partner with The Cabin By Lisa M. Brady to bring Susan Orlean to Boise State University Boise to discuss her book Editor’s Note: The year 2014 marks a half- The Orchid Thief. Several century since passage of the Wilderness speakers and activities Act and the beginning of much landmark are planned to engage the legislation envisioned as part of President public in discussion of the Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society.” With book and its related topics. Idaho home to the largest designated Mary DeWalt is the project wilderness in the lower 48 states, we director. Susan Orlean will speak in Boise in March. thought it appropriate to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act by Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, received $2,000, to offering a reading/discussion program in support the 27th Annual Native American Awareness Week 2014 that explores the history and meaning March 17-24, 2014. The event includes speakers, storytelling, of wilderness and the 1964 legislation (see a pow-wow, and other activities designed to educate the related story, page 3). The program will community about Native American cultures. Native American be hosted for the first time in Hailey at the elders and tribal leaders focus on preserving the culture, history College of Southern Idaho Blaine County and traditional knowledge of individual tribes. Bob Sobotta is Center, over five Wednesday evenings, the project director. January 29-February 26. We asked Boise State University environmental history The Museum of North Idaho, Coeur d’Alene, was awarded professor and IHC Chair Lisa Brady to $1,950 to help construct a feature exhibit focusing on the reflect on the Wilderness Act. story of rural This past summer, during one of the electrification hottest periods of the long heat wave, and how it I escaped Boise for a weekend to the changed life mountains outside McCall. A friend has in Kootenai a cabin there and she suggested that we County in 1939. leave our phones, computers, and cares The exhibit will behind and spend a few days in the woods. I love Johnson signed the Wilderness Act, setting aside over explore that the outdoors, whether it’s the managed and semi- nine million acres of the public domain and protecting history through manicured Kathryn Albertson Park (where I saw a it from mining, logging, and agricultural use. In the photographs, doe and two fawns the last time I visited that urban fifty years since, America’s wild lands have increased artifacts, and oasis) or the wilder, more rugged Sawtooths. So, to over 100 million acres--a stunning victory in the oral histories, when my friend came knocking with the opportunity eyes of some, a terrible waste of resources in the view and will be on display from April through October 2014. The to immerse myself in the lovely Payette National of others. project director is Dorothy Dahlgren. Forest, I quickly opened the door and walked out of Disagreements over wilderness, and over how the city and into the wild. it should be defined and managed, have a long and The Cabin, Boise, received $3,000 to help support writers One of our hikes took us through stands of storied past in America. Historian Roderick Nash at the annual “Readings and Conversations” series held towering Ponderosa Pines, whispering and swaying analyzed the complicated relationship Americans November 2013 through April 2014. Writers include Junot with a gentle breeze. The pine-pitch scent was have had with wild nature in his now-classic book, Diaz, author of Drown: The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar intoxicating. After about ten minutes, the forest Wilderness and the American Mind (1967). There Wao; Susan Orlean, author of The Orchid Thief; and Cheryl thinned and we stepped into one of the most he traced the evolution of wilderness from a fearful, Strayed, author of Wild and Tiny Things Beautiful. Larry beautiful places I’ve ever seen. It was a broad dangerous place in need of conquest to an Edenic, Tierney is the project director. meadow, lushly green with thick patches of yellow, threatened remnant of pristine nature requiring white, and purple flowers. A small, clear stream protection. Nash’s history begins in Europe, with meandered through, sheltered by a few copses of what he called the Old World roots of the wilderness trees and bridged by a fallen log here and there. My concept, imported to the North American continent friend and I sat on one of these natural benches, by Puritan settlers who viewed nature as antithetical gazing into the gold-flecked water and listening to to civilization and human progress. Later generations the calls of birds and the lonely scree of an eagle characterized nature as a storehouse of resources soaring through the blue skies. ripe for harvest, abundant without end. Both of these To those who have never experienced the Idaho perceptions led to over-exploitation of forests, soils, wilderness, such language may sound hyperbolic. and wildlife populations. By the early nineteenth But for those of us who have been blessed with the century, Nash suggested, Americans began to question chance to visit many such places in our beautiful the efficacy and morality of such approaches to state, my description likely seems understated. My the non-human world. He pointed to iconic figures friend and I spent several hours in the meadow, such as Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862), John ambling across its verdant expanse, picking our way Muir (1838-1914), and Aldo Leopold (1887-1948) to through the marshy verges of the stream, and trying illustrate new ideas of wilderness based on the notion Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Boise, received $3,000 to help (though not always succeeding) to avoid stepping in that, even more important than the raw materials support Shakespearience, the traveling program that visits the numerous piles of manure. Yes--cattle manure. it embodies, nature acts as a spiritual and physical many high schools throughout Idaho. Actors will perform The meadow was not actually in the wilderness, but antidote to industrialized, over-civilized life. Romeo and Juliet with full set and costumes to students it was on its edge. These two competing views of wilderness— in grades 7-12, followed by question/answer sessions and The meadow is remote, high up in the mountains. antithesis and antidote--are at the root of the workshops. The tour connects Shakespeare’s work and the But despite its location and abundance of wildlife Wilderness Act. The Act states: “In order to assure that performance to literature and history. The project director is (cattle excepted), the meadow cannot technically an increasing population, accompanied by expanding Christine Zimowsky. be called wilderness. That designation is reserved settlement and growing mechanization, does not for areas “where the earth and its community are occupy and modify all areas within the United States Idaho Writers Guild, Boise, was awarded $2,000 to help untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor and its possessions, leaving no lands designated for support the third annual Writers & Readers Rendezvous in May who does not remain,” and where roads, motorized preservation and protection in their natural condition, 2014. The event features readings by writers and presentations vehicles, and other trappings of modern life are not it is hereby declared to be the policy of the Congress to on the writing profession. The 2014 Rendezvous will include allowed. This definition of wilderness is remarkably secure for the American people of present and future new and hotly debated. It gained legal status on generations the benefits of an enduring resource of (See GRANTS, Page 4) September 3, 1964, when President Lyndon B. (See WILDERNESS, Page 3) From the Director The idea of wilderness By Rick Ardinger

he year 2014 marks may become even more familiar to Idahoans, as factions Tthe 50th anniversary line up in favor and opposed to the restrictions such of the Wilderness Act. designation would impose on the place if monument status An early accomplishment of appeared imminent. Only Congress can formally preserve President Lyndon Johnson’s Wilderness with a capital ‘W,’ but for many, preserving Winter 2014 vision of The Great Society— large tracts of land and restricting access and road-building Idaho Humanities is published two to three the war on poverty, Medicare, amounts to the same thing. times a year by the Idaho Humanities Council civil rights, voting rights, and In his now-famous “Wilderness Letter,” written in 1960, 217 W. State Street so much more—the Wilderness novelist Wallace Stegner spoke of the need for Wilderness Boise, Idaho 83702 Act passed by an astounding preservation not merely for recreational opportunity--not (208) 345-5346 bipartisan vote of 73 to 12 necessarily for the hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping— Toll Free: (888) 345-5346 in the Senate and 371 to 1 in “but the wilderness idea, which is a resource in itself.” He Fax: (208) 345-5347 the House and was signed by wrote about wilderness as a “spiritual resource.” www.idahohumanities.org Johnson into law on September 3, 1964. Since Idaho is “I want to speak for the wilderness idea as something that home to the largest wilderness in the lower 48 states, and has helped form our character and that has certainly shaped with talk of new protections in the news of late, the Idaho our history as a people,” he wrote. He saw Wilderness as Board of Directors Humanities Council board thought it worthwhile to explore necessary for American democracy, and made a case for the meaning of wilderness in public forums, starting with Wilderness as a mysterious, expansive world, something Chair a series of public reading/discussion programs throughout bigger than ourselves, a necessary ingredient to our idea Lisa Brady, Boise 2014 and 2015, called “Wilderness Considered.” of the American Dream. Stegner questions whether great Vice Chair In addition to readings by Henry David Thoreau, American literature could have been written without the Ed Marohn, Idaho Falls John Muir, Aldo Leopold, Wallace Stegner, and others, idea of Wilderness as a palpable presence in the minds of the reading series also will touch on how wilderness has writers like Mark Twain, Sherwood Anderson, and others. Katherine Aiken, Moscow become a divisive political issue in recent years. Recent Does the geographical presence of the largest designated Margo Aragon, Lewiston talk of President Obama possibly conferring National Wilderness in the lower 48 states influence and help shape Amy Canfield, Lewiston Monument status to the Boulder-White Clouds is an issue the character of Idahoans, of all Americans? Trent Clark, Soda Springs that undoubtedly will drink up a lot of ink between now This year we’ll explore that idea and the legislation Jenny Emery Davidson, Hailey and the next Presidential election. Idaho conservationist approved by Congress with such overwhelming support 50 Murray Feldman, Boise Ernie Day’s iconic photo of Castle Peak (see page 3) years ago. v Susan Gibson, Boise Wendy Jaquet, Ketchum Margaret Johnson, Pocatello Mike Kennedy, Coeur d’Alene Four new members join IHC board Jo Ann Nelson, Coeur d’Alene Beret Norman, Boise Chrisopher Riggs, Lewiston Susan Schaper, Caldwell Russ Tremayne, Twin Falls Fred Walters, Cambridge John Ysursa, Boise

Staff Rick Ardinger Executive Director Margaret Johnson Amy Canfield Susan Gibson John Ysura [email protected] he Board of Directors of the IHC elected two and President of Mission and Human Resources. She holds Cindy Wang TGovernor Butch Otter appointed two new members M.A. degrees in theology from the University of Notre Grants and Fiscal Officer to IHC’s 19-member board. The new members will Dame and business administration from Centenary College [email protected] serve three-year terms. (Shreveport, Louisiana). She is currently completing Margaret Johnson (Pocatello) is Associate Vice a doctoral program in leadership studies at Gonzaga Jennifer Holley President of Undergraduate Affairs at Idaho State University. University. Program Officer She holds M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in English from San Jose John Ysursa (Boise), a new gubernatorial appointee, [email protected] State University and the University of Oregon respectively, is director of BSU’s Basque Studies Consortium. A native Debra Schlechte and is a former Chair of the English Department at ISU, of Boise and a 1985 graduate of BSU, he holds M.A. and Administrative Assistant where she has taught literature, writing and film studies for Ph.D. degrees from the University of California, Riverside. [email protected] the past 15 years. He has been involved in the Basque-American community Amy Canfield (Lewiston) is an associate professor of his whole life, with his research interests focused on history at Lewis-Clark State College, where she has taught bridging the worlds of academia and popular culture. He classes in women’s history, U.S. history, Native American edits the online Basque Studies journal Boga. The Idaho Humanities Council, a nonprofit history, and public history since 2006. She holds a B.A. The IHC board is comprised of Academic, Public, and organization, receives funding from the National from Idaho State University, and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees At-Large members representing all regions of the state. Endowment for the Humanities and from in history from Washington State University. Four members are appointed by the governor. Terms are other foundations, private corporations, and Susan Gibson (Boise), a new gubernatorial appointee, three years, renewable once. Members rotate off the board individuals. IHC’s mission is to increase the is a retired Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center each fall as terms expire and new members are brought on awareness, understanding, and appreciation of administrator, where she served for over a decade as Vice board to replace them. v the humanities in Idaho. It accomplishes this through educational projects for the general public and various target audiences. The News and Opportunities Council plans and conducts projects on its own and in concert with other organizations such IHC elects new chair Considered, and wrote the feature article in this issue of as universities, colleges, libraries, civic clubs, he Idaho Humanities Council board of directors Idaho Humanities. Brady joined the IHC board in 2009. professional associations, historical societies and Telected Lisa Brady, professor of history at Boise Two new books on Minidoka museums, and other cultural, educational, and State University, to serve as IHC’s chair from the Caxton Press announces publication of Minidoka: community entities. IHC also provides fall of 2013 to the fall of 2015. Brady is an environmental An American Concentration Camp, by photographer grant support for humanities historian and author of War upon the Land: Military Strategy and journalist Teresa Tamura. The beautifully made projects throughout Idaho. and the Transformation of book, profusely illustrated with Tamura’s photography, Southern Landscapes during the documents the story of the Opinions expressed in Idaho Humanities do not necessarily American Civil War (University Minidoka War Relocation reflect views of the Idaho Humanities Council or the National of Georgia Press, 2012). She is Center in Jerome County, Endowment for the Humanities. the author of numerous articles Idaho, which in 1942 and essays, and currently serves imprisoned 10,000 Japanese as editor of the scholarly journal and Japanese Americans MISSION STATEMENT Environmental History. She is “relocated” from their The mission of the Idaho Humanites a member of IHC’s Speakers homes on the West Coast Council is to Bureau, and has participated as to the western interior. Tamura’s documentation includes a scholar in IHC summer institutes for teachers, for the artifacts made in the camp as well as essays based on deepen understanding of Idaho tour of the Smithsonian traveling exhibition Between interviews with its survivors, uprooted from their homes in human experience by Fences, in IHC’s 2013 reading/discussion series Making Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California. The essays, connecting people Sense of the American Civil War, was instrumental in the with ideas. crafting of IHC’s 2014 reading/discussion series Wilderness (See NEWS, Page 5) Idaho Humanities 2 WILDERNESS (Continued from Page 1) wilderness.” The Act’s language clearly aligns with the idea that wild nature provides both tangible and intangible benefits far beyond any material gains that IHC sponsors reading/discussion series on ‘Wilderness’ might be had from harvesting its resources, even as it made special exceptions for certain uses contrary to he Idaho Humanities Council in 2014 its basic premise. Grazing, where it had already been is offering a five-meeting, scholar- established in National Forest areas, could continue in T led, reading/discussion series on the wilderness areas managed by the US Forest Service meaning of wilderness entitled “Wilderness under the oversight of the Secretary of Agriculture. Considered” in commemoration of the 50th New and existing mining operations were allowed anniversary of the 1964 Wilderness Act. in wilderness areas through December 31, 1983, as Libraries or other organizations interested in long as they did not alter the “wilderness character” sponsoring the series in their community are of the area. Motorboats and aircraft could be used invited to contact the IHC. The council will in areas where they already were prior to September recruit the scholars to lead the discussions, 3, 1964, and anywhere in the system if they were cover the costs of their honoraria and travel, necessary to assess and combat threats from insects, supply on loan 25 copies of two texts and a fire, or diseases, “subject to such conditions as the selection of other readings for participants to 1 Secretary deems desirable.” Where the intent of the read in advance of each meeting, and supply Act presumes wilderness is an antidote, its exceptions a promotional poster. reveal a continued tradition of seeing wild nature as The series is scheduled to launch at the an obstacle to civilization’s progress. College of Southern Idaho Blaine County That it took nearly ten years for wilderness Photo of Castle Peak by Ernie Day. Center in Hailey over five Wednesday evenings, protection to move from bill to Act reveals the deep- January 29-February 26. Discussions are underway the Wilderness, by Pete Fromm. In addition to reading seated ambivalence Americans have toward nature. for organizations to host the series tentatively in essays, stories, poems, and memoirs reflecting on the The bill, authored by Wilderness Society Executive Boise, Lewiston and Idaho Falls sometime in 2014. experience and meaning of wilderness, scholars will Director Howard Zahniser, first came before Congress Host sites must agree to enlist a minimum of 25 touch on historical controversies surrounding wilderness in 1956, but its origins go back another twenty years. participants to commit to the five sessions. and some contemporary public policy issues regarding Robert Marshall, a forester with the US Forest Five scholars from several Idaho colleges and new wilderness designation. Service and founder of the Wilderness Society, began universities will lecture and lead discussions on Teachers especially are encouraged to participate. in the early 1930s a correspondence with Secretary of works by Henry David Thoreau, Aldo Leopold, The Idaho Humanities Council is a nonprofit the Interior Harold L. Ickes recommending that roads Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, Wallace Stegner, organization devoted to promoting greater public be prevented from carving up the undeveloped lands and more. Participants will be loaned two texts awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the under Ickes’s management. According to journalist when they sign up, American Wilderness: A New humanities in Idaho. For more information about the Michael Frome, these messages “appear to be the History, an anthology edited by Michael Lewis, series, contact the IHC at (208) 345-5346, or contact 2 first steps that ultimately led to the Wilderness Act.” and Indian Creek Chronicles: A Winter Alone in Rick Ardinger at [email protected]. Twenty years later, after the nation recovered from the Great Depression and the Second World War, Howard Zahniser took up Marshall’s call. He wrote several articles and opinion pieces on the need for Twenty years ago, thirty years after passage of the Endnotes: wilderness protection beginning in 1951, but it was Act, historian and environmentalist William Cronon 1 US Congress, Public Law 88-577 (16 U.S. C. 1131-1136), “The a speech he delivered in early 1955 calling for legal suggested that there are few places on Earth that exist Wilderness Act.” Available at: http://www.wilderness.net/nwps/ protection of wild areas that inspired the bill that in a truly wild state and that wilderness as an idea has legisact. became the Wilderness Act. done more to stymie environmental progress than it 2 Michael Frome, Battle for the Wilderness, Rev. ed. (Salt Lake Democratic Sen. Hubert Humphrey of Minnesota has to promote it. Cronon was not arguing that nature City: Univ. of Utah Press, 1997), 105. and Republican Rep. John Saylor of Pennsylvania first does not exist, but that by separating ourselves from 3 Frome, 139. it, as the Wilderness Act explicitly does, we create a introduced the bill in 1956, calling for the protection 4 William Cronon, “The Trouble with Wilderness; Or Getting Back of wild areas already within the jurisdiction of several false dualism that in some ways allows us to abdicate to the Wrong Nature,” in Cronon, ed., Uncommon Ground: Rethink- federal agencies, including areas within the national our responsibilities toward the built and natural ing the Human Place in Nature (New York: W.W. Norton, 1995): parks and monuments, national forests, national environments that surround us more immediately. By 65-90. Available at: http://www.williamcronon.net/writing/Trou- wildlife refuges, and on Indian reservations. In 1964, separating ourselves from wilderness – an ostensibly ble_with_Wilderness_Main.html (accessed 23 December 2013). Idaho Sen. Frank Church was the floor sponsor of the pure form of nature – we obscure, in Cronon’s words, 5 Thoreau’s original is “In Wildness is the preservation of bill that would finally become the Wilderness Act. “what an ethical, sustainable, honorable human place the World.” Wilderness is often mistakenly substituted for wild- ness, though in this case, it is intentional. Henry David Thoreau, Congress conducted eighteen hearings on the in nature might actually look like.” Cronon noted that “Walking.” First published in Atlantic Monthly (June 1862). Project bill between mid 1957 and May 1964. Much of the wilderness has been used to dispossess indigenous Gutenberg EBook (Release Date: August 7, 2008 [EBook #1022]; opposition to its passage came from natural resources peoples the world over, including Native Americans Last Updated: January 26, 2013). Available at: http://www.guten- industries, not because they did not support the idea of in the nineteenth century and Indian peasants in the berg.org/files/1022/1022-h/1022-h.htm (accessed 23 December 2013). wilderness, but because they considered the amount twentieth. He also argued that wilderness tends to of lands proposed for designation as too extensive promote the majestic over the humble, the iconic over Lisa Brady is professor of history at BSU, Chair and in the wrong places. Initially the Forest and Park the mundane, thus preserving landscapes deemed of the IHC, and author of War upon the Land: 4 Services also opposed the bill because they believed sublime and not those that appear less inspiring. Military Strategy and the Transformation of Southern they would lose autonomy in managing their lands I appreciate Cronon’s warning and I try to live my Landscapes during the American Civil War (University 3 in the ways they deemed best for their mandates. life mindful of my impact on the places where I work of Georgia Press, 2012). Eisenhower’s administration did not favor the bill, and live, but in the end, I think he’s wrong. Wilderness thus it took the election of John F. Kennedy, who made is not a distracting illusion; it is, to slightly misquote its passage part of his 1960 presidential campaign, to Thoreau, “the preservation of the world,” quite Suggested further reading about grease the legislative gears. Nevertheless, it took literally.5 The existence of wilderness areas helps to Wilderness and the Wilderness Act another four years for the bill’s language to be mitigate biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation Cronon, William. “The Trouble with Wilderness; agreed upon by both houses. Zahniser’s original and provides space for recreation, reflection, and Or Getting Back to the Wrong Nature,” 65-90. In text, which incorporated Marshall’s definition of research. This is what the authors of the Wilderness Uncommon Ground: Rethinking the Human Place in wilderness, underwent important changes, including Act recognized fifty years ago and what supporters of Nature. New York: W.W. Norton, 1995. Available at the extension for mining and a requirement that new it continue to argue today. http://www.williamcronon.net/writing/Trouble_with_ wilderness areas be instituted through congressional I am a fan of wilderness, not only for what it Wilderness_Main.html. authority rather than executive proclamation, but the provides me as a physical entity—a place where I Frome, Michael. Battle for the Wilderness, Rev. ed. basic premise remained. can escape my daily obligations and reset my mental Salt Lake City: Univ. of Utah Press, 1997. In a remarkable show of bipartisanship, Congress clock—but I am also a fan of its legal protection, passed the bill with a vote of 73-12 in the Senate and although I acknowledge that even as it provides Harvey, Mark. Wilderness Forever: Howard Zahniser 373-1 in the House. Johnson signed the bill into law important benefits, setting aside millions of acres of and the Path to the Wilderness Act. Seattle: Univ. of while sitting in the White House Rose Garden—not land has social and economic consequences. I also Washington Press, 2005. exactly a wilderness, but nevertheless symbolic of the understand that wilderness is as much a concept--a Marsh, Kevin. Drawing Lines in the Forest: nation’s affinity for and dedication to the preservation creation of the mind--as it is an identifiable place. Creating Wilderness Areas in the Pacific Northwest. of nature. Nevertheless, I believe, and I think history bears me Weyerhaeuser Environmental Books, ed. William Fifty years later, debate over the Act continues. out, that we need wilderness to remind us that life Cronon. Seattle and London: University of Washington Most opposition, again largely from industry, stems transcends the daily grind and that we, as individuals Press, 2007. from concerns that the United States is needlessly and as communities, are connected to something limiting the development of resources that could larger than ourselves. Whether we visit wild places, Nash, Roderick. Wilderness and the American Mind, enhance the nation’s economy and security. As or have only the opportunity to enjoy pictures taken 4th ed. New Haven: Yale Univ. Press, 2001. by those who have, wilderness’s existence encourages in the Act’s infancy, those who disagree with the Scott, Doug. The Enduring Wilderness: Protecting us to contemplate our amazing, beautiful planet and management and designation of wilderness areas Our Natural Heritage through the Wilderness Act. to consider that we are part of a whole, even when aren’t uniformly against the idea of wilderness, but Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing, 2004. instead dislike the extent, location, and restrictions of we feel quite apart from it all. Being on the edge of it. However, some disapproval stems from unexpected wilderness is, in my opinion, better than having no Wilderness Society. “The Wilderness Act.” Available places. wilderness at all. v at: http://wilderness.org/article/wilderness-act

Idaho Humanities 3 GRANTS (Continued from Page 1) Mark Twain biographer Ron Powers, author of the Mexico Armando Orellana, Boise journalist and author emotions generated by them, arguing that memorial World War II history Flags of Our Fathers, and Nathaniel Hoffman, and others. Edward “Mac” Test sites profoundly shape understandings of war and University of Idaho writer Daniel Orozco, winner of is the project director. national identity. the 2012 Whiting Award for his book Orientation and Other Stories. The project director is Doug Copsey. Idaho Human Rights Education Center, Boise, Justin Stover, Lecturer in the Idaho State University received $2,500 to host an exhibit from New York History Department Pocatello, The Museum of Idaho, Idaho Falls, was awarded entitled “Anne received $3,500 to support travel $5,000 to help bring an international traveling Frank: A History to Ireland for research examining exhibition titled Race to the End of the Earth to the for Today.” The factors that contributed to loyalties museum, January – September 2014. The 7000-square exhibit will be during the Irish Revolution, 1913- foot exhibit features original artifacts and interactive on display in 1923. He will explore loyalty elements, recounting the 1911-1912 expeditions of April of 2014 and treason during the struggle for arctic explorers Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon during national independence and the movement Scott and their 1,800 mile race to the South Pole. The Holocaust that created a national discourse in museum will host additional educational opportunities Awareness Irish society. during the nine-month tour. David Pennock is the Month. In project director. preparation for Teacher Incentive Grants: the exhibit, the The IHC awards grants of up to $1,000 to K-12 The Idaho Center for Civic Education Program, IHREC will teachers and educational organizations to enhance Wendell, received $4,000 to present a two-day offer a workshop teaching of the humanities in the classroom. The seminar February 22-23 for K-12 teachers exploring for teachers on following grants were supported by IHC’s Endowment the theme “The Role of Dissent in American History, The exhibit “Anne Frank: A History for making use of for Humanities Education. Politics, and Law.” In collaboration with the Boise Today” will come to Boise in April. the curriculum State University Andrus Center for Public Policy, materials for this exhibit. The project director is Dan the seminar will explore the role of dissent from the Prinzing. Kelly Brannock, English teacher at American Falls founding of the nation, to the Civil Rights Movement, Academy, American Falls, received $153 to purchase women’s rights movement, and during times of war. The University of Idaho, American Indian Studies, books and films for a proposed class studying how Troy Hamilton is the project director. Moscow, received $850 to help support a fall 2013 events in history affect subjects in books. Her class exhibit on American Indian Comic Art titled “Comic will be a collaboration between English and History The Community Library, Ketchum, received $2,500 Art Indigene.” BSU Professor and Native American teachers and will include Fahrenheit 451 and Uglies. to bring to Florida writer Sean Poole, editor of the artist Larry McNeil, who had a piece in the exhibit, book Gattorno, a fully led a workshop for students. Janis Johnson was the Lorrie Heleker, Payette County School District illustrated volume project director. elementary teacher, Payette, received $672 to develop about the art and life of a unit studying multicultural neighborhoods and Cuban artist Antonio Idaho Public Television, Statewide, received traditions. The class will focus on Japanese, Western Gattorno (1904-1980) $12,000 to support airing of American Experience European, Basque, and Mexican cultures, and will to speak at the 2014 Season 26 and Ken Burns’ program The Address. include guest speakers, reading from historical fiction Ernest Hemingway Some new programs include “War of the Worlds,” about children from each culture, and a field trip to the Symposium, which “John F. Kennedy,” “The Poisoner’s Handbook,” Four Rivers Cultural Center. will focus in part on the “The Amish: Shunned,” “1964,” “Freedom Summer,” theme of “Hemingway “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” and “Penn Nicole Pape, Anser Charter and Cuba.” The Station.” The Address focuses on the sesquicentennial School teacher, Garden City, project director is anniversary of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Cindy was awarded $854 to purchase Sandra Hofferber. Lunte is the project director. multiple copies of The Idaho Adventure, a new Idaho history Boise Contemporary Theater, Boise, was awarded Wallace Stairs Project, Greater Wallace Community textbook by Nancy Tacke and $3,000 to support performance of a reader’s theater Development Corporation, Wallace, was awarded Todd Shallat. The third and version of a locally written play called An Iliad, $2,250 to help support interpretive signage telling the fourth grade teachers will share inspired by Homer’s epic poem. The reader’s theater background of the network of stairs that were built in the textbooks. explores the art of storytelling about an ancient long the south hills of Wallace in the early 20th century, and costly war. Helene Peterson is the project where homes were built on the steep incline. The stairs Michelle Harmon, English and Journalism instructor director. were erected after the 1910 fire destroyed much of the at Borah High School, Boise, was town. The project director is Jim See. awarded $500 to improve her North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene, received journalism course by developing $2,000 to develop an oral history project to gather Research Fellowships: on-line searchable access to back stories from area residents about the area where issues of the school newspaper. Alan Johnson, Idaho State University English Fort Sherman sat on the banks of the lake. They will She notes that having this online Professor, Pocatello, received $3,500 for research solicit stories from Native Americans, former loggers, availability will be a great in England and India related to his study of literary miners, and others, and post them on NIC’s website, resource for both the school and depictions of the Indian jungle. He hopes to enrich offering broad access to residents, students, faculty, the community. the understanding of Indian literature and the interplay and visitors. The project director is Sara Fladeland. between nature and artistic representation. He will Garden City Library Foundation, Garden City, present his findings in several public settings and Coeur d’Alene Public Library Foundation, Coeur received $750 to support their bilingual books plans to develop a book manuscript. d’Alene, received $2,000 for a storytelling project in program. This program provides bilingual books and the library. They will record interviews with residents other resources to the community. About 75% of their Guatam Basu Thakur, Assistant Professor of English on a variety of topics—from Native American stories patrons are Spanish-speaking, and more than 75% of at Boise State University, Boise, was awarded $3,500 about cultural origins to opinions on contemporary their Spanish collection was checked out last summer. to support research for a news of the day. They will host a featured lecture by Rita Langley is the project director. book examining human and University of Idaho anthropologist Rodney Frey and nonhuman relations in British oral history workshops by Barbara Mueller. Ruth Dick Jordan, Timberline High School, Boise, was writings about India between Pratt is the project director. awarded $1,000 to help support a workshop for his 1857 and 1947. Through Advanced Placement Environmental Science course, studying writings of John Boise State University, Boise, was awarded $4,088 featuring Susan Strauss, a natural history storyteller, Kaye, George Malleson, Wilkie to develop a dictionary of Chizigula, an endangered and other local storytellers from the Treasure Valley. Collins, Charles Dickens, Somali language that is spoken by refugee families Arthur Conan Doyle, Rudyard in the Boise area and elsewhere across the nation. Matt Looze, School District 25, Pocatello, received Kipling, E.M. Forster, and Jim Faculty and students at BSU have been working $1,000 to improve his Junior and Senior English Corbett, Thakur will elaborate on the theory that to document the endangered language. The classes through inclusion of computer equipment that human and nonhuman interactions define the myth of documentation, including audio and video recordings, will enable him to make the class more interactive, the colonizer. will be archived at BSU and in the Endangered allowing students to read together on an overhead, and Language Archives at the University of London. The allowing him to interact with students while showing Jennifer Ladino, Assistant Professor of English at project director is Michal Temkin Martinez. video clips, and other internet offerings. the University of Idaho, Moscow, received $3,500 to support her research at the Ronald Scott, North Junior High School science Boise State University, Boise, was awarded $5,000 Manzanar National Historic Site teacher, Boise, was awarded $1,000 to improve for a weeklong festival of Mexican culture, April in California, where Japanese his interdisciplinary biological science course by 7-14, 2014, exploring the arts, history, and politics of and Japanese Americans were incorporating study of history, literature, and ethics Mexico and the country’s relationship with the U.S. imprisoned from 1942 to 1945. in discussions of cell structure, genetics, plant and The festival will involve Eduardo Medina-Mora, who Ladino will develop a scholarly animal physiology, and ecology. The material is was appointed as the Mexican Ambassador to the monograph investigating how accessed through various computer sites. U.S., photographer Alejandra Regalado, poet Victor American memorials contribute Manuel Mendiola, Mexican Consulate Guillermo to stories about war and Ordorica Robles, Idaho Trade Representative to national identity. Ladino examines the structures and (See GRANTS, Page 9)

Idaho Humanities 4 NEWS (Continued from Page 2) interviews, and 180 black-and-white photographs fuse Surviving Minidoka is available in hardcover for Webb’s popular “Boise Icons” series, which appeared in present and past. $36 from the BSU Publications Office, College of the Idaho Statesman from February through July, 2013, Tamura began her project after President Bill Social Sciences and Public Affairs, 1910 University to commemorate Boise’s Territorial Sesquicentennial. Clinton designated part of the Minidoka site as Drive, Boise, Idaho 83725, by calling (208) 426-1368 The book has 200+ pages of photos and descriptions the 385th unit of the National Park Service. Her (or online at [email protected] ). in an easy-to-carry size so readers can explore the city’s work furthers the tradition of socially inspired icons on their own. The books are available from the documentary photojournalism, illuminating the New biography of Idaho artist published Idaho Statesman (208) 377-6200 and Boise bookstores cultural, sociological, and political significance Theof Blue Doorknob: The Artistic Life of Cornelia for $15. Minidoka. Ultimately, her book reminds us of what Hart Farrer, by Boise writer Rita Branham Rodriguez, happens when fear, hysteria, and racial prejudice is the story of the life of a Ezra Pound conference planned at BSU in April subvert human rights and shatter human lives. prolific Boise painter (1897- Boise State University is hosting a conference Tamura is a third-generation Japanese American 1991), known not only for on Idaho-born poet Ezra Pound (1885-1972), April who grew up in Idaho. She received her MFA in her colorful artwork, but for 9-12, 2014. The conference will photography from the University of Washington and her colorful life promoting explore Pound’s influence on taught photojournalism at the University of Montana art and enhancing the cultural poetics, modernism, and culture. for five years. She currently lives in Walla Walla, community of Boise. The The three-day event will offer Washington. The book sells for $27.95, available online book explores a bygone time evening and afternoon lectures, at nebraskapress.unl.edu/product/Minidoka,675767. in Boise, when Chinese still discussion sessions and a special aspx or by calling (800) 848-6224. lived in the area in late-19th field trip to Pound’s birth place and early-20th century, and in Hailey. Hotel discounts will Boise State University College of Social Sciences when artists strove through the early decades of the be available for conference and Public Affairs announces publication of Surviving 20th century to bring culture to a remote area of the participants. Speakers include Minidoka: The Legacy of WW II Japanese American nation. Illustrated with photographs, drawings, and Marjorie Perloff, Ron Bush, Bob Incarceration, is a a well of color images of Farrer’s paintings, the book Perelman, and others. For more information, contact collection of essays, surely will revive interest in a near-forgotten artist Martin Corless-Smith at [email protected]. articles, and interviews, whose delightful eccentricities and grand presence— edited by College described as “an Idaho Coco Chanel”—inspired other ISU professor publishes new book on fantasy of Southern Idaho artists, writers, journalists, socialites, and cultural literature History Professor Russ movers and shakers. Rodriguez met Farrer in 1971 Idaho State University English Professor Brian Tremayne and BSU soon after moving to Boise from Virginia, and the two Attebery has published a new book, Stories about History Professor Todd became instant friends. The book was 20 years in the Stories: Fantasy and the Remaking of Myth, released Shallat. The hardcover making and now is available in a handsome edition by Oxford University Press on edition is beautifully for $17 plus $3 shipping from Dilkoosha Press, 808 January 2. The book Introduces illustrated with historical N. 18th Street, Boise, Idaho 83702, or from Boise’s a new way of looking at the and contemporary photographs, artwork, and poems, Rediscovered Bookshop. uses of folklore in literature, telling the story of 1942 Executive Order 9066, which describes a theoretical relocated Japanese and Japanese Americans from the 150 Boise Icons approach that accounts for West Coast to 10 camps in the interior west. Minidoka, From the state Capitol to Hyde Park to the Vista both the genre’s popularity and the camp in Idaho, has been a pilgrimage site over the Avenue washer controversies (such as attempts past decade of annual Civil Liberties conferences, woman marquee, to ban or burn fantasy books), hosted by the College of Southern Idaho, and many Boise has many and explores fantasy texts from th th survivors and descendants of survivors have reunited sites that are the 18 to the 20 centuries. The book retails for to attend these conferences. The volume also features treasures. 150 $29.95. For more about the book, go to http://global. throughout the beautiful artwork of noted painter Boise Icons is a oup.com/academic/product/stories-about-stories- Roger Shimomura, as well as an interview with compilation of 9780199316076?cc=us&lang=en&q=Attebery,%20 Shimomura. journalist Anna Brian&tab=overview v Teachers invited to apply for IHC’s weeklong summer institute exploring baseball in American culture daho teachers of all grades and disciplines are invited prolific author and journalist, executive director of The Ito apply to attend the Idaho Humanities Council’s 2014 Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, and curator of the weeklong summer institute titled “Batter Up! Baseball Smithsonian traveling exhibition Hometown Teams (which in American Culture,” scheduled for July 13-18, 2014, tours Idaho in 2014); David Adler, director of Boise State at the College of Idaho in Caldwell. Successful applicants University’s Andrus Center for Public Policy, Constitution will receive lodging and meals, texts, and the opportunity scholar, longtime IHC institute scholar, and one-time for optional college credit. Those traveling more than 250 sportswriter; Kevin Marsh, Idaho State University history miles one way may be eligible for a modest travel stipend. professor, department chair, and Idaho Hometown Teams Community college teachers also are eligible to apply. The exhibition scholar; Katherine Aiken, University of Idaho deadline for online applications is April 1. Provost, professor of history and popular culture; Marc Supported by the IHC’s Endowment for Humanities Johnson, former Idaho Humanities Council Chair, popular Education and the National Endowment for the Humanities, culture blogger, and devoted baseball enthusiast, and the interdisciplinary teacher institute will explore the others. history of baseball and the many facets of the game that In addition to attending daily lectures and panel make it our National Pastime. discussions, participants will attend special evening explored through the lens of the sport of baseball, such as Baseball is woven into the fabric of American culture keynote presentations, view documentaries and Hollywood the impact on popular imagination, cultural mythology, the and history. It has been with us since before the American films, explore art and music, and share ways of teaching business of the sport, controversial laws and labor issues, Civil War and has mirrored the essential qualities of what it the humanities through the lens of sports. gender, race and discrimination, stars and icons, cathedrals means to be an American. It is a sport rich in nostalgia and The online application deadline is April 1, 2014. of the sport, and the future of the game. myth: American literature, music, theater, and film have all Interested teachers must visit www.idahohumanities. The primary text for the series is Baseball: A Literary explored baseball and its main themes, while our language org to apply online, or contact the Idaho Humanities Anthology, edited by Nicholas Dawidoff, with additional is ripe with “baseball-isms.” There is hardly a place in our Council with other questions at (208) 345-5346, or cindy@ selected readings. culture that baseball hasn’t touched. v Presenting scholars so far include Robert Santelli, idahohumanities.org. The major issues impacting all sports culture will be Wallace District Mining Museum receives $10,000 honor he Wallace District Mining Museum in Wallace is representatives from all three organizations. Director of the Idaho Humanities Council. “The Wallace Tthe recipient of the 2013 Sister Alfreda Elsensohn The award is named for Sister Alfreda Elsensohn, District Mining Museum is an exemplary small museum Award for Outstanding Service. Given annually who founded the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude in that explores the rich mining history of the Silver Valley by the Idaho Humanities Council, Idaho State Historical the 1930s. Sister Alfreda sought to collect, preserve, in a compelling and interesting way.” Society, and Idaho Heritage Trust, the Elsensohn Award and interpret artifacts from Idaho County and the While the IHT, the IHC, and ISHS have collaborated on includes a pooled $10,000 prize to be used by the winning surrounding area to better educate the public. “A many projects over the years, this is their only joint award. museum to continue its educational efforts. The Wallace museum is a bridge which links the present with the Previous recipients of the Sister Alfreda Award include the District Mining Museum is a leader in the state in providing past,” she once said. It was her vision of Idaho museums Bonner County Historical Museum in Sandpoint (2008), digitized access to its research collections. In recent years, as interactive and educational institutions that the award the South Bannock County Historical Center in Lava Hot it also has undertaken exceptional work in redesigning its seeks to recognize by honoring one outstanding Idaho Springs (2009), the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude in exhibits, and has provided professional assistance to other museum each year. Cottonwood (2010), the Lemhi County Historical Society museums throughout the state through its leadership in the “The Idaho Humanities Council encourages public in Salmon (2011), and the Basque Museum and Cultural Idaho Association of Museums. The award was presented awareness and understanding of history and other Center in Boise (2012). v at a ceremony in Wallace on January 29, involving humanities disciplines,” noted Rick Ardinger, Executive

Idaho Humanities 5 Historian Nathaniel Philbrick talked ‘Revolution’ in Boise ational Book Award-winning historian 2 NNathaniel Philbrick gave the IHC’s 17th 1 Annual Distinguished Humanities Lecture on September 26 to an audience of nearly 500 at the Boise Centre. Philbrick spoke about his latest book Bunker Hill: A City, a Siege, a Revolution. Earlier in the day Philbrick was interviewed for Idaho Public Television’s Dialogue program and attended a Benefactors Reception at the beautiful foothills home of George and Bev Harad. The IHC thanks its underwriters for helping make a very successful evening. Thank you to the OfficeMax Boise Community Fund and the University of Idaho College of Law for generously sponsoring the evening. In addition, IHC’s media 3 sponsors The Idaho Statesman, 4 Boise State Public Radio and Idaho Public Television were tremendous partners. The Harads opened their lovely home to more than100 Benefactors for a pre-dinner reception. The reception was 5 generously supported by the Boise Co-op and Jim Wisner. An additional thank you goes to Barnes and organizations who helped share the evening with and Noble for facilitating book sales, with part of the are students through their donations to the student proceeds going to support IHC programming. scholarship fund: 1. Jenny Davidson (Hailey) and Ed Marohn (Idaho Falls) pose The IHC also is grateful to the following firms Steven Fields, Idaho Power, Futura Corporation, for a photo. and organizations that purchased Benefactor Tables: Ann and Stan Bell, Chuck Guilford, Sisti and Rory 2. Friends from the College of Idaho attend the Benefactor University of Idaho College of Law, Holland and O’Connor, Mee-Ae Kim and Christopher Grant, Jenny reception. Hart, the College of Idaho, the Idaho Statesman, Emery Davidson and Mark Davidson, Lisa Brady 3. Nathaniel Philbrick speaks at the Boise Centre. Boise State University, Futura Corporation, Stoel and David Walker, Ronald and Desiree Hays, John 4. Nathaniel Philbrick talks with Bob Allred and his family at Rives and Idaho Public Television. Hand, Jerome Eberharter, Kathleen Sutherland and the Benefactor reception. 5. Benefactor reception host George Harad talks to friends of Thank you to some very generous individuals Stan Olson. v the IHC. Hundreds hear historian Douglas Brinkley in Coeur d’Alene

rolific historian Douglas Brinkley gave added generosity, including the following firms and Pthe IHC’s 10th Annual Northern Idaho individuals that purchased Benefactor Tables: Idaho Distinguished Humanities Lecture at the Forest Group, Intermax Networks, Paine Hamblen, Coeur d’Alene Resort in October. 1 Coeur d’Alene Press, Idaho Public Television, Brinkley spoke to an audience Margaret Reed Foundation and Lewis- of 330 about his latest book, a Clark State College. biography of CBS News anchor Thank you also Walter Cronkite and 20th to Gratia Griffith, century journalism. Margaret Reed Earlier in the day, Brinkley Foundation and spoke to several hundred Coeur George & Juli Ives d’Alene High School students for the contributions about an earlier book he wrote to the student called The Majic Bus: An scholarship program. American Odyssey, which is We thank IHC’s 4 about teaching history while northern Idaho on a six-week cross-country board members, bus trip. After the school event he was also 2 Kathy Aiken, Fran interviewed for Idaho Public Television’s Bahr, Mike Kennedy, Dialogue. Prior to speaking at and Jo Ann Nelson, the Resort that evening, Brinkley and the Coeur d’Alene also greeted dozens of Benefactors planning committee: at the beautiful lakefront home Virginia Johnson, of Dick and Nona Kay Barclay, Cindy Haagenson, sponsored in part by the Hagadone Nancy Flagan, Fay Corporation. Sweney, Katie Sayler, Enormous thanks goes to and JoAnn Nelson, longtime supporter Marc Brinkmeyer whose dedication and the Idaho Forest Group to the humanities in for generously sponsoring 3 their community made the event. IHC thanks this evening possible. media sponsors Idaho Lastly, tremendous Public Television and the thanks to Karen Yother Coeur d’Alene Press for for her instrumental HAGADONE CORPORATION promoting the event, and assistance in helping Barnes and Noble for to arrange, plan, and facilitating books sales coordinate this event. v 1. Douglas Brinkley (center) poses with Benefactor reception (with a portion of the sales hosts Dick and Nona Kay Barclay. going to support IHC 2. Douglas Brinkley signs a copy of his biography of Walter Cronkite. programming). 3. Douglas Brinkley poses with IHC board members Jo Ann The IHC is grateful Nelson and Mike Kennedy. to Benefactors for their 4. Douglas Brinkley speaks to an audience of several hundred about the life of CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite.

Idaho Humanities 6 Get your tickets now: Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Isabel Wilkerson to speak in Idaho Falls, April 17

ulitzer Prize-winning journalist Isabel “They did what humans have done for 6 p.m. at the Shilo Inn. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. PWilkerson, author of The Warmth of centuries when life became untenable . . with Wilkerson’s talk to follow. Wilkerson’s books will Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s . . They left.” be available from Barnes and Noble onsite and she’ll be Great Migration, will be the speaker at the Her book explores how the Great available for signing afterwards. IHC’s 7th Annual Eastern Idaho Distinguished Migration—an exodus of six million Since 2008, the IHC has brought top historians and Humanities Lecture and Dinner on Thursday, people between 1915 and 1970—changed writers to Idaho Falls for the annual event. Previous April 17, 2014, 7 p.m., at the Shilo Inn in the face of America. speakers include presidential biographer Robert Dallek Idaho Falls. The Warmth of Other Suns became a (2008), Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Laurel Thatcher The event is generously supported in part New York Times and national bestseller. Ulrich (2009), Western American historian Elliott West by Teton Toyota and Volkswagon, It won the 2010 National Book Critics (2010), National Book Award winner Tim Egan (2011), Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Circle Award for Nonfiction, the 2011 Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Rick Bragg (2012) and best- Center, Bank of Idaho, The Post Anisfield-Wolf Award for Nonfiction, selling author Alexandra Fuller in 2013. v Register, Idaho Public Television, the 2011 Hillman Book Prize, the Barnes and Noble, INL, and the 2011 Lynton History Prize from Harvard and Columbia Bill Maeck Foundation. universities, the 2011 Heartland Prize for Nonfiction, the Wilkerson spent 15 years Stephen Ambrose Oral History Prize, the Independent interviewing more than 1,200 Literary Award for Nonfiction, the Horace Mann Bond people to write The Warmth of Book Award from Harvard University, the NAACP Image Other Suns, her award-winning work that Award for Best Literary Debut and was shortlisted for the tells the epic story of three representative people who 2011 Pen-Galbraith Literary Award for Nonfiction, and made the decision of their lives in what came to be known the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. as the “Great Migration” of southern blacks to northern Tickets are available NOW for purchase online at cities for better lives and work opportunities during the www.idahohumanities.org under “IHC Events,” or by 20th century. The story tells of their struggles with racism calling the IHC toll free at 888-345-5346. General tickets and prejudice, and their moves from Mississippi, Florida, are $45. Benefactor tickets are $75, offering an invitation and Louisiana to find new lives in places like Chicago, to a pre-dinner reception with Wilkerson in a private home Harlem, and elsewhere. and preferred seating at the dinner and lecture. IHC always ”Their migration was a response to an economic and recommends reserving tickets early as the event often sells social structure not of their making,” Wilkerson writes. out. The evening will begin with a no-host reception at

Traveling Smithsonian exhibit on sports in American culture touring Idaho in 2014

he IHC is bringing a Smithsonian and sandlots, on The Idaho tour of Hometown Teams is supported in Ttraveling exhibition on sports courts, on ice, even part by the Florence Wasmer Fund for Arts and Culture at culture in America titled Hometown in the street. If we’re the Inland Northwest Community Foundation. Teams to six Idaho communities in 2014. not playing sports, The exhibit will visit the Idaho State we’re watching Historical Museum (Boise), Lewis-Clark them, sitting in State College Center for Arts and History stands to cheer on the (Lewiston), Northern Pacific Railroad local teams and our Depot Foundation (Wallace), Hailey’s friends and family. Welcome Center at Werthheimer Park Hometown Teams is ‘Hometown Teams’ 2014 Touring Schedule (Hailey), the Challis Arts Council a cultural history of Idaho State Historical Museum, Boise (Challis), and the Larsen-Sant Library the American sports March 1 – April 12 (Preston) between March and December landscape. It is the Lewis-Clark State College Center for Arts and 2014. story of a diverse History, Lewiston The exhibit will be on display for six assortment of people April 19 – May 31 weeks in each of the six Idaho communities. interacting with Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Foundation, Wallace While on display, each community will games, activities June 7 – July 19 develop around the exhibit its own local that encourage the Hailey’s Welcome Center at Werthheimer Park, programming, ranging from school development of projects, to lectures, films, local displays, competition, fair play, Hailey and other activities limited only by the imagination. and a passion for a goal. Connecting generations and July 26 – September 6 The central theme of the Hometown Teams exhibition making lifelong fans out of many of us, sports help Challis Arts Council, Challis explores America as a celebrator of sports, through to define who we are as individuals, as teams, and as September 13 – October 24 teamwork, leadership, and team pride. Through a Americans. Larsen-Sant Library, Preston selection of photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia, Hometown Teams is part of the Smithsonian’s November 1 – December14 the Hometown Teams exhibition looks at various aspects Museum on Main Street program, an exhibition program For more information about the Exhibition in Idaho, of sports and teams, from how and why we play these that was developed to bring exhibitions primarily contact the Idaho Humanities Council games to what makes us fans and why we root for our to smaller communities in America that would not at (208) 345-5346. home teams. The story is full of surprises about familiar ordinarily have the opportunity to host such an exhibit. games, histories of our teams, and sports traditions, and The IHC has brought to Idaho over the past dozen years how sports and teams have become such an integral part Smithsonian exhibitions on American roots music, food of American society. and culture, the history of American labor, yesterday’s The exhibit explores how love of sports begins visions of the future, barn architecture, on the meaning in hometowns; how we play games on ball fields of fences and borders, and more. v

Remember to send back that envelope… o read the feature story in this issue lifelong learning in the humanities helps some of the best writers, historians, and journalists Tof Idaho Humanities you build a more literate, tolerant, and writing in the world today, and many other timely had to remove the donation intellectually inquisitive Idaho citizenry. programs. envelope—please don’t throw it If you agree that lifelong learning in the Return your envelope with a check, or make your away. Show your support for the humanities improves civil discourse and donation online at www.idahohumanities.org, and work of the Idaho Humanities Council enhances informed civic involvement, help the Idaho Humanities Council deepen public today by sending it back with your tax- then please return your envelope today. understanding of human experience and connect deductible gift enclosed. The IHC is The IHC will put it to good use funding people to ideas. v dependent more than ever on donations summer institutes and workshops from our readers, program participants, for teachers, traveling Smithsonian MAKE YOUR teachers, civic leaders, community exhibits, our Humanities Speakers TAX-DEDUCTIBLE activists, and others who believe that Bureau, reading/discussion programs, lectures by GIFT TODAY!

Idaho Humanities 7 IHC warmly thanks Idaho Humanities Council Donors! Contributions made between January 15, 2013 and January 15, 2014

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Miller Charles & Susan Davis Dorothy Snowball John Standal Member’s Fund in the Idaho Community Rodney Miller Bill Dryden Mary Sorenson Dr. & Mrs. Carl Tate Foundation Rebecca Mills Carolyn Eiriksson Brent & Kay Stauff The Community Library Association Ralph & Carolyn Wolter Maria Minicucci Mary Eldredge Thornton & Elisabeth Stearns Susan Thistlewood Jo Anne Minnick Terry Engebretsen Stephanie Strand Jeremiah Thompson Donor ($100 - $249) Briane N. Mitchell & Mary Kimmel Maria G. Essig Michelle Tanberg Philip & Janice VanSchuyler Anonymous Bob & Jeanie Mooney Wendy Eveland Midge Thysell Alan Virta Governor and Mrs. Andrus Michael C. Moore Shirley Ewing & Bill Ondrechen Ed & Judy Torgerson Dick Wandrocke Scott K. P. Arnold & Maura L. Goddard Ray & Jane Morgan Marilyn Farneman Cutler & Nancy Umbach Priscilla Wegars Brian & Jennifer Attebery Charley & Janet Mosier Ethel Farnsworth Robert Vestal & Jyl Hoyt Linda Werner Brian & Karen Ballard Neil & Eleanor Nemec Sue Flammia Wendell & Katherine Wardell Robert & Deborah Wetherell Bruce Ballenger Bill Noah Rosemary & Gary Fornshell Theodore Watanabe

In Memoriam In memory of Janice Thornton In memory of William A. Trueba Dave & Patti Lachiondo Gail Corlett-Trueba Consider establishing In memory of Calista Pitts In memory of Vickie J. Simmons Margaret Schiff Melinda Lindsey a planned gift for the In memory of Phyllis Ward In memory of Karen Boyle Mason Jennifer Holley Richard and Aris Boyle Idaho Humanities Anonymous In memory of Jack Stillinger In memory of Steven Puglisi Dorothy Snowball Harald Wyndham In memory of Terrill Arnold Council In memory of Zola Noah and Holly Jerry & Julie Glenn Noah In memory of Robert D. Skinner he Idaho Humanities Council Bill Noah Bessie Skinner Thas served Idaho for 40 years, In memory of Lois Miller In memory of Claire Lowrie offering support for teachers, Rodney Miller Maria Minicucci scholars, libraries, museums, and lifelong In memory of Diana Morris In memory of Dirk Maarten learning opportunities for all ages to JoAnn & K.V. Nelson Leeuwrik explore all humanities disciplines. Linda Leeuwrik Mark & Cindy Wang History, literature, philosophy, and In memory of John Nagle In memory of John D. Riley Nancy & John Lindgren Kate Riley ethics lend insight and understanding into In memory of Phil Druker Donor Comment the human experience. IHC recognizes Joy Passanante & Gary Williams In Honor that engagement with the humanities In memory of William V. Studebaker In honor of Rick Ardinger “The humanities provide a offers people inspiration and hope and Bob & Denise Allred Katherine Aiken context in which one can can tell powerful stories about human Louie & Barbara Attebery In honor of Sale Johnson distinguish between ideas and behavior, the meaning of life, and the Robert & Barb Studebaker Garry & Bonnie Loeffler beliefs. This process in turn need for civic reflection. In memory of Byron Johnson In honor of Peter Morrill provides a deeper understanding Your planned gift can help build for Patricia Young Anne Staton Voillequé Charitable of ourselves and the culture In memory of Dinah Jackson Foundation the future by supporting the programs Bethea Lenzi In honor of Stephen Farneman and around us. It is an essential and activities of the Idaho Humanities In memory of Kristine Lesher-Aring Jeannette Allée element of a democratic Council. For more information contact Laura Woodworth-Ney Marilyn Farneman society.” Executive Director Rick Ardinger at (208) In honor of Juvanne Martin In memory of Diane K. Fields Fred Walters, Cambridge 345-5346 or [email protected]. Steven Fields Lynda & J.E. Smithman

Idaho Humanities 8 Idaho Humanities Council to honor IPTV’s Peter Morrill for ‘Outstanding Achievement in the Humanities’

he Idaho Humanities Council on local productions, such Anyone interested in attending the February 20 Twill honor former Idaho Public as Dialogue, Outdoor Idaho, reception and award ceremony should RSVP to the Television General Manager Peter Idaho Reports, and Idaho in Idaho Humanities Council at (208) 345-5346, or at Morrill with IHC’s Award for “Outstanding Session, in addition to special [email protected]. Achievement in the Humanities” at a wine/ documentary productions The Idaho Humanities Council is a statewide, dessert reception and award ceremony such as Capitol of Light and nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting on Thursday, February 20, 7:30 p.m., at Trial of the Century that greater public understanding of literature, history, Boise’s Red Lion Downtowner. The award, explored Idaho history. As a ethics, law, and other humanities disciplines. The which includes a $1,000 honorarium, result, a higher percentage of Council has presented its award for “Outstanding will be presented to Morrill honoring his viewers within Idaho Public Achievement in the Humanities” annually since career in public television, and IPTV’s Television’s viewing area 1986. Previous recipients of the award have included work to bring some of the best humanities watch IPTV programming, independent historian Keith Petersen, Twin Falls programming on television to a statewide and watch it more often, than anthropologist James Woods, former Governor audience. that of any other public TV Robert E. Smylie, College of Idaho Professor Louie Recently retired, Morrill spent 35-years station in the country. Attebery, State Historian Merle Wells, BSU Andrus in public broadcasting, including 31-years In 2013 alone, IPTV Center Director David Adler, Moscow writer Mary with Idaho Public Television. During those garnered dozens of national Clearman Blew, Idaho poet William Studebaker, years, with a relatively modest operating budget, he and local awards for excellence, including a regional historian Arthur Hart, Nez Perce elder Horace Axtell, achieved many remarkable accomplishments during Emmy and an Edward R. Murrow Award (one of former Lewis-Clark State College English Professor his tenure, including the $24 million transition from only two PBS stations to be honored regionally in Keith Browning, Idaho State University History analog to a digital format, turning IPTV into a state- 2013). Professor Ron Hatzenbuehler, Basque Museum of-the-art broadcasting system with four separate A member of several state and national boards and Cultural Center Director Patty Miller, Boise channels bringing a diverse block of humanities and the recipient of several other state and national Independent Schools District Administrator and programming statewide to Idahoans of all ages. honors, Morrill had a record of accomplishment history teacher Russ Heller, LCSC anthropologist Even with a relatively small budget for a working with the Idaho Legislature to secure funding Alan Marshall, and others. v statewide network, Morrill promoted strong focus for IPTV during even the leanest of fiscal times.

U.S. Bank Foundation helps bring ‘Let’s Talk About It’ program to rural libraries he Idaho Humanities Council (formerly the Idaho State Library) Tthanks U.S. Bank Foundation and the Idaho Humanities Council. for its support of the 2013-2014 Over the past 30 years, programs season of Let’s Talk About It (LTAI), the have been held in nearly 100 Idaho library reading and discussion program communities. that brings people together with scholars Through good financial times and in mostly rural community libraries for bad, the IHC, the Idaho Commission discussions of books exploring a variety for Libraries, and the U.S. Bank of themes. U.S. Bank Foundation has Foundation have continued their been a loyal supporter of community partnership to bring to mostly rural reading for many years. communities the opportunity for a he U.S. Bank Foundation grant rich cultural experience involving has helped support the cost of great literature, guest humanities Tnew books, as well as travel for scholars, and in-depth conversations Idaho college and university scholars on diverse topics. Program to visit 16 libraries to speak about the participants expand their reading books and help lead 75 discussions interests, meet new people and with library patrons. The program is a explore important cultural issues in partnership of the U.S. Bank Foundation, US Bank Senior Vice President Rob Aravich (center) holds a check in support of the 2013-2014 “Let’s Talk the context of their own lives and the IHC, and the Idaho Commission for About It” program with IHC Director Rick Ardinger and LTAI Coordinator Dian Scott the lives of others. Libraries. The IC for L has managed the Our Ethics,” “We Are What We Eat,” “American Thanks to the U.S. Bank program for nearly 30 years. Project Coordinator Dian Characters,” and many other themes. Scholars from Foundation’s generous support, the program continues Scott selects the participating libraries, contracts with nearly all of Idaho’s institutions of higher education reaching Idahoans of all ages through valuable reading scholars, and ships multiple copies of books to the participate in the program as book discussion leaders and discussion. libraries. in 75 library meetings. “This LTAI program is an intellectual lifeline “U.S. Bank Foundation is happy to support such Participating libraries in 2013-2014 include for many in rural communities where people are a great program that brings people together all over Ada Community Library (Boise), American Falls eager to meet face to face for a little thoughtful give- Idaho to discuss books and ideas,” said U.S. Bank District Library, Bear Lake County Library and-take about great literature,” said Rick Ardinger, Senior Vice President Rob Aravich, of Boise, who (Montpelier), Blackfoot Public Library, Boundary director of the Idaho Humanities Council. “U.S. Bank presented a check at the Idaho Humanities Council County District Library (Bonners Ferry), Coeur Foundation’s support is critical to making the program office. d’Alene Public Library, DeMary Memorial happen. Participants are truly grateful for the program.” “This is a program that educates and builds Library (Rupert), Grangeville Centennial Library, For more information about Let’s Talk About It, see community relationships, and it touches so many Larsen-Sant Public Library (Preston), Lewiston the Idaho Commission for Libraries website at http:// towns throughout Idaho,” Aravich said. City Library, McCall Public Library, Mountain libraries.idaho.gov/, or contact Project Coordinator Since the fall of 2013, the program began in Home Public Library, Portneuf District Library Dian Scott, Idaho Commission for Libraries at (208) libraries from Montpelier to Bonners Ferry. Libraries (Chubbuck), Salmon Public Library, Twin Falls 334-2150. v are hosting book discussions exploring different Public Library, and Weiser Public Library. themes through spring of 2014. Themes include “Idaho The LTAI program, which began in 1985, was at 150,” “Living in the Modern West,” “Our Earth, developed by the Idaho Commission for Libraries

GRANTS (Continued from Page 9) Jan Green, Holy Spirit Catholic School, Pocatello, introduce new equipment to incorporate historical on model legislature and judicial program. Julie received $700 for a children’s literature class for films, YouTube clips, and PowerPoints, into classroom Zicaro is the project director. teachers. Pre-school through eighth-grade teachers teaching of the humanities. meet monthly to review children’s books and how Salmon Arts Council, Salmon, received $1,000 to to utilize them in their classrooms. Their goal is to Treasure Valley Family YMCA, Boise, was awarded bring oral historian Teresa Clark to Salmon for a one- bridge language arts across the curriculum by also $1,000 to support a statewide Youth Government week residency working with 8th grade students on exploring health, science, social studies, and math. program for high school students. Over 300 students an oral history project. Clark will train the students work in their high schools through the school year, in interview techniques as well as writing and book Joseph Lawrence, Mullan School District, Mullan, participate in regional legislative sessions, and then publishing. Students will interview members of their received $1,000 to help purchase equipment for an the program culminates in a two-day State Session electronic check-out system for the library, and to held in April in Boise where students conduct a hands- (See GRANTS, Page 10

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GRANTS (Continued from Page 9) own families as well as volunteers from the Lemhi Planning Grants: County Historical Society. The project director is The Basque Museum and Cultural Center, Boise, Caroline Stivers. received $1,000 to work with public historian and THE NEXT DEADLINE consultant Barbara Perry-Bauer to prepare a check-list Lillian Vallely School, Blackfoot, received $1,000 template to help guide those conducting research in FOR for a Shoshoni Language program. The school serves communities in Idaho where there has been a Basque kindergarten through fifth graders living on the Fort presence. Patty Miller is the project director. v IHC GRANTS: Hall Reservation, and offers classes in Shoshoni dance, The next deadline for Idaho crafts, music and language. Norma Jordan is the project director. Humanities Council grant proposals Idaho Territorial traveling exhibit is September 15, 2014. IHC strongly Salmon Arts Council, Salmon, received $1,000 to available recommends that prospective host The American Place Theater’s performance-based On the morning of March 4, 1863, President Abraham applicants contact staff to discuss Lincoln signed a congressional act creating Idaho Territory. literary program for local schools. They will present their project ideas before writing a one-hour stage adaptation of Harriet Jacobs’ 1861 On July 3, 1890, President Benjamin Harrison signed a memoir, “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.” The congressional act establishing Idaho as the 43rd state. their proposals. Applicants also program includes resource guides for teachers to help The 27-year territorial era between those two are strongly encouraged to submit presidential signatures was perhaps the most significant them prepare in advance. The project director is a rough draft of their proposal for quarter century in Idaho’s history, shaping who we are as Caroline Stivers. a state today. staff critique several weeks prior to With support from the Idaho Humanities Council, the the deadline. Grant guidelines and Idaho Falls Arts Council, Idaho Falls, also was Idaho State Historical Society has two copies of an eight- awarded $1,000 to host the American Place Theater online application instructions, as panel exhibit about the Territorial years that is available to well as information about IHC grants stage production of “Incidents in the Life of a Slave schools, museums, libraries, and other organizations that Girl” and involve an alternative school. The program are interested in displaying the exhibit for a period of a and activities, are available on IHC’s will include resource guides for teachers and three month or more website at www.idahohumanities.org, smaller workshops with students after the performance. The ISHS charges a fee for rental and shipping. For or by calling 208-345-5346. Brandi Newton is the project director. more information contact Gen Emerson at the ISHS at [email protected] or call 208-334-2120. 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: Leif Hoffmann Reader: Fred Belzer Reader: Mindy Cameron Occupation: Assistant Professor of Political Occupation: Attorney, Pocatello Occupation: Retired newspaper editor, Science, Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston Book: Selected Stories by Alice Munro Sagle Book: Astérix chez les Pictes (English title: Book: The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri Asterix and the Picts), by Jean-Yves Ferri; Illustrator: Didier Conrad; original creators: René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo

The French revere Over the years, Jhumpa Lahiri’s bandes dessinées I’ve enjoyed latest book, The (graphic novels) Alice Munro’s Lowland, opens in as the Neuvième th stories in The New 1960s Calcutta, a Art (9 art Yorker magazine. form). The most time of political famous character However, I’d upheaval, and emerging from the never considered wends its way to Franco-Belgian reading one of the placid calm school of comics, her collections. of Rhode Island. besides Tintin, The stories in Once again Lahiri has been Asterix. the Selected accomplishes an Widely translated Stories are from intricate weaving into over 100 Munro’s first 30 years of writing and have the of personal relationships. It’s the story of different languages and dialects, Asterix and variety of place, period, and themes that have two brothers, a revolutionary who stays in his adventures have been employed across earned her awards including the recent Nobel Calcutta and meets a predictable fate, and the Europe to lure audiences to museums, teach Prize in literature. There is a nice sampling recalcitrant students Latin and as inspiration older one, Subhash, who emigrates to seek a and source material for doctoral dissertations. of her well known, small town stories set life in America. That life is changed when he Filled with the usual allusions and gags in 1930’s Canada, which focus on family brings Gauri, the pregnant wife of the younger based on cultural differences and politics, relationships and conventional characters doing brother, to Rhode Island. Asterix and the Picts is a timely album in unconventional things. Less in this vein is a He becomes a devoted father to Bela, view of the Scottish independence referendum beautifully written story, “Mile City, Montana,” Gauri’s daughter. But Gauri is a seeker. It is scheduled for September 18, 2014. Anybody where the narrator remembers a childhood her story that captured me. It’s the story of a interested in reliving their childhood is well tragedy and weaves that memory into both lonely immigrant with a steely determination served by picking up Asterix and the Picts pleasant and troubled memories of the early to make her own way in America. She soon or any other of the series’ classic albums: Et years of her marriage and young children. dresses in the style of her new home, secretly nunc, reges, intelligite, er udimini, qui judicati These are the kinds of stories you hope to have begins to study, even to the detriment of her terram (And now, kings, understand; you who with you when you are delayed in an airport decide the fate of earth, educate yourselves). daughter’s upbringing. How that all unfolds and have a chance to go off into other people’s and what it means for Subhash and Bela is the lives and reflect on your own life. core of this quietly powerful novel.