Historical Museum Lecture Series

The Historical Museum Lectures provide insights into the history of our region. They begin in the late afternoon so guests have the opportunity to enjoy our museum and gift shop beforehand and drive home before dark. Light refreshments are provided. The events are held in the Spirit Center’s Johanna Room at the Center for Benedictine Life at the Monastery of St. Gertrude; located at 465 Keuterville Road, Cottonwood, Idaho.

February 26, 3:00 p.m.
Lookouts: Idaho’s Vanishing Sentinels
Presented by Jerry Johnson

Fire lookouts flourished throughout Idaho from the 1920s to 1950s. Unique in architecture, setting, and purpose, these lookouts stood watch over millions of acres of Idaho’s forest lands. Jerry will provide an overview of the early years of lookouts in Idaho and Idaho County, discuss the different lookout designs, and share rare early lookout photographs. He will also highlight his own deck of illustrated playing cards featuring Idaho fire lookouts, created to celebrate and interpret these historic structures. In addition, Jerry will discuss the groups and individuals working to preserve historic records and select lookout sites.

Jerry Johnson is a life-long resident of North-Central Idaho. He has edited and published several books on local history and has created three decks of playing cards highlighting Idaho history. Since his card projects handily fit in one’s pocket, Johnson now considers himself a “pocket” historian.

April 9, 3:00 p.m.
America 250: Bill Wassmuth – and the Power of Community
Presented by Christina Bruce-Bennion

As part of the museum’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday, this lecture examines the life and legacy of Bill Wassmuth, whose leadership and coalition-building helped counter hate movements in the 1980s and 1990s. His story shows how communities in Idaho and beyond have worked to defend human and civil rights and build spaces rooted in dignity and belonging.

Christina Bruce-Bennion is the Executive Director of the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights. The Center hosts 28 human rights exhibits in their new building in Boise, next to the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial which they founded.