Historical Museum Lecture Series

The St. Gertrude’s 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 Monastery of St. Gertrude; located at 465 Keuterville Road, Cottonwood, Idaho.

These two lectures are made possible by the generous support of the Nez Perce County Historical Society and the Idaho Governor’s Lewis and Clark Trail Committee.

October 12, 3:30 p.m.
Flowers and the Visitors We Should Care About
Presented by Nan Vance

Bees are not the only pollinators! This presentation is about local interesting and rare plants and insects’ relation to plants. With the help of her field photographs, Nan will help listeners better understand and support of natural habitats and the processes that influence insects and their association with plants.

Nan Vance, PhD, is a retired Research Plant scientist for the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. She has over 40 publications covering plant physiology and ecology, pollination ecology, and plant restoration in the Inland Northwest.

October 26, 3:30 p.m.
Hear the True Charbonneau Story
Garry Bush

Toussaint Charbonneau was hired by Lewis & Clark as a guide, cook and interpreter for the journey westward.  Both Charbonneau and his Shoshone wife, Sacagawea, helped direct and provide for the men of the Corps of Discovery during this historic trek. In a first person presentation with historically accurate gear and materials from the Corps of Discovery, Garry Bush provides insight into Charbonneau’s arduous and eventful life prior to his encounter with Lewis & Clark, continues with Charbonneau’s view of life along the route and follows his rich long life afterward.

Garry Bush has been acclaimed as one of the best “first person interpreters” and brings history alive for the audience. He is a National Park Service Certified “First Person Living History Presenter” and a· National Geographic Society Teacher Consultant for Idaho. He won Idaho State Historical Society’s Esto Perpetua Award for promotion of Idaho History.

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