Monthly Archives: April 2015

Idaho Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month

May is Idaho Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month

Presentation at the Salmon Grange, Tuesday, May 12, at 7:00 PM:

“Weird Dam Stories!”

by Jamee Fiore, Idaho State Historical Society

Free of Charge

(from the Idaho State Historical Society Website):

June 1915, Arrowrock Dam

Photo Credit: Bureau of Reclamation

Each year the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office organizes and promotes statewide opportunities for the public to learn about Idaho archaeology, history and historic preservation.  The Idaho Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month program is a celebration of everything dealing with Idaho’s archaeology and history.  Events, presentations and programs have been reaching all corners of the state for over 25 years.  Please join us in the celebration by attending one of our sponsored events.

2015 Theme: A River Ran Through It

As residents of the west, we know that our livelihood depends on water. This year we honor the centennial of the completion of Arrowrock Dam and the influence of historic dams and water throughout the state. Though often a topic of debate, dams provide reservoirs for the benefit of agriculture, recreation, hydroelectric power, and flood control. Additionally, dams have played an integral role in the development and sustainability of Idaho. The subject of the poster is Arrowrock Dam following its completion in 1915. The group of onlookers views the tallest dam in the world on that date. 

Join us as we offer programs about historic dams and the influence of water in Idaho history. The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) will present a history of Arrowrock Dam as seen through a collection of historic photographs. Events also cover other topics related to Idaho’s history, archaeology, architectural history, and historic preservation.

For additional programs and locations, visit the Idaho State Historical Society Website

Lewis and Clark Historical River Trip with Aggipah River Company

Lewis & Clark, Early Idaho History

Historian Mike Crosby will join our August 23-28, 2015, trip on the River of No Return (Main Salmon) for an in-depth study of the Lewis and Clark expedition and early Idaho history. Anyone interested in the history of central Idaho will appreciate this unique opportunity to visit around the campfire with Mike, who has studied the area extensively.

Mike Crosby

Mike has studied the Lewis and Clark expedition in the Idaho area for many years and conducts weekly demonstrations and discussions at the Sacajawea Center in Salmon.  Mike has also  extensively researched the life of George Shoup, one of the founders of Salmon whose career extended from the gold rush days of Colorado in the 1850s, into the Salmon area in the  1860s when gold was discovered, through the settlement period where he developed an extensive mercantile and freighting business as well as a large ranching operation.  After Idaho became a state in 1890, Shoup became governor, then senator, of Idaho. Mike has also published a book on the Civilian Conservation Corps activity in the Salmon area.

After growing up in northern Idaho, Mike taught history in Salmon for many years.  His time in Salmon shaped his interest in the Lewis and Clark expedition as well as the life of Shoup.  He is very familiar with the Salmon River, having worked as a river guide for several seasons in his earlier years.

We will visit points of historical interest along the legendary River of No Return,  such as Campbell’s Ferry and Buckskin Bill’s home. We’ll camp on sandbars along the river each night.  Meals will be prepared by the Aggipah crew, using Dutch ovens  to prepare a variety of dishes including cinnamon rolls, cobblers, and other baked items. We’ll grill meats over an open fire, prepare fresh vegetables, and provide ice for cocktail hour.  Chairs and dining tables provide a comfortable outdoor dining experience–helped by a selection of Idaho wines.  Aggipah provides tents, sleeping pads, and waterproof duffle bags.

Number of participants is limited to 24 by Forest Service regulations.  We will meet in Salmon the evening of August 22.  Aggipah will provide transportation from Salmon to the end-of-the-road launch site.  The trip ends at mid-day on the 28th upstream from Riggins. Additional detail about this, and other, Aggipah trips is available by calling us directly at  208-756-4167 –day or evening.

Campfire