The Sage School eighth and ninth grade students curate their research and thoughts on Idaho immigration through eight distinct project stories. In each project, students delve into topics such as: how immigration to Idaho from other parts of the world and America affected the lives of Native American tribes; the history of the central Idaho Arkoosh family, who originated from Lebanon; the historical significance of Chinese immigration to Idaho; the history of mining in central Idaho; the tradition of Basque sheep herding in Idaho; the significance of Hailey’s 1880s Swift and Regan General Merchandise and Mining Supplies store; and the realities of present day immigration. The timeline in “Idaho Roots: How Immigration Shaped Our Valley” spans the early 1800s through present day. The students utilize items from The Community Library Center for Regional History archive. They source their ideas in part from 19th and early 20th century naturalization records, 1880s historic photographs, Wood River Valley newspapers, and other items related to immigrants and immigration to the Valley.
An opening reception for the exhibition will be held at the Museum on Thursday, January 24th from 1:30-2:30 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public and it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet the Sage School students and talk with them about their projects. Regular Museum open hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 1-5 p.m. 180 1st St. and Washington, Forest Service Park.