WaterWays, a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institute.
WaterWays is an interactive exhibit that explores water as a critical scientific and cultural resource. In addition to the multimedia exhibit designed by the Smithsonian, the Library has created several unique complementary aspects to the exhibit, including a large-scale map of the local watershed, a video oral history project, a display of fine art by local artist Deborra Marshall Bohrer, and locally-created set of word puzzles pertaining to water.
“It’s a really powerful exhibit not only because water touches our lives in diverse ways, but our perspectives vary, too, from art to hydrology,” said Mary Tyson, the Library’s Director of Regional History. “The exhibit makes us reflect and, maybe more importantly, keep a conversation going about water.”
The Library’s video oral history project, created especially for this exhibit, includes 25 short local video interviews with various locals who have different kinds of relationships with water, such as Kevin Lakey, District 37 Watermaster, and Nick Purdy, Double R rancher. There is a wall-sized satellite image of the Malad river system. And there is a water-inspired artwork by Deborra Marshall Bohrer. There is a water-related locally created word puzzle and a raffle prize drawing.
The Library’s Sun Valley Museum of History is the second exhibit site in the state, following the Idaho Falls Public Library. Next it will travel to the Idaho Museum of Natural History (Pocatello), Nampa Public Library, The Third Street Gallery in collaboration with the Latah County Historical Society (Moscow) and the Burley Public Library.
