Workshops commemorate Idaho's sesquicentennial

Native American relations, the gold rush story, territorial law and politics; Mormon migration and settlement; and economic development are a few of the topics that will be explored in a series of upcoming workshops the Idaho Humanities Council is sponsoring for the state's kindergarten to 12th-grade teachers.

The workshop titled "Lighting Out for the Territory: Idaho History, 1863-1890," commemorates Idaho's sesquicentennial. It comes to Coeur d'Alene July 11 and 12.

The deadline for teachers to apply is Monday.

Scholars from several universities and agencies will lead the workshops, including University of Idaho historian Katherine Aiken, Idaho State Historical Society Historian Keith Petersen, ISHS Board Trustee Tom Blanchard, Idaho State University historians Laura Woodworth-Nye and Kevin Marsh, and others. Participating teachers will be given several texts to read in advance of the workshops, including a special Idaho Landscapes issue devoted to the theme Idaho: 1863.

A modest traveling exhibit developed by the Idaho State Historical Society in partnership with the Idaho Humanities Council will be on display at each workshop. Special evening lectures also will be open to the public at each location.

Successful applicants will receive lodging (if needed), meals, texts, and the opportunity to apply for optional college credit. In addition to the texts, teachers also will receive an electronic compilation of related essays and articles recommended by the presenting scholars. This resource will include possible lesson plans and/or curriculum ideas related to the topic.

Information and application instructions are posted on the IHC website at www.idahohumanities.org