• The Morrisite War and its Effect on Early Settlement in Idaho
  In 1863 a small group of impoverished immigrants came into the newly formed Idaho Territory under military escort. They had recently been on the losing side of the Morrisite War in Utah, a three-day siege with religious overtones. Their spiritual leader, Joseph Morris, and several of his flock were killed. The destitute Morrisites settled in a place of promise along the Oregon Trail near a famous carbonated water spring. Rick Just, a descendent of those Morrisites, will tell the little known story of the Morrisite War and how it became the defining moment for many pioneer Idaho families.

Idaho's State Park System: An Accidental Treasure
In 1908, Idaho’s first state park was created by an Act of Congress. It was named for Sen. Weldon B. Heyburn, who famously said “[state parks] are always a subject of political embarrassment.” This presentation traces the roots of the system from the Harriman Alaska Expedition in 1899, through the war years of the Farragut Naval Training Station, to the brilliant gift deed Gov. Robert E. Smylie arranged with Roland and Averell Harriman to create a dedicated park agency resulting in today’s system of 30 state parks.

Idaho Snapshots: Historical Vignettes 
Rick produced the official radio series celebrating Idaho's Centennial. This talk is based on that series and more recent research. No two presentations are alike, because they are based on the preferences of the host. Choose 12 to 15 readings from dozens of topics ranging from the Bear Lake Monster to Mary Hallock Foote. Many of the topics are illustrated with historic pictures. NOT available until January 1, 2019.

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