Heritage Series 2025
Join us on Thursday nights in July as we present a mix of well-attended presentations on both sides of the lake. The summer schedule will be announced in May.
“Priest Lake Forest Fires: Yesterday through Today”
July 10 at 7:00 @ the Community Church
Matt Butler discusses the history of Priest Lake fires and examines how they have contributed to evolving ideas about managing forest fires over time on July 10. Recently retired as Fire Management Officer for the U.S. Forest Service on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Matt helped curate the new exhibit “Out of the Smoke.” He is recognized nationally as a fire behavior analyst and fire management historian. He argues, “You look at the late 1880s through 1925, you look at a fire history map, most of the area that is in North Idaho was touched by fire.” Matt will explain how that has changed over time.
“The Bateau, River Pigs, and Priest River Log Drives”
July 17 at 7:00 @ The Inn at Priest Lake
In honor of the return of the Diamond Match Bateau to Priest Lake, museum historian Kris Runberg Smith examines the role of the boat during the annual Priest River log drives on July 17. Last summer, the Museum of North Idaho approached the museum about transferring the boat to us, but we didn’t have room. However, the Priest Lake State Park offered a fitting home at the Indian Creek Campground, which was the site of a Diamond Match Logging Camp until the late 1950s.
“The 1967 Sundance Fire: A Lasting Legacy”
July 24 at 7:00 @ The Inn at Priest Lake
On July 24, Mick Schanilec talks about the legacies of the 1967 Sundance Fire, one of the hottest and fastest fires ever recorded. Mick, the retired area manager for Idaho Department of Lands at Priest Lake, discusses why the fire laid the foundation for interagency cooperation, strengthened Idaho’s commitment to fire programs, and enhanced reforestation efforts. He brings numerous images to explain the fire and its ongoing aftereffects.
“Getting an Education at Priest Lake: A History of Schools”
July 31 at 7:00 at Priest Lake Elementary School
Michelle Barnes, educator and museum curator, looks at the challenges and rewards of getting an education at Priest Lake on August 1. And we will be at the Priest Lake Elementary school gym! Since the first settlers came in the late 1890s, Priest Lake managed to maintain schools and teachers. But it was not always an easy feat, balancing harsh winters, isolated working conditions, and a fluid number of pupils. Michelle will share how these schools defined community for generations.
History Hikes
Join us for history (and nature) hikes around the lake. The summer schedule will be announced in May.
