Annual John White Series speakers focus on history and wild things
The first speaker in the John White series at the Northwest Montana History Museum, Amy Grisak, who will give a talk on the historic fire lookouts of Northwest Montana at 2 p.m. on Jan. 15 (photo courtesy of Northwest Montana History Museum).
Area luminaries brighten up four Sunday afternoons this winter during the 21st annual John White Series.
Topics will include fire lookouts, Kalispell's early movie theaters and wild things above and below. The series is a fundraiser for the Northwest Montana History Museum.
All the talks are held at 2 p.m. at the museum, 124 Second Ave. E., in Kalispell.
On Jan. 15: Amy Grisak works in words, radio and her backyard “farm” in Great Falls. She launches the series with a talk on the historic fire lookouts of Northwest Montana, one of which — Hornet Lookout, 45 miles north of Columbia Falls — just marked a century.
On Jan. 29: Jim and Randy Mohn present a program reviewing Kalispell’s historic theater scene.
On Feb. 5: After decades as a wildlife biologist, John Fraley turned to writing books. At first he focused on historical figures of Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Now he’s turned his keen eye on himself. His fifth book “My Wilderness Life'' is a reflection on a life spent navigating and making sense of the natural world. Hear how his story made it to the page, and about the people and sights that inspired him along the way.
On Feb. 26: Maritime archaeology photographer Kyren Zimmerman goes deep to find his subjects, which lurk under the surface of Flathead Lake and other waters — he talks on what lies beneath. From sunken boats to train cars, he takes his passion for noninvasive marine photography to a technical level. He converts image files into 3D renderings and uses a remote-operated vehicle to document and photograph his finds. Zimmerman has traveled as far as Fiji, the Channel Islands and all over Montana to work and hone his skills, always innovating.
Visit nwmthistory.org/programs/john-white-speaker-series for tickets and more information. Tickets also may be purchased by stopping in or calling the museum and talking with Terri or Margaret, or calling 406-756-8381, option 5 or 6.
The four-talk series is $40 for members or $55 for non-members; individual talks are $15 for members or $20 for non-members.
The John White Series is named for John White Sr. and Jr., whose friendly faces warmed Kalispell and area learners for decades.