Each winter the Museum at Central School in Kalispell offers a chance to hear noted speakers presenting on Montana history and culture. The 13th annual John White series begins Sunday, Jan. 11, at 2:30 p.m. with University of Montana history professor Anya Jabour speaking on “Montana Women in History.” Jabour is a history professor and co-director of Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Montana, where she has received several awards for teaching and scholarship.
On Sunday, Jan. 25, 2:30 p.m., “Flathead Memories” will feature a panel presentation featuring two local couples with a wealth of history in the Flathead Valley. Cliff and Lynda Collins were among the founding members of the Northwest Montana Historical Society and the Museum at Central School, and Cliff served on the Kalispell City Council, being one of the five council votes in 1997 that saved Central School and funded the restoration that created the Museum we have today. Bill and Lois McClaren are also well known throughout the valley, for many civic contributions, and also as preeminent dahlia growers and breeders. Bill is the last living founder of Flathead Valley Community College.
On Sunday, Feb. 8, the museum will host a living history representation of Montana artist Charlie Russell’s wife, Nancy Cooper Russell, presented by Mary Jane Bradbury. Nancy Russell is credited with helping Charlie Russell become the highest paid living artist of his time, and art historians believe without Nancy Russell, the world might never have seen Charlie Russell’s work.
Closing out the 2015 series on Feb. 22 will be wildlife biologist and local author, Doug Chadwick, speaking of his experiences exploring ecosystems from Siberia to the Congo, and Canada to Northwest Montana. Chadwick received his bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Washington and a master’s degree in wildlife biology from the University of Montana. After working as a seasonal biologist in Glacier National Park, he turned to popular writing about nature and conservation. The author of 11 books, Chadwick has also produced hundreds of articles for publications as varied as Reader’s Digest and the New York Times Review of Books.
All four presentations are at the Museum at Central School, 124 Second Ave E. in Kalispell. Call 756-8381 for more information.