Idaho Falls

hunting 12,000 years ago, then your indus- try found success here in part because of the natural resources available. And not just one unique resource, but a unique mix. Those resources have influenced which peo- ple have migrated here, and they've shaped those people (and vice versa) once the peo- ple arrived. East Idaho is what it is because it's home. To a specific set of travelers and homesteaders, and their descendants, who have come here for specific reasons over the course of millennia. You, reading this article, are one of them. The museum plans to organize "The Way Out West" into seven themes, with the idea that visitors can either progress logically from one to the next or explore in their own way. The themes are geology, prehistory, resources and industry, people and cul- tures, Idaho statehood, regional roots and Idaho impact. For each theme, the museum has identified subject-matter experts to advise MOI on just what to include and how. The team is also discussing ways to lay out themes and displays in a logi- cal, fluid manner that maximizes learning opportunities. For instance, the impressive Shoshone tipi will ideally sit in a prominent place visible from both the "prehistory" and "people and cultures" galleries. "The goal is to present an exhibit of 'aha' moments," Hansen said. "People often come to a museum to learn more about a particular subject. We are working not only to fulfill that, but to capture curiosity, and let people find something new they didn't realize they wanted to learn." Though the museum plans to include high-tech elements in "The Way Out West," Athay says the focus will be on artifacts. "It's one thing to learn how a community worked together to survive the depres- sion, but an entirely different thing to see firsthand a quilt created in that community through shared resources and skills and experiences," she said. "We make emotional connections with objects as we learn the stories associated with them." In fact, MOI already possesses thousands of artifacts that it simply hasn't had room to display. However, even though the experi- ence team could fill the whole facility with the museum's own objects and hand-picked stories, they know they can't possibly incor- porate every drop of the region's history. Part of the process is parsing out what's most important for achieving understand- ing, versus what's merely trivia. Athay is also quick to note that most elements in "The Way Out West" aren't really "perma- nent" exhibits, because they will evolve and change as the region does, and as more sto- ries come to light. The team also knows that working alone, they would not be able to authentically rep- resent each of the region's numerous voic- es—such as Native Americans or migrant workers. Doucette said, "The story of Idaho is complex and diverse. If we tell it through the lens of just one group, we miss the opportunity to discover historical truth." To that end, the museum is reaching into communities throughout East Idaho in search of personal experiences and fam- ily stories that tell something significant about the region. The museum has a story submission form on its website and at its front desk—in both English and Spanish. In September, the team held meetings in several towns, hoping to meet with those unable to submit online or travel to Idaho Falls. They've received some outstanding submissions, but they want more. "Many people are unsure whether they have a story that belongs in a museum," said Athay, "but it's not just about famous people or notable events. It is the fiber of the people and the community we create that forms the core of Idaho." Hansen (back) and Doucette (front) explore Wasden Caves, near Idaho Falls, in August with archaeologist Suzann Henriksen (right). MOI recently received a trove of artifacts excavated from the caves, including millennia- old mammoth, bison, and camel remains, many of which will become part of "The Way Out West" exhibit. Submit a story or experience to the Museum of Idaho Submit online at www.museumofidaho.org/stories or pick up a form at MOI. The museum is seeking submissions through December. 38 IDAHO FALLS MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018 IF

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