Eller to share history through song

Musician and historian Gary Eller is presenting "Musical Anecdotes of Coming to Idaho" later this month as part of Boundary County's America 250 observance. 

The free program begins at 6 p.m. Friday, July 31, at the Boundary County Museum, 7229 Main St. in Bonners Ferry. 

Eller's presentation explores the stories of Idaho's early settlers through songs and poems written before the radio era. Drawing from his extensive research, he will perform selections that document the experiences of people who came to Idaho from a variety of places and cultures in search of new opportunities and a better life. The songs offer a unique glimpse into the challenges, hopes and daily lives of those who helped shape the state's history. 

Born and raised in West Virginia, Eller has spent most of his life in the American West and has played American roots music since childhood. A banjo player for more than 50 years, he founded the Idaho Songs Project in 2006 with the goal of finding, documenting, interpreting and preserving songs written about Idaho's people, places and events before 1923. Through his research, Eller has uncovered more than 200 forgotten Idaho songs and has published numerous interpretive booklets and audio collections dedicated to preserving the state's musical heritage. 

The presentation is part of ongoing America 250 activities celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary and offers residents an opportunity to experience Idaho history through the voices and music of those who have lived it. 

For more information, contact the Boundary County Historical Society or visit the Boundary County Museum.