MONI presents 'Becoming Idaho'

COEUR d’ALENE  — As part of the Museum of North Idaho's History Hour Lecture series, join historian Dr. F. Ross Peterson for a look at how the American Revolution helped set the stage for what would become Idaho. 

The program is scheduled 5:30 p.m., June 10, at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library.

In 1776 Idaho did not yet exist, but the Revolution launched a chain of events that shaped the settlement of the American West, a press release said. 

"Through the complex interactions of explorers and Native Americans, farmers and miners, and environmentalists and developers, the region’s history took form," the release said. "Idaho’s striking geography still reflects the ideas of Revolution-era thinkers, and its story continues to resonate today as a beacon to the nation."

Peterson, a native of Montpelier, received his Ph.D. in American Studies from Washington State University in 1968. After three years at the University of Texas at Arlington, he returned to Utah State University in 1971 where he served as professor of American history for 33 years. 

In 1986, he established the Mountain West Center and served as its director for over a decade. He was president of Deep Springs College in California from 2004 to 2007 before returning again to USU as vice president for advancement, where he helped conduct the university's first comprehensive campaign.