For five generations, southeastern Idaho has been home to Courtney Beebe's family, where fly fishing, hiking, camping and skiing filled her days between working odd jobs and bagging groceries at the local market.

Beebe earned a degree in history from the University of Montana, a decision that was influenced by her grandmother, who was a self-taught, amateur historian. She went on to earn a Juris Doctorate from the University of Idaho, like her grandfather and father, and a certificate of museum studies from the University of Washington.

After seven years in the Boise area, where she represented counties and the state of Idaho, Beebe relocated with her husband, Greg Embrey, to Cougar Gulch in 2010. She works as an administrative law judge and operates Beebe Mediation, PLLC. She volunteers as a public historian for the Museum of North Idaho (MONI) and the Kootenai County Historic Preservation Commission (KCHPC). Beebe helped create an exhibit at the Kootenai County courthouse that takes visitors on a journey through the area's people, places and stories, with photographs representing each municipality and state park, as well as broader themes including public service and recreation. 

She also enjoys hiking with her dog Han Solo the Vizsla, skiing, gardening, hiking, reading and traveling.

1. What is public history?

If you ever stopped on a road trip to read a historic site sign, or a teacher took you to a museum exhibit, or you visited a national park with your family, or you secretly watched a Ken Burns documentary, then you have experienced public history. It’s the practice of communicating and preserving history in the real world instead of in an academic environment. For example, I practice public history by researching and documenting the history of Cougar Gulch, locating historic sites for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), conducting oral history interviews and leading MONI’s walking tours and lectures.  

2. In researching Kootenai County history for the courthouse exhibit, how did you sift through so much information and decide what to include in order to tell the county's story?

There were literally tens of thousands of photographs at the MONI and amazing collections at the Library of Congress, Idaho State Historical Society, and University of Idaho. The KCHPC wanted to reflect the 100th Anniversary of the Kootenai County Courthouse and the people who worked at the building, so that was a start. To learn more about the county, I went on a series of mini-road trips to each community and historic site. Basically, I just literally looked around and talked with local historians and long-time residents. The theme of the exhibit became clear: Kootenai County is the sum of its communities, with the Kootenai County Courthouse and the 1908 county seat dispute at the center. Kootenai County is also known for lumber, mining, steamboats, and recreation. I focused on finding photos of the historic sites and people that fell into these themes. Fellow MONI and KCHPC member Liz Boutin stepped in and developed the draft visual design which included nostalgic touches. Roger Stewart and Joel Nelson of Allegra Printing whittled down the selections based on photograph quality, nostalgic feel, and artistic expression. This collaborative process drove how I developed the narrative text for each exhibit panel. I am still seeking permission from certain groups to use additional photos, and two wall designs didn’t make it into the display. I wish we could have used them all! 

3. What's your favorite piece of little-known North Idaho history?

Well, I would say the 1965 Rockford Missile Silo Complex near Worley. Most residents don’t know about the 82-Foot Atlas E Missiles with 4-megaton nuclear bombs the federal government siloed on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation. Seeing these photos from the Worley Historical Society was a jaw-dropper. Nuclear power and the resulting groundwater contamination are core historical cornerstones of Southeastern Idaho’s history and to learn that North Idaho shared this mixed history was impactful.

4. Why is it important to preserve local history?

The present is the place where the past and the future are always in tension. We cannot predict Kootenai County’s future, but we can look to the past for guidance. The one universal fact of  modern life is that we all have a shared history. If we don’t preserve our buildings, our community loses its character. If we don’t document our successes and failures, then we forget our values and ethics. If we aren’t telling stories, then we are not connecting to our family and neighbors. Valuing history is valuing ourselves, our community and our future.

5. What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I am full of surprises! Come get to know me through MONI’s lectures and walking tours or invite me to talk history with your community and business group.  

    Beebe at the Temple of Hercules in Amman, Jordan October 2023.
  

    Beebe climbing Idaho's Mount Borah for the second time. August 2019.
  

    Beebe talking to tour group at City Park. MONI Lake Front Tour 2026.
  

    Greg Embrey and Courtney Beebe with their dogs at Farragut State Park, 2016.
  

    The Kootenai County Historic Preservation Commission: Lauren McCrosky, Walter Burns, Courtney Beebe, Liz Boutin Jon Mueller and Laurie Mauser.