Most folks wouldn't think of Idaho as a state rich in roots music history. This is the biggest reason the IHC brought New Harmonies to the potato state, where some easterners think Native Americans are still hunting in the prairies in full garb. Sure, large parts of the state are rural and isolated from cultural activities, but New Harmonies has sparked an incredible fire under those communities to gather, remember, play and sing music from their heritage, childhood and church.
So far over 50,000 Idahoans have experienced the exhibition, local exhibits and the many programs in each host community (Burley, Idaho Falls, Kellogg, Challis, Idaho City and currently ending in Lewiston). The latest report we've received is from the small town of Idaho City, a beautiful old mining town about an hour outside of Boise. The group of coordinators did an incredible job with local concerts, school field trips (from Boise), and conducting exhibition tours through their great new library. This town, with about 500 residents, reached over 10,000 people in the six weeks they had the exhibit!
The image contains a few comments sent from a Boise elementary school after their visit to Idaho City to see New Harmonies.
We've been very lucky to have this exhibit and know the party will not end when the exhibit leaves the state. Local roots music cd's are planned, speakers will continue to play music and talk about the origins of roots music across the state and at least one scholar will continue his search for Idaho roots music (more on this to come).
Thank you MoMS, the Federation of State Humanities Councils and SITES!
-- Jennifer Armstrong, Idaho Humanities Council, Boise, ID
