Program explores Thompson’s travel in PNW

The community is invited to join local artist and historian Shaun Deller for a Saturday, Sept. 21 presentation on explorer, cartographer and fur trader David Thompson. The program will begin at 10 a.m. 

Deller will take participants along the trail of Thompson’s travels in Idaho, Montana and Washington, as well as his interactions with the indigenous cultures he met, and was guided by, along the way. During the slide presentation, Deller will talk about the traditional plant and animal foods that were harvested by native peoples and relied upon by Thompson and his men. 

Deller is a Priest River artist, hide tanner, historian and member of the American Mountain Men. He enjoys learning about history through participating in historical treks and rendezvous where modern individuals go into the wilderness carrying only the clothing and gear used by the men and women in the early 19th century. He believes that through this travel on foot, canoe or horseback, one can better come to understand the hardships and the reality of what life was like in this earlier time of the nation’s history. 

For those unable to attend in person, they can attend via Zoom by registering at bit.ly/SDeller. 

The program will be held at the East Bonner County Library District’s main branch, 1407 Cedar, in Sandpoint. Coffee, tea and treats are available beginning at 9:30 a.m.  

The program is co-sponsored by East Bonner County Library District and Sandpoint Parks & Recreation. It is free and open to the public. 

For questions about this program, please contact Preston Andrews at KNPS.Tech@gmail.com.