Fettuccine Forum: The Treasure Valley’s Asian Pioneers: Archaeology and History of Asian Americans in Boise and Vicinity
The Treasure Valley’s Asian Pioneers: Archaeology and History of Asian Americans in Boise and Vicinity
Today, many traces of Idaho's Asian American pioneers can be found in documentary accounts, archaeological remains, and cultural manifestations within Boise’s modern cityscape. Dr. Priscilla Wegars, a historian, historical archaeologist, artifact analyst, editor, and proofreader, together with Renae Campbell, a historical archaeology doctoral candidate at the University of Idaho, summarize evidence from Idaho’s long and varied Asian American history to examine the experiences and significance of Asian and Asian American people in the Boise vicinity for over 150 years.
About the Speakers
- Priscilla Wegars, Ph.D., is a historian, historical archaeologist, artifact analyst, editor, and proofreader. She founded the University of Idaho's Asian American Comparative Collection (AACC), a unique resource of artifacts, images, and documentary materials essential for understanding Asian American archaeological sites, economic contributions, and cultural history. She wrote the biography for children, Polly Bemis: A Chinese American Pioneer (2003; Honorable Mention for Idaho Book of the Year); Imprisoned in Paradise: Japanese Internee Road Workers at the World War II Kooskia Internment Camp (2010); and As Rugged as the Terrain: CCC “Boys,” Federal Convicts, and World War II Alien Internees Wrestle with a Mountain Wilderness (2013; Co-Winner for Idaho Book of the Year). She edited Hidden Heritage: Historical Archaeology of the Overseas Chinese (1993) and co-edited Chinese American Death Rituals: Respecting the Ancestors (2005). She has recently written a full-length biography of Polly Bemis, Polly Bemis: The Life and Times of a Chinese American Pioneer (Caxton, 2020).
- Renae Campbell, M.A., is a historical archaeology doctoral candidate at the University of Idaho, where she also works as a Research Associate for the Asian American Comparative Collection (AACC). Renae comes from a cultural resource management background and has worked as an archaeologist in Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and Idaho. Her master’s research examined three pre-WWII Japanese-American archaeological sites in Oregon, California, and Washington state. One of the products of her M.A. research was the Historical Japanese Ceramic Comparative Collection, one of the first online resources for identifying and describing archaeological Japanese ceramics. For her dissertation, Renae analyzed archaeological collections from late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Chinese mining sites in southern Idaho's Boise Basin as part of a partnership with the Boise National Forest and the Idaho City Historical Foundation and is particularly interested in how history and archaeology can contribute to a greater understanding of Idaho’s multicultural past.
How to Participate
These free, hour-long events take place at 6 p.m. (MT) in-person at Trailhead (500 S 8th St, Boise) and virtually over ZOOM with automated live subtitles. Pre-registration is required to join virtually. Cash bar available for in-person guests. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Attend at Trailhead
Trailhead | 500 S 8th St | Boise, ID 83702
Participate Virtually (Zoom)
https://cityofboise.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1dYwbz2lTpq93vMPGqx8nQ#/registration
Upcoming Forums
Fettuccine Forum: Connected Along the Edges: How Boise’s Environmental History Nurtured Community
Feat. Karl Brooks
March 7, 2024
Fettuccine Forum: Housing and Home in a Growing Boise
Feat. Krista Paulsen
About the Fettuccine Forum
Lively and informal, the series invites the public to interact with politicians, artists, historians, activists, advocates, and professionals in an effort to promote good citizenship and responsible growth through education. Support from the?Office of the Mayor,?Boise State Public Radio, the Department of History?at Boise State University, and Trailhead all make the Forum possible. Learn more on our website.
In our commitment to engaging everyone, the City of Boise is actively removing barriers to participation, including for our residents with disabilities and those who prefer a language other than English. If you need an accommodation to access City of Boise’s services, programs, or activities, please contact us at artsandhistory@cityofboise.org or 208-972-8500 (TTY 800-377-3529), preferably within 72 hours before to the event.
En nuestro compromiso por lograr la participación de todos, la Ciudad de Boise está eliminando activamente las barreras a la participación, incluso para nuestros residentes con discapacidades y aquellos que prefieren un idioma distinto del inglés. Si necesita una adaptación para acceder a los servicios, programas o actividades de la Ciudad de Boise, póngase en contacto con nosotros en artsandhistory@cityofboise.org o en el 208-972-8500 (TTY 800-377-3529) preferiblemente en las 72 horas previas al acontecimiento.