Calling all good listeners

The mission of BCSC is to collect the stories of community members ready to share their life history with the Museum archives.  We are looking for team members to take on this important work.  As Covid-19 isolates our most vulnerable populations, we want to reach out and show how much we value them.  We use technology and other creative methods to safely record the stories and show our community we are there and we care.  

Become a Bonner County Story Collector

As a member of Bonner County Story Collectors (BCSC) you will be trained on how to prepare for and conduct a life history interview.  You will be connected with a community member who is eager to participate and has a story to share.  You can conduct as many or as few interviews as you like.  Whatever feels right to you!  Maybe you have family members, friends, or acquaintances that you want to invite to tell their story.  Even better!  Our goal is to share care through listening and preserve local history for future generations.

Meet one of our story collectors

Hello! My name is Jim Howes, and I am an oral history collector for the Museum.

​Collecting Bonner County history is an incredible opportunity. I have always enjoyed talking with others and
hearing their family history. Listening to their stories is better than reading a book! The expressions on their face, the visible pride in what they have done, their family, the community, and their work are just a few of the highlights.

Collecting oral histories is important so others can learn about the residents who helped shape the community. Oral
histories fill in the gaps in documented history. My hope is, that residents and others enjoy these voices that pass on experience and knowledge.

This program is supported in part by the Idaho State Historical Society.