JACKSON, Wyo. — Dr. Richard White will discuss historical water management practices at the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum‘s (JHHSM) History Talk on Wednesday, Aug. 16.
Water, or lack of water, has been and continues to be one of the defining features of the American West. Water is consistently used and managed locally, regionally and nationally; and the JHHSM welcomes Dr. Richard White to discuss the historical practices and policies that have led us to where we are today.
Dr. White is an award-winning author, Professor of American History at Stanford University, and MacArthur Fellow who will share his research and analysis on climate and water in the West.
Americans who settled the Great Plains initially believed that “rain would follow the plow,” and farming would change the climate. It didn’t. The result was decades of massive irrigation projects – a hybrid system of nature and engineering. For years, it worked.
In the 21st century, though, climate change has rendered that infrastructure increasingly ineffective and potentially dangerous. White’s presentation will chart how apparent success created possible disaster to the point where we are, once again, transitioning between two very different Wests.
Audience members will have an opportunity to participate in a Q&A session following the presentation.
The free event is the most recent in a series of water and river related programs. The talk will take place Wednesday, August 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Museum located at 225 N Cache St. in Jackson, doors open at 6 p.m.. This event is made possible through the support of the BYU Charles Redd Center for Western Studies.
While at the Museum, visitors can enjoy a complimentary special exhibit “Floating Through History: Uncovering Stories Behind Scenic Rafting on the Upper Snake River.”
Learn more about Dr. White here.
