JACKSON, Wyo. — Join Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum (JHHSM) to celebrate the history of commercial, scenic rafting on the Upper Snake River and the last weeks of the collaborative exhibition Floating Through History, presented in partnership with Dr. Yolonda Youngs at California State University San Bernardino, Grand Teton National Park, and Snake River Fund. The exhibition is also made possible with a grant from Wyoming Humanities.
The Closing Reception on Monday, October 23 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. will offer drinks, light fare, and free Museum entrance. It will also be one of the last chances to view Floating Through History before it closes on Nov. 4. The exhibition features historical photographs, artifacts, first-hand accounts from long-time rafting legends, and an interactive Snake River model raft experience.
Before the snow sets in for the winter season, enjoy the Snake River one last time! But this time, dive into its history and how it has developed into a world-class scenic rafting destination.
Based on Dr. Youngs’ collaborative research with Grand Teton National Park, viewers are first invited to connect to the river with a brief history of the Snake River and the start of commercial, scenic rafting on the Upper Snake section. Viewers then meet many of the people and places key to early scenic rafting on the Upper Snake.
The third section of the exhibition delves into the technical innovations started right here in Jackson Hole including the Snake River Model raft designed by Dick Barker, Frank Ewing, and Dave Demaree and first produced by Rubber Fabricators in 1965. Next, the exhibition outlines conservation efforts to steward the Snake and the current scenic, commercial operators still running the Upper Snake. Finally, guests can get on the river with a life-size interactive Snake River Model boat and River Lingo station.
“Just like any good river trip, this exhibition owes so much to our partners and community members who co-created it with us from an initial charrette to outline the ideas; to sharing years of academic research; to loaning us oars, photos and river gear; and financially supporting the exhibition design and fabrication. We’re so grateful for every contribution,” said JHHSM Communications Director Kirsten Corbett and exhibition team member.
In addition to the reception, the exhibition will be on view through Saturday, Nov. 4 during regular History Museum hours, Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit jacksonholehistory.org.
What: Exhibit Closing Reception for Floating Through History: Uncovering Stories Behind Scenic Rafting on the Upper Snake River
When: Monday, October 23 from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum, 225 N. Cache Street
Drinks, light fare, and music. Free and open to the public!
