Join us for a multi-media talk with Dr. Yolonda Youngs of CSUSB and Bridgette Guild a NPS GTNP Curator on assembling the (almost lost) history of Upper Snake River scenic rafting in Grand Teton National Park.  

The pair will discuss how they collaborated with community members over six years to collect, record and preserve early commercial rafting history in on the Upper Snake River including photos and oral histories. They’ll also address the value of scenic rafting in park conservation, river stewardship, and the larger context of river rafting in the western U.S. An audience Q&A will close the evening. 

The talk is offered with the JHHSM’s special summer exhibit “Floating Through History: Uncovering Stories Behind Scenic Rafting on the Upper Snake River” presented with Dr. Yolonda Youngs at California State University San Bernardino, Grand Teton National Park, and Snake River Fund and made possible through a grant from Wyoming Humanities. 

This new, local exhibition features historical photographs, artifacts, first-hand accounts from long-time local rafting legends, and an interactive Snake River model raft experience! Exhibit on view through November 4, 2023.

Photo credit: Barker Ewing Scenic Raft Trip on upper Snake River, 1978-1979. Courtesy National Park Service, Grand Teton National Park and Generous Donation of the Ewing Family.

Join us for a special Beers & Banter moderated by Yolonda Youngs, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Geography, California State University San Bernardino on scenic rafting and the future of Snake River stewardship.

Guest panelists will include Brad Geist, Grand Teton National Park River Patrol Ranger; Wayne Johnson, River Guide for Grand Teton Lodge Company, B-E River Trips, and Salmon River; and more river guides and stewards. Stay tuned as we confirm additional panelists!

Free event & “Floating Through History” exhibit viewing. Beverages available for suggested donation. Photo Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum Collection 2004.0113.026.