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History Happy Hour: Bear River Massacre

In the early morning of January 29th 1863, at the Northwestern Shoshone winter village Boa Ogoi by the Utah-Idaho boundary line, Colonel Patrick Edward Connor led the 3rd Regiment California Volunteer Infantry to massacre more than 400 Shoshoni men, women, and children. The Bear River Massacre, as it is known today, became the largest massacre of Native Americans in the West.

According to the retelling of this moment in history by Darren Parry, former Chairman of the Northwest Band of the Shoshone Nation and driving force behind the Boa Ogoi Cultural Interpretive Center, this tragedy gave way to an opportunity for rebirth. In his book, The Bear River Massacre: A Shoshone History, Parry clearly details the realities and ramifications of the massacre with a message of hope. He speaks to the resilience of his people, the strength of his culture, and the adaptation required for cultural endurance.

During this special History Happy Hour, listen in as Darren Parry speaks with Alison Espindola (Events and Rentals Coordinator, Idaho State Museum) about his book, his people, and his hope for the future. If you have questions for Parry regarding the Northwest Band of the Shoshone Nation, the Bear River Massacre, the planned Boa Ogoi Cultural Interpretive Center, or his book, you can email them ahead of time to events@ishs.idaho.gov or submit them live during the event.

Purchase a copy of Parry’s book at the Idaho State Museum M Store or online here: https://store.history.idaho.gov/GiftShop.aspx?C=8. Shipping or contactless pick-up available.

Jan 13, 2021 06:00 PM in Mountain Time (US and Canada)