On Saturday, August 3, from 12:30-2:00 pm, the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude, 465 Keuterville Road, Cottonwood, will host an open house featuring seven living history characters who will bring the past to life. These characters will share their stories, offering a unique glimpse into the history of the Camas Prairie region.
The characters will be portrayed by:
Mary Funke as Sister Radegunda Bischofberger, OSB. The last Swiss Sister, one of the 96 Sisters who came from Europe, will share her experiences and contributions.
Beth Forsmann as Lee Morse. The famous singer from Kooskia, she was known for her remarkable talent and legacy.
Leah Uptmor as Charlotte May Pierstorff. Classified as a baby chick, she was mailed on the Camas Prairie Railroad from Grangeville to Lewiston.
Jody Davarpanah as Gertrude Maxwell. Dressed head to toe in pink, she will portray the former teacher, principal, author, guide and outfitter from Elk City.
Cody Uptmor as a Plane Spotter. Cody will be in a tower (built by his Grandpa Jack).  Ordinary citizens from the area volunteered their time to watch the skies for suspicious aircraft starting in the 1940s until a radar base was built in Cottonwood in 1958.
Malek Davarpanah as Ladd Arnoti. A Hungarian immigrant, Arnoti made his mark as a photographer, art instructor at St. Gertrude’s College, and the mayor of Cottonwood.
Thomas Eier as Sgt. John Ordway. A member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, he kept a log of the journey, and will share the Corps of Discovery’s route through this area.
This open house is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Cottonwood Community Federal Credit Union.
Admission to the event is free. After the Living History presentations, there will be music on the Center for Benedictine Life lawn from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Please bring your lawn chairs and enjoy an afternoon of music and history.
Join us for this exciting and educational event that promises fun for the whole family!
The Historical Museum at St. Gertrude is a ministry of the Center for Benedictine Life. See our website: historicalmuseumatstgertrude.org
The Center for Benedictine Life at the Monastery of St. Gertrude is a community which includes the Benedictine Sisters, the Oblate Community of St. Gertrude, the Benedictine Cohousing Community, along with the monastery’s employees, friends and benefactors. While offering healing hospitality, grateful simplicity and creative peacemaking to the world, this community shares the Benedictine charism and spirituality through in-person and online programs available at Spirit Center, along with the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude on the monastery campus, and the Inn at St. Gertrude, a bed and breakfast.
More information is available on the website stgertrudes.org