Educational Talks

Join us for an engaging talk with Ellen Waterston, Oregon’s Poet Laureate (2024-2026).

Currently retired, she has returned to aviation, now in her own plane, and is getting to know our corner of the country from the air. She will share stories and insights from a life in the skies.

Thirty years ago, on February 4, 1995, Nancy Knoble, one of the three breast cancer survivors to reach the summit will share a PBS documentary made of this historic event at our Tuesday talk February 4, 2025.

In a related story with a touch of the Wallowa in it, Jennfier Gibbs of the Wallowa History Center found sheet music for a song written by a Wobbly striker in Centralia, Washington in 1919. There the Wobblies and the American Legion fought and killed, and several union men went to jail. One of them, Eugene Barnett, wrote a song to his beloved while in jail, and his daughter later wrote a biography of him. Jennifer tracked it all down, and will tell us the story on a January 21 "Tuesday Talk" at the Josephy Center.

The conflict between the State of Israel and the Palestinians is complex and confusing. What is happening in what many call the “Holy Land” is heartbreaking. This unique place is an important place for at least three religions and yet is torn apart by struggles and enmity that have deep roots.

David Weaver, of the Wallowa History Center, will speak and answer question regarding archival research, especially explaining how to access old newspaper and court records online and/or in person.

Join us for a captivating lunchtime session as we explore the rich history and artistry of quilting, focusing on the renowned quilts of Gee’s Bend.

The Tribe’s Department of Fisheries Resources Management (DFRM) has been involved with reintroduction efforts since the 1990s. Finally, with the addition of fish passage to the Wallowa Lake Dam on the horizon, a full reintroduction is becoming a possibility.

Come together again next Tuesday, October 8, for a full-on discussion of the DOD. Here's a quote to whet your appetite...

Learn how the arts are driving economic growth in our region, based on the latest findings from the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study. FREE

Join us for a unique event hosted by ODFW’s Aquatic Invasive Species Educational Team. Learn about Oregon’s special ecosystems and landscapes, the invasive species threatening them, and how you can help "save our salmon" at both individual and community levels.

Regenerating Life is a 2023 documentary that explores the influence of the water cycle on climate change - and by proxy the way plants, soil, and soil cover influence climate conditions. Free!

Join us at The Josephy Center to hear Barry Cox, Horseman, Saddle Maker and Wilderness Packer share his history into the saddle making craft as well as some of his wilderness adventures! 

Join us to hear both Victoria and Julia discuss and show images of their past and current work, focusing on family and environmental influences shaping their art practices.

Dale is a retired educator and rancher, and lives on the family ranch in Lower Valley first homesteaded in 1972. He has paid particular attention to the development of the land and the water over the course of a lifetime, noting the impacts of  introduced plants and various irrigation methods. What's next? Dale has some ideas.

Join Roger Averbeck and DJ Lincoln in a presentation about May 10th's huge auroral display. Between DJ's science introduction and Roger's photography experience, you'll learn about what it is like under a once in a generation solar storm in the county, and be ready for the next one.

Discover the transformative power of art therapy with retired mental health therapist, Judy Wandschneider, LCSW! Free and Open to the Public!

Join us to hear Executive Director, Cheryl Coughlan, and Development Director, Dera Stewart, speak about our Phase II Capital Campaign. See our architectural plans and more! Free and open to the public!

Olan Fulfer teaches history and forestry at Joseph Charter School, He has recently begun volunteering in far off places on his school breaks, Last year he spent time in Africa; this spring break Olan and wife Tessa went to India.

Join Joan Gilbert Tuesday April 16th for a showing of the animated film (6 minutes) and the Behind the Scenes film (17 min)! Joan will be discussing working with kids on a large art project and answering questions.

Join us Tuesday March 19th to hear Robin Pace tell us about her adventures as a white water rafting professional!

At noon on Thursday, March 14, the Josephy Center welcomes a special exhibit of work by Nez Perce artist Carla Timentwa with an open house and artist talk. The exhibit features fabric arts, including traditional basket hats. FREE.

Tuesday Talks this month relate to the exhibit theme, "Feminine Visions: Embracing Strength and Adventure." On Tuesday, March 5, Nora Hawkins will talk about her adventures in Antarctica.