Each winter, the John White Series offers Museum supporters and the Northwest Montana community a chance to escape the frigid weather, enjoy fellowship with other Series-goers over a cup of coffee or cookie, and learn something new about the world around us.

Fire has always been an intrinsic part of the NW Montana forest with the potential to be a positive influence or a devastating, destructive event. Longtime forest fire consultant Rick Trembath will blend the ecology, behavior, and encompassing effects of fire into his presentation concerning this “hot topic”. It will cover some of the Historic Fires In Northwest Montana and explore our relationship with fire; from the past Native American use of fire for re-source benefits to aggressive fire suppression to current fire management.

The John White Speaker Series honors beloved Central School bell ringer and custodian John White, the son of a Texas slave, who served at Central School for over 30 years. He knew all the students, and they knew and respected him, as did the citizens of Kalispell in the 1920s through the 50s. John White graduated from Flathead County High School in 1922 and became perhaps the most remembered figure in the history of Central School.

All five presentations in the Series are at 2:00 PM on alternate Sundays at the Northwest Montana History Museum, 124 2nd Ave E. in Kalispell. Tickets are available at the Museum, Monday through Friday, 10 to 5, or at the door before each event. Last year's Series broke attendance records, so advanced purchase is recommended. Call 406-756-8381 for more information.