She arrived with nothing — now Idaho Falls Is honoring a forgotten trailblazer

About this episode

This episode discusses the life and contributions of Rebecca Brown Mitchell, a forgotten trailblazer in Idaho Falls, and the efforts to honor her legacy with a statue.

When Rebecca Brown Mitchell arrived in Eagle Rock (what is now Idaho Falls) with her teenage daughter, Bessie, they had nothing but the clothes on their back and a few belongings. It was June 5, 1882, and the 48-year-old Illinois woman who would one day become the world’s first female chaplain of a legislative body had come out West in hopes of being a missionary. She also played a pivotal role in the city's first church, public school, and public library. Later, she was involved in the women's suffrage movement and helped Idaho become the fourth state to recognize women's right to vote. Today, the Museum of Idaho is collaborating with a small committee to raise funds for a sculpture of Mitchell’s likeness. The 7-foot bronze statue is slated to be installed in the new Heritage Park near Snake River Landing in November. This week on “It’s Worth Mentioning,” Rett Nelson speaks with Chloe Doucette, the museum’s managing director, about Mitchell and this project. Doucette discusses why Mitchell came to eastern Idaho and her humble beginnings in the burgeoning community. She talks about Mitchell's accomplishments, why many have never heard of her, and a new fourth-grade curriculum…

People in this episode

Host: Rett Nelson

Guest: Chloe Doucette

Topics covered

• Idaho history
• women's suffrage
• historical figures
• community development
• sculpture project

Keywords

• Rebecca Brown Mitchell
• Idaho Falls
• women's suffrage
• sculpture
• historical figure

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Museum of Idaho

Places: Idaho Falls, Illinois, Heritage Park, Snake River Landing

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