Idaho might be a long way from the ocean, but it has played an outsized role in the history of the United States Navy, which is celebrating its 250th birthday on Monday, Oct. 13.
The Gem State’s contributions to U.S. naval development will be on display with a special discussion and screening Tuesday, Oct. 14 of the documentary Anchors of Freedom: Celebrating America250 and America’s Sagebrush Navy at the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave., in downtown Sandpoint).
Similar events will take place in Moscow on Oct. 13 and Coeur d’Alene on Wednesday, Oct. 15 — all part of an ongoing nationwide sesquicentennial celebration culminating on July 4, 2026, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The USS Idaho. Courtesy photo
The Navy predates the actual founding of the country, with its creation on Oct. 13, 1775 as the Continental Navy. Fast-forward to more recent history, and Idaho has served as a critical laboratory and testing site for the United States’ seaborne fighting vessels — from the nuclear programs in the deserts of southeast Idaho to the Farragut Naval Base in North Idaho.
Today, the USS Idaho is the nation’s most advanced nuclear attack submarine. The Virginia-class submarine, dubbed SSN-799, launched in 2024 and is currently being outfitted for commissioning, expected in 2026.
The North Idaho events are hosted by organizations including, Idaho Public Television, the Idaho State Historical Society, the USS Idaho Commissioning Committee, the University of Idaho, the Museum of North Idaho, the Coeur d’Alene Public Library and the West Bonner County Library District, and presented by Friends of Idaho Public Television.
Admission is free, and segments from documentarian Ken Burns’ forthcoming series The American Revolution will be shown following the program.
Meanwhile, members of the America250 in Idaho Advisory Council and Task Force, elected officials and members of the USS Idaho Commissioning Committee will provide remarks. Audience members will also be invited to participate in a question-and-answer session. According to organizers, proceeds from the event will support the bringing Idaho’s Sagebrush Navy to national audiences.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and the event starts at 6:30 p.m.
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Coming up this week! Don't miss the SARS Ski Swap, a Food Summit & Harvest Festival, Thanksgiving Bingo, and so much more! See the full list of events in the Community Calendars:
Filmmaker Jimmy Matlosz of the Idaho Film Company has made a series of mini documentaries about influential Sandpoint locals, including the late Dann Hall and Erik Daarstad as well as icons Diane Michaels and Dan Shook. He is currently working on a series of interviews connected to the history of the Panida Theater. Jimmy is a 30-year veteran filmmaker who's work can be seen at dpmatlosz.com.
Meet the Reader
Ever wonder who makes the Reader happen? Here's a behind-the-scenes look pieced together by summer 2017 intern McCalee Cain in which Ben, Cameron and Lyndsie explain what exactly about the Reader keeps them coming back to their shabby (but well-loved) office each week.
