In the history of the United States, all presidents represented a political party, with the exception of one. Founding Father, George Washington, was elected before a party system emerged, although political parties began to form while he was in office. Washington believed that political parties would divide and destroy the United States, warning in his Farewell Address in 1796, ‘[a party system] serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one party against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection.”   In this presentation, Dr. Markie McBrayer will discuss the party systems and the evolution of political parties over time.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Markie McBrayer is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Idaho where she teaches American politics, public policy, and statistics. Her research focuses on local and state politics and policy, particularly social policy, housing, and gentrification in the United States. Her work has appeared in Political Research Quality, Urban Affairs Review, and Policy Studies Journal.

Randy’L Teton (Shoshone-Bannock), the model for the U.S. Sacajawea Golden Dollar, shares an intimate portrait of the courageous Sacajawea, the Shoshone guide and interpreter for the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Learn about Sacajawea's vital role in American history from the unique, authentic perspective of her own people, the Shoshone of Idaho. Books and 2026 dollar coins will be available for purchase after the presentation.

This event is made possible by a grant from the Idaho Humanities Council.

Speaker Bio:

Randy’L is a member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of Fort Hall, Idaho. In 1998, Randy’L was chosen as the Shoshone model for the US Golden Dollar coin aka the Sacajawea dollar coin. Randy'L Teton is a distinguished communications professional with over a decade and a half of experience in Public Relations and government relations. Her expertise lies in tribal relations and community engagement, areas in which she has made significant contributions throughout her career. In addition to her Public Relations work with the federal government, Randy Teton's expertise also includes museum studies, Native American studies, and fine arts, indicating a commitment to cultural preservation. Teton is a proud citizen of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of Fort Hall, Idaho. Teton's roots are deeply embedded in the Fort Hall Reservation, where she spent her formative years. Her upbringing in the Lincoln Creek District is where her grandfather raised his family and owned 150 acres, all of which remain within the family. Randy’L is a 3rd-generation landowner of the original Fort Hall Reservation. This vibrant community instilled in her a love for the fresh air, sagebrush, deer meat & potatoes, and clean water that Idaho is known for. Randy'L currently resides in Idaho with her three children. Beyond her professional endeavors, she has a passion for writing. In 2024, she published a children’s book titled “It’s Her Story: Sacajawea,” which gained acclaim and was listed on Amazon as one of the “Best Selling Children’s Books.” This work reflects her ongoing commitment to sharing and celebrating Native American stories and perspectives.