The Museum of Idaho, located in the heart of downtown Idaho Falls, is a captivating destination that offers an immersive journey into the rich history and vibrant culture of Idaho and the Intermountain West. This dynamic museum is a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment, featuring an array of exhibits that span from ancient fossils to modern technological marvels. With its tagline, Bringing the world to Idaho, and Idaho to the world, the Museum of Idaho promises an enlightening experience for visitors of all ages.
The origins of the Museum of Idaho date back to the early 20th century. The story begins with the Village Improvement Society, a group of dedicated women in Idaho Falls who, in 1913, secured a $15,000 grant from the Carnegie Foundation to build a public library. This library, constructed between 1914 and 1916, served the community until 1977. Meanwhile, the Bonneville County Historical Society (BCHS), established in 1975, began displaying artifacts in the basement of the Bonneville County Courthouse in 1979.
In 1985, the BCHS transformed the vacant Carnegie library building into the Bonneville Museum. Fast forward to 2000, local philanthropist Greg Carr donated the former Masonic Temple to the BCHS, allowing for an expansion that would include traveling exhibits and a broader mission. This expansion culminated in the opening of the Museum of Idaho in 2003. The museum has since continued to grow, with significant renovations and expansions completed in 2019 and 2021, ensuring its place as a premier cultural institution.
The Museum of Idaho boasts an impressive array of permanent and traveling exhibits. Its permanent collections focus on Idaho's history, covering various disciplines such as archaeology, paleontology, geology, and the stories of native inhabitants and early settlers. The museum is home to the archaeologically significant Wasden Collection, which includes thousands of objects and fossils, such as mammoth remains and other megafauna excavated from a site west of Idaho Falls.
The museum's flagship exhibit, Way Out West, is divided into seven galleries:
In addition to its permanent collections, the Museum of Idaho hosts 1-3 special exhibits each year, bringing national and international touring exhibitions to Idaho Falls. These exhibits cover a wide range of themes, from ancient civilizations to modern science. Notable past exhibits include A T-Rex Named Sue, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, Bodies: The Exhibition, Genghis Khan, and Toytopia.
The Museum of Idaho is committed to education and community engagement. It offers a variety of programs for school groups, including field trips and online lesson plans. During the summer, the museum hosts camps that focus on STEM and history-based activities. Continuing education courses for educators often include excursions into the Greater Yellowstone area, providing hands-on learning experiences.
For adults, the museum organizes monthly Museum After Dark events, Haunted History Tours, galas, and public lectures on topics in the humanities and sciences. These events offer unique opportunities to engage with the museum's content in a social and enjoyable setting.
The Museum of Idaho houses an active collection and continues to gather artifacts, documents, photographs, and oral histories. Researchers can access the museum's archives by appointment, and archaeologists are encouraged to submit proposals for research on the Wasden Collection. This commitment to preserving and expanding knowledge makes the museum a valuable resource for scholars and history enthusiasts alike.
In conclusion, the Museum of Idaho is more than just a museum; it is a vibrant cultural hub that connects visitors with the rich history and diverse stories of Idaho and beyond. Whether you're a history buff, a science enthusiast, or simply looking for an engaging and educational experience, the Museum of Idaho offers something for everyone. Its ever-evolving exhibits, educational programs, and community events ensure that each visit is a new adventure, making it a must-visit destination in Idaho Falls.
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