Museum of North Idaho

Mission Statement::

The Museum of North Idaho collects, preserves and interprets the history of the Coeur d'Alene Region. to foster appreciation of the area's heritage.

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Implementation of this mission will give the community and its visitors an awareness, understanding and appreciation of the area's cultural heritage.

A community that understands its past develops community pride, which leads to involvement and support of historical programs, projects and preservation.

To achieve its mission the Museum has a comprehensive collection of artifacts and materials that reflect the history of the area. The collection is preserved, exhibited and is available to the general public and researchers according to professional museum standards.

History of the Museum of North Idaho:

In the 1960s the North Idaho Hoo Hoo Club, an organization of loggers, lumbermen and foresters, entertained the idea of establishing a museum of logging and lumbering. The Articles of Incorporation were approved on May 1, 1968 encompassing all the history of the five North Idaho counties. Over the years the scope of the Museum narrowed from all of North Idaho to the Coeur d'Alene Region.

Through the efforts of volunteers and community support the Museum of North Idaho opened its doors on the North Idaho College in the Fort Sherman Powder Magazine July 28, 1973. The Powder Magazine, placed on the National Register in 1979, is owned by North Idaho College and leased rent free to the Museum.

In a few years the Museum outgrew the building and approached the City of Coeur d'Alene about a vacant building located next to the City Park. With community support this 1960s era building was remodeled and opened in 1979. The Museum maintains the building and the City donates the use of the building and maintenance of the grounds.

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