Museum of Idaho
Idaho
The Museum of Idaho (MOI), located in downtown Idaho Falls, is a premier history and science museum dedicated to exploring the social and environmental heritage of Idaho and the Intermountain West. Housed in a historic Carnegie library building connected to the former Masonic Temple, the museum offers diverse exhibits including its flagship permanent exhibit, "Way Out West," which spans Idaho's origins, geology, flora and fauna, indigenous peoples, early settlers, and statehood. The museum's collections feature significant archaeological finds such as the Wasden Collection with mammoth fossils, a life-size Columbian mammoth replica, and artifacts from Idaho's atomic energy research. MOI also hosts rotating national and international traveling exhibits, educational programs, and interactive areas like the Marie Putnam Discovery Room for children. With a mission to "bring the world to Idaho, and Idaho to the world," the museum serves around 90,000 visitors annually and supports active research and public archives.
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Consejo: Visit during weekdays or early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience. Advance ticket purchase is recommended for special traveling exhibits and popular events. Check the museum's website for membership options that offer perks and discounts. The museum provides educational programs and family-friendly activities, making it ideal for visitors of all ages.
Datos interesantes
- •The museum houses the Wasden Collection, containing thousands of fossils and artifacts including mammoth remains from a desert archaeological site near Idaho Falls.
- •Its flagship exhibit "Way Out West" features a life-size replica of a Columbian mammoth and the Northwest's oldest English-language monument.
- •The museum building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Idaho Falls Public Library, built with funding from the Carnegie Foundation.
- •The museum hosts 1-3 national and international traveling exhibits annually, bringing diverse topics to Idaho visitors.
- •The museum supports active archaeological research and offers public access to its archives by appointment.
Historia
The Museum of Idaho is housed in the historic Idaho Falls Public Library, built between 1914 and 1916 with a Carnegie Foundation grant secured by the Village Improvement Society.
After serving as a library until 1977, the building was saved from demolition by the Bonneville County Historical Society (BCHS), which opened the Bonneville Museum there in 1985.
In 2000, BCHS expanded by acquiring the former Masonic Temple and connecting it with the original building via a new atrium.
This expansion led to the museum's rebranding as the Museum of Idaho in 2003, broadening its mission beyond local history.
Further expansions and renovations occurred in 2019 and 2021, enhancing exhibit spaces and educational facilities.
Guía del lugar
Way Out West Exhibit
This flagship permanent exhibit is divided into seven galleries covering Idaho's early history, geology, natural environment, indigenous peoples, pioneer life, statehood, and technological impact. Visitors can explore a reconstructed 19th-century frontier town street and see artifacts like a Revolutionary War-era flag and atomic energy research remnants.
Marie Putnam Discovery Room
A hands-on interactive area designed for children to explore Idaho's natural history and early settlers through play and educational activities.
Historic Museum Buildings1914-1916
The museum is housed in the former Idaho Falls Public Library, a Carnegie library built between 1914-1916, connected to the former Masonic Temple by a modern atrium added in 2003. The buildings are significant both architecturally and historically.
Contacto
Teléfono: (208) 522-1400
