Sandpoint chamber honors history keepers
—Photo courtesy GREATER SANDPOINT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Greater Sandpoint Chamber members honor the June Business of the Month, the Bonner County Historical Society and Museum at a recent meeting. Pictured, from left to right are, Jim McKiernan, Chamber ambassador; Patty Hutchens, Chamber ambassador; Will Valentine, Bonner County Historical Society board director; Olivia Morlen, BCHS executive director; Heather Upton, curator; Cameron Murray, museum administrator; and Kate McAlister, chamber president and chief executive officer.
SANDPOINT — The phrase "business of the month" might bring to mind an innovative manufacturer, a popular store or a swanky new restaurant.
However, the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce did the unexpected in June by conferring that honor upon the Bonner County Historical Society and Museum, a group that has been archiving area history since 1953.
The society and museum originally went by the name of the Museum of Natural and Human History, and it was located in Sandpoint High School, according to BCHSM lore. The exhibits were mainly composed of a rock and fossil collection donated by museum founder Dr. Ethel Page Westwood. Over the next few decades, the collection moved several times, suffering wear and tear with each relocation.
In 1959, organizers began a fundraising drive to build a permanent home for the collection, and a commemorative event in honor of pioneer David Thompson provided the fund's first $550. It wasn't until 1972, though, that organizers formed a nonprofit organization and a temporary board of trustees to oversee building a museum. The present-day facility officially opened to the public in 1980, according to historic accounts.
"The Bonner County History Museum has dedicated their time and resources to collecting, interpreting and preserving Bonner County history, from archiving and filing to exhibit displays, fundraising and field trips and programing," according to a Chamber of Commerce press release.
The museum and historical society collects, preserves and displays items of archival interest dating from the Ice Age to modern times. Rotating displays on topics such as the indigenous Kalispel people and the histories of the fur trade, logging, mining and railroads in the area tell the story of Bonner County's growth.
"The Bonner County History Museum is making our mission, 'History Creating Community,' a reality through engaging exhibits, school tours and dynamic programing including our Late Nights at the Museum series, Free First Saturdays, annual History Mystery Fundraiser, annual Afternoon Tea, and Trick-or-Treat at the Museum,” said Olivia Luther Morlen, executive director of the museum.
The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce congratulated Bonner County Historical Society and Museum for their success and thanked them for their commitment and service to the community. For more information on the museum's upcoming events, to donate or to become a member, call 208-263-2344, or visit them at 611 S. Ella Street in Sandpoint or online at bonnercountyhistory.org.