Owyhee County Historical Museum

Owyhee County Historical Museum The Owyhee County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving Owyhee County's rich history. From mining to ranching and farming.
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The museum was established in 1961 and we continue to grow and excite the next generation. The Owyhee County Museum began in 1961 single item on display and has grown to a 10,000 square foot museum complex and research library that rests on one acre of land with five historic buildings. The Museum strives to preserve and educate future generations of Owyhee Counties history from Mining to Ranching.

For the first time the marker lamps are lit on one of Mike Hanleys stagecoach. Mike did a wonderful job with restoring t...
08/28/2026

For the first time the marker lamps are lit on one of Mike Hanleys stagecoach. Mike did a wonderful job with restoring this coach which used to run from Winnemucca, NV up to Silver City, ID. Since his restoration these lamps have not been lit.

The purpose of the lamps were not to act as headlights but to be seen by other on the trail to say that a coach is approaching. To be seen by, not to see by.

This beautiful American flag came in today. The flag is 5x9.5’ and was used only once, draped over William Wakefields co...
08/27/2026

This beautiful American flag came in today. The flag is 5x9.5’ and was used only once, draped over William Wakefields coffin. William served in WWI.

This is a 48 star flag which was in use from 1912-1959.

We thank Harold and Janet Horne for their donation.

Are you a teacher? Do you have a class of kids dying to learn and experience more Idaho history? Well, the Owyhee County...
08/25/2026

Are you a teacher? Do you have a class of kids dying to learn and experience more Idaho history? Well, the Owyhee County Museum is full of Idaho and western history. We have the largest collection of wagons in the state along with over 5,000 antique farming tools and an operating print shop.

The Museum is now offering financial through the Mary Nettleton O'Malley Field Trip Scholarship. This fund helps schools and classes with bussing costs! We are working with Durham Bus Service to make sure that no matter how far your class is from Murphy your kids can come and experience Idaho and Owyhee County's history.

Give us a call today to learn more. 208-495-2319

Thank you Steve and everyone for this wonderful certificate. Colleen, our amazing volunteer accepted this for the Musuem...
08/22/2026

Thank you Steve and everyone for this wonderful certificate. Colleen, our amazing volunteer accepted this for the Musuem as Eriks is on vacation. The Musuem is there to help the county and community whenever the need arises. We are glad that the McKeeth Hall was able to be put to use.

Also thank you firefighters!!

08/12/2026

We finally had the wall lamps installed in the Mike Hanley Barn. These beautiful lamps were hand built by W. T. Kirkman Lanterns. They produce lamps for Hollywood and theme parks. The slow flame effect that the lamp displays is created by their patented flame technology that takes any regular lightbulb and makes it flicker.

Check out Kirkman lanterns here for all your lamps and lanterns needs: https://lanternnet.com

Today the director spent the day at the Idaho old penitentiary with a group of volunteers to move a new item to the muse...
08/12/2026

Today the director spent the day at the Idaho old penitentiary with a group of volunteers to move a new item to the museum. This is a 1920s railroad shanty that once stood on top of a tower in downtown Boise’s railyard, which is currently where JUMP is today.

The State Musuem decided to repurpose this item and let the Owyhee Musuem have the building. It will be stored in the Annex building for now. Another piece of history saved.

We would like to thank Dennis, with HCD construction for providing the heavy lifting equipment and the trailer to bring it out to the museum.

People are still giving to the ranchers in need. Today All Mountain Recovery brought out 17 tons of hay to the ranchers ...
08/10/2026

People are still giving to the ranchers in need. Today All Mountain Recovery brought out 17 tons of hay to the ranchers all thanks to the Aldis Garsvo. Yep, our Directors dad. We have so many wonderful and giving people here in Owyhee county.

We keep our volunteers cool in this heat. 😎🚒It’s a hot one today so the Director filled up the truck and watered the law...
08/07/2026

We keep our volunteers cool in this heat. 😎🚒

It’s a hot one today so the Director filled up the truck and watered the lawn and sprayed our amazing volunteer, Colleen down. She was prepared, she had her swim suit ready.

Amazing, one year ago Eriks visited P.T. Rathbone's wrench collection in Marsing and P.T. offered his collection to the ...
08/07/2026

Amazing, one year ago Eriks visited P.T. Rathbone's wrench collection in Marsing and P.T. offered his collection to the museum.

We never thought that one year later we would have a new 30' addition to the Annex and the entire collection on display! So much has happened at the museum this year.

Come spend the day and dig into Owyhee County history! The Director is seen here deep inside the Blue Bucket Mine with a...
08/07/2026

Come spend the day and dig into Owyhee County history!

The Director is seen here deep inside the Blue Bucket Mine with a carbide lantern.

Address

17085 Basey Street
Murphy, ID
83650

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

(208) 495-2319

Website

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