PROGRESS: Boundary County Museum preserves community's history

The Boundary County Historical Society (incorporated in 1968) and Museum (opened in 1974) have been supported by the Boundary County commissioners, County Clerk Glenda Poston, donors, members, past and present curators, and hundreds of volunteers. 

Following in the footsteps of those who came before us, the goal has always been to collect and preserve the history of Boundary County, Idaho. It really is amazing how fast the past 58 years have gone by. Many artifacts collected, exhibits created, building improvements done, and programs and events have occurred in those years. As we enter 2026, we look forward to another busy year. 

The staff and volunteers have taken on the task of inventorying all the “paper” artifacts in the archives. This includes maps, survey reports, written family histories with genealogy research, land records, Indian land allotments, citizenship records, obituaries, receipts - you name it. If it is on a piece of paper, we have probably seen it. In the past 4 months, over 6,000 paper items have been cataloged; and we’ve barely opened the file cabinets.

The Historical Society has taken on the task of having the Bonners Ferry Herald digitized. The Library of Congress has the years 1891-1922 completed; and we have begun the process by having 1923-34 digitized. On average, one year of newspapers costs $83.3333. The Society has budgeted $500 a year for the project. So it may take quite a few years to complete. If anyone is interested in donating to this project, it would be greatly appreciated.

The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. This year, being “America250”, brings many celebrations to the nation. The Museum, along with many other organizations in the county, will participate in several events to honor the occasion.

Three events have already taken place. On January 2, 2026, at the request of the Honorable Russ Fulcher, Member of Congress, a U.S. Flag was flown over the United States Capitol in Washington. D.C. for each of the forty-four counties in Idaho. The Flag flown in honor of Boundary County has been delivered to the Museum and will be used in some capacity during the July 4 to July 8 celebrations. It will then be placed in a time capsule to be opened at a later date.

The second event was celebrating March 4, Idaho Day with the 4th graders from the public schools. They had a history lesson about the thirteen colonies, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, exploring the northwest, Kootenai Tribal life, and homesteading. The students surveyed land and drew survey maps. The maps are on display in the Museum for the summer. 

The third event, April 8, Idaho State Treasurer, Julie Ellsworth, and her “Revolutionary Spuds” made a visit to the Museum as part of the 250ID campaign. The Spuds have traveled the state encouraging every Idahoan to be part of the celebration. 

Numerous plans for the America250 summer include: “Moments That Made Us” exhibit at Museum with wall hanging by 9B Quilters (June-August); “A Big Read” through the Boundary County Library, “1776” by David McCullough (May); Parade and Fireworks with program by VFW and Farmers Market events July 4; Reading of the Declaration of Independence July 8; Pathfinders Monument turning 100 years old July 19; Kootenai River Days, third week of July; Idaho Songs Project - “Musical Anecdotes of Coming to Idaho” with Gary Eller at the museum, July 31; and Boundary County Fair events. Mark your calendars for these events. More details will be available as we get nearer to the dates.

Sue Kemmis is museum curator at Boundary County Museum in Bonners Ferry.