BCHS selected for Leadership Sandpoint fundraising project

The Bonner County Historical Society and Museum has been selected by the Leadership Sandpoint class as its 2026 fundraising project.

The museum was selected from a pool of 11 applicants as the nonprofit organization to move forward with the Leadership Sandpoint Class of 2026 fundraising project, Greater Sandpoint Chamber executive director Joan Urbaniak said.

The museum currently has about 14,000 items in its “object” collection that need to be carefully preserved to ensure longevity and prevent damage to the artifacts. Providing funding to enable proper storage and identification will help ensure that the lifespan of these artifacts will extend far into the future, museum officials said.

“The ability to learn about and appreciate the history of Bonner County by exploring exhibits featuring actual tools, apparel, toys, kitchen implements, and countless other historical objects ensures that we, our children, and future generations will see how our industries and lifestyles have developed and changed over time,” said Melanie Almeida, a member of the Leadership Sandpoint 2026 class.

Leadership Sandpoint is a Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce-sponsored program that provides an opportunity for participants to hone their leadership skills through educational sessions and activities in a group setting that nurtures free thinking, idea-sharing, and problem solving. Not only do participants develop their skills as leaders, Urbaniak said they also increase their knowledge of the community and explore their role in contributing to community affairs.

For more information, visit sandpointchamber.org.

    A view of the Bonner County Historical Society & Museum. The museum was recently selected as the recipient's Leadership Sandpoint 2026 fundraising project.