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.

09/06/2026

Today the Director attended Wagon Days in Ketchum. He had VIP seating along the parade route and he was able to network with parade organizers. They have invited the Musuem to attend next year with wagons.

Here is a video that Eriks captured of the Big Hitch, 20 horse team turning onto Main Street pulling six ore wagons. An impressive maneuver.

Construction begins today on the second shelf inside the Mike Hanley Wagon Barn!
09/04/2026

Construction begins today on the second shelf inside the Mike Hanley Wagon Barn!

Yesterday we had 11th graders from Melba tour the Musuem. They were a great group and everyone had an amazing time. Brin...
09/03/2026

Yesterday we had 11th graders from Melba tour the Musuem. They were a great group and everyone had an amazing time.

Bring your class out to the Musuem this year and experience the American West.

09/02/2026

Update form the Director in the Mike Hanley Wagon Barn. Construction continues…

Today Eriks and Drew moved Mike Hanley’s 1920 Model T from his ranch to the Musuem. Ben and Bill moved Mikes Ore Wagon a...
09/01/2026

Today Eriks and Drew moved Mike Hanley’s 1920 Model T from his ranch to the Musuem. Ben and Bill moved Mikes Ore Wagon as well this morning to the Musuem and everything got unloaded into the Annex building for now. The Ore Wagon once had a large box on the back but it was removed to haul a boiler to Silver City.

The Wagon Barn is full, so full that we are adding another shelf to the building to display more items. More details to follow this week.

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

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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