OUR STORY
Frank Erwin, Jan Lemcke, Ray Vader, Catherine Daily, Coletta Poynter, Robin Windes, Darlene Nemnich, Jeri Billiard, Not pictured, Lesli Lemmon
The Hagerman Valley Historical Society was founded in September 1981 by M.J. Crutchfield-Freeman, Billee Reed, and Gretchen Uppiano. Members of the HVHS helped to secure legislation that formed the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, which remains a world treasure and research site.
In 2022 HVHS purchased the historic Morris-Roberts Mercantile Building. This building was initially built in 1898 and housed many businesses and people though the years. In 1979 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Buildings, largely due to the unique Mesker metal front and the lava rock walls. A major renovation was completed in 1983 by the Idaho State Bank. The building was a bank until HVHS purchased it. The Museum Grand Opening was in May 2024.
2024 Sister Alfreda Elsensohn Award Recipient
The Hagerman Valley Historical Society is proud and humbled to have been chosen for the Sister Alfreda Elsensohn Award for Outstanding Service in 2024. This is a joint award given annually by the Idaho Humanities Council and Idaho State Historical Society since 2008. It is Idaho’s premier recognition for outstanding service by an Idaho museum, historical society, or interpretive organization/association.
The Award is named for Sister Alfreda Elsensohn, who founded the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude in Cottonwood. Sister Alfreda, one of Idaho’s outstanding historians, sought to collect, preserve, and interpret artifacts from Idaho County and the surrounding area to better educate the public. Only one Award is given annually, with the sponsors selecting an awardee each year.
Volunteers – The Hagerman Museum accomplishes its preservation, education, exhibition and research work with a 100% volunteer team and leaders. We are justifiable proud of all who invest their time and talents into work that benefits so many, from our local residents, guests and seasonal visitors.
Collaboration and partnerships help us and our colleagues to educate, inform and inspire a love of our valley and our history.