The Museum of North Idaho in Coeur d’Alene is a small museum with displays focusing on local history.
he Coeur d’Alene chapter of the Sons of Norway was chartered in 1910. The carving shown above depicts Harald Haarfager, the Viking King who unified Norway in 872 CE. This is the work of artist Steinar Karlsen.
Logging
The history of North Idaho is intimately associated with logging and the timber industry.
Forest fires
In 1910, a year with unusually low rainfall and a very dry summer, a number of fires blew up out of control in August. According to the display:
“The greatest financial loss was the white pine timber resources. The railroad companies had the second greatest loss with railroad tires, tracks, bridges and camps completely destroyed. Several towns were destroyed including one third of Wallace.”
Mining
Mining in North Idaho made the region the most productive silver-lead-zinc area in the world. The population grew from about 7,000 in 1880 to 25,000 in 1890.
Homestead kitchen
One of the displays in the Museum of North Idaho in Coeur d’Alene features a homestead kitchen.
Firearms
Guns are an important part of both the history and mythology of the West.
Steamboats
Situated on a large lake, steamboats are an important part of the history of Coeur d’Alene. The steamboat display includes artifacts, old photos, and models.
Museums 101
Veterans Memorial Museum: An Overview (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Washington State History Museum (photo overview)
Museums 101: The Franklin County Historical Society and Museum (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: The Sacajawea Museum (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: The Museum of Glass (photo diary)
Museums 101: The East Benton County Museum (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: The Presby House Museum (Photo Diary)
Historical Society Museum of Poulsbo (Photo Diary)
