Last updated: 12/10/2020
465 Keuterville Road
Cottonwood, ID 83522
465 Keuterville Rd.
Cottonwood, ID 83522
Monday - Saturday
9 AM - 4:30 PM
We are closed July 4th, Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas Eve and Day, New Year's Eve and Day. Check with us for other holiday schedules.
Adults: $6
Members: free
Students: $3
Children 6 and under: Free
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Carla Wilkins
phone: 208-962-2050
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View special exhibits, including the stories of the Benedictine sisters, the Nez Perce people, and fascinating local characters such as Polly Bemis and Buckskin Bill. Visit a replica of the original attic museum began by Sister Alfreda Elsonsohn, celebrated Idaho historian and foundress of the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude. Join us for our annual Raspberry Festival fundraiser, October Lecture Series, and other fun and educational family events.
Our mission is to preserve the rich heritage of the Monastery of St. Gertrude, Camas Prairie, Snake River, Salmon River, and surrounding areas.
Begun in 1931 by Sister Alfreda Elsensohn, the museum is one of the oldest, continuously operating museums in the Northwest. It began with a mineral collection from the U. S. National Museum, today the Smithsonian. Located over the years in three different buildings, the museum is today housed in a modern, climate-controlled facility that protects the artifacts and welcomes visitors to views the exhibits.
Displays about the about some of the Interesting Characters of the Area including Buckskin Bill, Polly Bemis, Bill Wassmuth, Sr. Mary Paule Tacke, and Charlie Cone.
The History of the Benedictine Sisters and Their Impact on Idaho. The exhibit tells the story of the Idaho Benedictine Sisters, their journey from Europe to America, and their impact on the cultural development of the local area and the state.
The History of the Historical Museum and its Founder, Sister Alfreda Elsensohn. The exhibit includes a replica of the original St. Gertrude’s Academy attic museum that was opened in November 1931 with a mineral collection from the National History Museum in Washington, DC.
From the Prairie to the Rivers Gallery: This exhibit tells the stories of how the area was settled and includes exhibits on mining, the Chinese Massacre, and the Nez Perce War of 1877. Include a timeline wall; children’s space; and exhibits on agriculture, migration stories, and household life. New lighting and a video monitoring and recording system are installed.
Cooper's Ferry Artifact — We are currently partnering with the Bureau of Land Management - Idaho (BLM) to exhibit a Western Stemmed Point, an approximately 13,000 year-old artifact from the Cooper’s Ferry Project, an archaeological excavation site on the Salmon River, approximately 13 miles from St. Gertrude’s. This site has uncovered artifacts of human existence from 16,000 years ago — older than any other artifacts of human origin in the United States, Canada, Central or South America. We are very excited to work with the BLM for community outreach and education on this extraordinary discovery.
The museum houses a library and maintains an archives collection pertaining to the history of Idaho. A local genealogical library is also available.
Due to the pandemic, the 2020 Fall Lecture Series has been cancelled. Stay tuned for information on the 2o21 lineup!
These events provide insights into the history of our region and are held on Thursdays during the month of October with the support of the Idaho Humanities Council. Lectures begin at 7:00 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. A Q&A session with the presenters follows the lectures. Light refreshments are provided. The events are held in the Johanna Room at Spirit Center at the Monastery of St. Gertrude located at 465 Keuterville Road, Cottonwood, Idaho.
Large museum, gift shop, restrooms, hiking trail that winds past the Stations of the Cross and a grotto.
Idaho Corporation of Benedictine Sisters
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members
Appointment required: Yes
The Canticle published quarterly
Find books on the history of Idaho along with handcrafts and other items at the Book & Gift Shop. Some items also available online.
Gift Shop
Online Gift Shop
Group Tours
Wheelchair Accessible
Parking
Restrooms
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