Museum grand opening on Friday

The Museum of North Idaho will open the doors of its new home at the historic JC White House at 11 a.m. Friday.

"This momentous event marks the culmination of years of dedication, restoration, and community support to preserve a treasured piece of Coeur d’Alene’s history. 122 years after its original construction," a press release said.

Originally built in 1903 by JC White, the manager of the famous Red Color Line of steamboats, the home has undergone multiple renovations, including the relocation from Eighth and Sherman Avenue to its new location in McEuen Park at the base of Tubbs Hill near City Hall.

For decades, the museum had been located near City Park. But the building's condition, leaky roof and lack of central heating prompted the need to find a new home.

The first phase of the project cost about $3 million. A second phase to expand the exhibition area and increase archival space is pegged at about the same amount.

The public is invited to join museum staff, board of directors and community members for celebration that includes a ribbon-cutting ceremony, new exhibits and history talks.