EDITORIAL: A bright future for the Museum of North Idaho

On Nov. 16, 2019, the historic J.C. White House began its short journey from Eighth Street and Sherman Avenue, where it had been for 116 years, to McEuen Park at the base of Tubbs Hill. 

Its destiny was to become the new home of the Museum of North Idaho. It seemed a lofty goal. The move, the site prep work, the building’s renovation, was estimated to cost a few million dollars. 

Not everyone believed in this mission. Didn’t the museum already have a nice roof over its head next to City Park, where it had been for about 50 years? Seemed like a great location, with lots of foot traffic. 

Why go elsewhere?

Because museum supporters had a grander vision to showcase this area's rich history than the decades old 4,000-square-foot structure that lacked air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. And that vision included saving a key part of the city’s past and giving it a role that would last well into the future.  

Earlier this month, that vision became reality when volunteers began the arduous task of moving museum supplies and exhibits into the revamped J.C. White House. 

It was a joyous work party.

There were certainly times it seemed like that day might not get here, that enough money couldn’t be raised. 

But the money was raised, the day did come and The Museum of North Idaho is finally home, to stay so it can continue its mission to preserve the past and inspire our future. 

It took hard work and foresight to get there. 

In 2019, ignite cda transferred land near City Hall valued at over $900,000 to the city of Coeur d’Alene intended for a museum. MONI signed a 25-year lease with the city to occupy the parcel at the base of Tubbs Hill.    

MONI saved the 1902 J.C. White House from demolition and moved it to its new location to serve as the centerpiece for an expanded 11,300-square-foot museum that will house exhibits, a research library, conference room, offices and more 

A second phase calls for a $2.5 million, 5,000-square-foot underground expansion that will house professionally designed and installed exhibits and a state-of-the-art archives and collections storage. 

But before it’s time to raise more money, it’s time to celebrate. A grand opening and ribbon cutting is set for April 18.  We encourage everyone to be part of this historic event.

Give credit to museum executive director Britt Thurman and her team for staying the course through many ups and downs. Thurman is the youthful, energetic leader the museum needs to share this area's stories with residents and visitors. If you haven't been to the Museum of North Idaho, please be sure to stop in once its doors are open again.

They say you don’t know where you’re going unless you know where you came from.  

There is no doubt that the Museum of North Idaho knows where it came from, and it knows where it’s going.