Nez Perce County Historical Society & Museum

The Historical Society was founded as a non-profit educational corporation in January 1961. It opened a museum in what is now called the Heritage House at 0310 Third Street on March 3, 1963, near the start of Lewiston’s Centennial Year. In 1974, the museum and offices of the Society moved “next door” to its present building at 0306 Third Street. The building was constructed as a Roosevelt’s (WPA) Works Progress Administration project for the State of Idaho Department of Public Assistance in 1937. The building’s architectural style is 1930s art deco.

​The Historical Society is first and foremost a museum organization. The board of directors and staff are dedicated to the collection, preservation and dissemination of the history of Nez Perce County and the surrounding area, to the preservation of historical items and actively seek to expand the collection. In addition to preserving artifacts, the Society maintains a research library of Nez Perce County history and works with the public to provide educational information. A fine photograph collection consists of early day citizens as well as scenes of historic value. Prints of photographs can be obtained through the Society; a percentage of print charges helps to maintain an acid-free environment for the photograph and archival collections.

What to see during your visit in our Nez Perce County history museum are exhibits on Nez Perce Tribe History, Lewis and Clark Expedition, gold discovery, agriculture, timber industry, fire and law Enforcement, Lewiston development, sports & recreation, Home front during WWI & WWII, Lewiston Roundup, Hollywood Connections, etc.

We have children activities within the museum such as hands on activities throughout the museum. Also, there is a scavenger hunt activity for the children to do. When they are finished with the activity packet, they can retrieve a prize.

In our museum lobby you will find our museum store that hold many history books from Lewis & Clark, Nez Perce Tribe to local history, locally made pottery, jewelry, crafts, honey, huckleberry jam and other products, stuffed wildlife and wooden toys for children and much more.

Outside the main museum building, they can visit our house setting museum called, The Heritage House. It is displayed between the late 1800s to the 1920s. Next, you can visit Lewiston’s Idaho Territorial Capitol replica building with exhibits inside regarding history of 1863-65 when Lewiston was the first Capitol city in Idaho. Next, you can visit our Trolley Car #8 that carried passengers in Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington between 1915-1929. This exhibit is available to view 24/7. We will be adding more outdoor exhibits in the near future.

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