ABOUT US
THE FOUNDING
The Blaine County Historical Museum first opened its doors in 1964.
Leon Friedman and Lucille Friedman, children of the Pioneering Hailey merchant Simon Moses Friedman, donated the building to the City of Hailey for the sole purpose of a museum. In 1962, a board was formed to begin the process of establishing a museum to represent the colorful history of Blaine County.
Leon Friedman and Lucille Friedman
THE BUILDING
The building was built in 1882, and has quite a historic past in itself. Over the years, it was used as a warehouse, a dance hall, opera house, Knights of Labor Hall, and an armory during the Spanish American War. It also held the 1889 Hailey High School graduation ceremonies, with 5 girls graduating.
The building was originally built of adobe brick, some of which is still visible through a clear panel on the inside of the museum. In recent years, the museum renovated and restored the north and south walls for the structural integrity of the building.
THE ARTIFACTS
The Blaine County Historical Museum is proud to have our collections filled with donated items from Blaine County’s past. At its formation in 1962, the BCHM board began advertising with the newspaper and radio stations to collect historic items from Blaine County. The citizens of the Wood River Valley responded by bringing collected treasures from their family histories, creating a unique array of historic items. Every object, photo and story is a piece of our past, and we are honored to be entrusted to their care.
If you have historic items, pictures or stories from Blaine County that you would like to donate to our museum, please visit our donation process page.
The Blaine County Historical Museum takes great pride in being a deposit for the history of our community. It is our passion to share that history, and inspire and educate the future generations. We believe that knowing the history of your area connects you to your community and inspires you to be a more involved citizen.
Our Team - The Board
The current board of BCHM is a dedicated group that strives to uphold the foundations this museum was formed on.
Board Officers
Bob MacLeod
President, BCHM
Expert player piano player. Gives the funniest museum tours, makes the best chocolate chip cookies.
Joan Davies
Vice President, BCHM
Any questions on local history Joan is bound to know. Honoree of the Esta Perpetua award, strongly involved in numerous historical societies.
Rebecca Cox
Director, BCHM
Prone to go down rabbit holes of research. Passionate about history, always ready to plan an fun event.
Kelli Young
Treasurer, BCHM
The sunshine of the museum board. Born and raised in Hailey, everyone seems to know Kelli’s smiling face.
Jane Rosen
Secretary, BCHM
Grant writing goddess, resourceful historic researcher. A heart for creating interactive learning experiences for children. Enthusiastic about contributing to our community.
Board Members
D.A. Outz Rob Swanson
Kaili Smith Denise Ford
Betty Grant Mrs. Sue Rowland
Rex Bradshaw Shae Taglio
Denise Thomas Verla Goitiandea
LOCATION
The Museum is located at 218 N Main Street in Hailey Idaho, in the center of the scenic Wood River Valley.
