Former Idaho State Historian Keith Petersen, one of the people who worked on the new exhibit on the sisters, gives an introduction to the Idaho State legislature’s Joint Finance Appropriations Committee.
Like many Benedictine monasteries throughout history, our monastery is striving to preserve the cultural heritage around us as well as serve a spiritual purpose. We are preserving the past for the future through our Historical Museum that is engaged in carefully curating artifacts and faithfully interpreting the stories they represent. A major exhibit remodel is underway to further this purpose.
The remodel team includes former Idaho State Historian Keith Petersen, exhibit specialists Mary Reed and Mary Jahn, designer Amber Harris, and a team at the Museum. The remodel phases will take place over the next five years: the history of the Benedictine Sisters and their impact on Idaho (2015/2016); the history of the Museum as one of Idaho’s earliest museums (2017); Idaho County’s interesting characters (2018); temporary exhibit gallery (2018); treasures Gallery (2017); and History of local people (2019-2020).The first phase is complete.
Recently, the Museum hosted the Idaho State Legislature’s Joint Finance Appropriations Committee. They were able to experience the new, nearly-completed exhibit on the history of the sisters.
“This exhibit reflects hundreds of hours of time, energy, and attentiveness,” said Prioress Sister Mary Forman. “It is a beautiful tribute to our heritage!”
Former Idaho State Historian Keith Petersen (center), exhibit specialists Mary Reed (left) and Mary Jahn (right) donated numerous hours of time for the new exhibit.
The museum has already received nearly $10,000 in grants for the support of this project: This project is supported in part by a grant from the Idaho Humanities Council, a state-based partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Support has also come from the Idaho State Historical Society as part of its Community Enhancement Grants program and Northwest Farm Credit Services through their Rural Community Grant Program. Further support for the exhibits remodel project has come from donors who responded to our recent Spring Appeal.
Thank you to all who affirmed this wonderful project with your amazing support. Come see our progress!
Learn more about the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude