Bring Idaho State Historical Museum to Your Town
Nez Perce Trunk
Photo Credit: ISHS
For those unable to visit the museum we offer two traveling trunks and one traveling exhibit that will bring the museum experience to you.
Lewis and Clark Trunk
What equipment did Lewis and Clark bring with them on the Voyage of Discovery? How did the men use these things to do their work? This trunk contains replicas of items listed on Lewis's inventory. A plant press, fishing kit, flag, and trade goods are just a few of the many items students can touch and use to get a one-of-a-kind educational experience. Several lesson plans accompany this trunk and focus on the journal writing, plant identification, and map-making activities of the Corps of Discovery's trip through Idaho. The trunk was funded in part by a grant from the Idaho Community Foundation.
Nez Perce Trunk
Learn about the culture of the Nez Perce with a traveling trunk full of Nez Perce artifacts. Four trunks created by the tribe were given to the Historical Museum so that the rich heritage of the Nez Perce could be shared with the citizens of the state of Idaho. The Is'aaptekay, Nez Perce term for Indian suitcase or parfleche, typically hold dry good items that men and women would have used for work or leisure time around the period that Lewis and Clark arrived. All the items included in the trunks are contemporary pieces made by tribal members. In addition to the hand-made items, a teacher's guide with bibliography, four videos about the tribe, and the book Welcome to Kaya's World are included for reference. The traveling Nez Perce trunk requires a Certificate of Insurance policy by the renter.
Lewis and Clark Traveling Exhibit
Bring an Idaho State Historical Museum exhibit to you!
Four colorful double-sided panels summarize the Voyage of Discovery year by year from 1803-1806. The story is told in simple yet informative language for the enjoyment of both children and adults. A section of the exhibit on 34 of the expedition members provides insight into the qualities Lewis and Clark sought as they recruited for the Corps of Discovery. Another special feature of the exhibit are two panels that provide an in-depth look at Lewis and Clark's 93 days in Idaho and the challenges they faced during that time. This exhibit is light and easy to set up. Each unit weighs seventeen pounds, each panel measures 33 3/8" wide by 84 1/2" high, and it takes up about twelve feet.
The traveling Lewis and Clark exhibit can be reserved for up to a four-week display at your location and can be booked as a series. The exhibit requires a Certificate of Insurance policy by the renter. The cost is $100 and each exhibitor is responsible for shipping costs back to the museum.
If you are interested in scheduling the trunks or exhibit, please contact (208) 334-2120 or by e-mail.