Coming Soon

Native American Encampment

Open Area, Plaza and Native Encampment:  Between the two wings of the facility, there is a public open space plaza, that includes an amphitheater on the west end stairway. The plaza level is designed to be cordoned off and used on occasion as an outdoor event area.  The glass walls of the museum are designed to have areas that are opaque, but visually transparent from the inside.  The design is to allow some areas views into the museum itself.  Thus, allowing an element of entertainment to off-hour and free use of the plaza at no cost.

Indigenous Peoples Area:  We are reserving 1.32 acres for an Indian Encampment. We feel it important for the inclusion of the Shoshone/Bannock Tribes. to contribute their heritage to the project, and report their history in their perspective.

Biodiversity: The planters in the plaza are intended to be primarily drought tolerant and reflect diverse examples of native horticulture of Southern Idaho*2.  The plaza, like the parking areas, will use a permeable surface to reduce the carbon imprint while allowing for heavy foot traffic. 

*2 The Idaho Native Plant Society is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to promoting interest in native plants and plant communities and collecting and sharing information on all phases of the botany of native plants in Idaho. They seek to foster an understanding and appreciation of our native flora and to preserve this rich heritage for future generations.  They also have several conference venues every year.  Enlisting them as a not-for-profit organization will provide an educational venue for their focus and promotion of their organization. 

Prehistoric Times:  Idaho is rich in prehistoric history, both with major digs that have found fossils dating back millions of years, some of the items are currently on display 

Tribes:  We have met with the Shoshone-Bannock tribe had discussions with their Tribal Council.  The indigenous native tribes that inhabited the area prior to the settlers, and Idaho’s statehood inhabited this area for thousands of years.

The Shoshone Bannock Tribe’s Fort Hall reservation is two slightly over two hours away to the east, and the Shoshone Paiute tribe on the Duck Valley reservation is about the same distance to the southwest from Idaho into Nevada.  

Pioneers:  This includes an “Old West ” theme of the pioneers and first settlers, with the initial purchase of two collections of antiquities from Ron Gillett (Triangle Circle Ranch), which includes old west guns, horse saddles, western gear such as spurs, bridles, an authentic pristine Overland stagecoach.  The second is to be the purchase of a private collection of antique wagons, coaches, horse-drawn sleighs, and many photographs from the Forest and Cheryl Hymas estate.

Mining:  Mining in Idaho is a continuing industry today, with active mines throughout the state.  In the early days of the “Gold Rush”, pioneers set out to make their fortunes in reports of gold strikes throughout the state.

Coming of age Modern Idaho: The history of agriculture in Idaho.  The evolution of technology.  From early farming/ranching up to the mechanization of the industry, in both Agriculture and Aquaculture.

Tourism:  In support of the many features and destinations:  Sun Valley Resort area, Sawtooth Recreational Area, Snake River Canyon, Shoshone Falls, Craters of the Moon, Ice Caves, and other attractions in the area.  Perhaps include plaques around the monument area pointing in the direction of these places and include distance.