University of Idaho to Open North Idaho Affiliate of Idaho Museum of Natural History

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The University of Idaho will host a public grand opening and ribbon cutting later this month to mark the launch of the North Idaho affiliate of the Idaho Museum of Natural History. The affiliate, housed within the university's College of Science, was created through a partnership between the University of Idaho and Idaho State University and will serve as a regional hub for community access, student learning and Idaho-based research while expanding exhibit space for natural history collections.

Why it matters

The new affiliate will help strengthen connections between research collections and the public while providing new educational opportunities for students and the community. It also builds on the Pocatello-based museum's statewide outreach programs, expanding access to the state's natural history collections.

The details

Exhibits are being developed in the Mines Building and nearby McClure Hall, with long-term plans to connect the two spaces through additional displays. The first exhibit, located in the basement foyer of McClure Hall, is already open to visitors. The museum will showcase several major scientific collections, including the Smiley Paleobotany Collection, the Williams Geological Teaching Collection, and the Gunter Mineralogy Collection.

• The public grand opening and ribbon cutting is scheduled for 1–2 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026.
• The first exhibit, located in the basement foyer of McClure Hall, is already open to visitors.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The new North Idaho affiliate will continue to develop exhibits in the Mines Building and McClure Hall, with plans to connect the two spaces through additional displays.