It is Time for the Island Park Museum

Island Park has a rich and colorful history. Mountain men, Indian tribes, pioneers, loggers, merchants and vacationers have all added to the area’s legacy. With the passage of time, many of the visible signs of the early residents’ life here are wiped away in remodels, rebuilds and development. Old family cabins are sold and many artifacts are dispersed or end up in the landfill. 

Island Park needs a museum to collect and house the historical artifacts. With such a large tourist presence, there is little doubt that such a museum would be well attended.    

Last week I had the opportunity to visit with Vickie Jones of the Island Park Historical Society. The subject of an Island Park museum came up. I was pleased to learn that a substantial trust was donated for the purpose of building such a museum and that a parcel of land has been generously offered as well. The delay in construction has been over the scale of the initial museum. It is understandable how an initial project in Island Park would be dwarfed by the large, elaborate visitor centers of Yellowstone Park.

Island Park is a humble place. Residents who made a life here have started very small and slowly built their enterprises. It would be fitting for the museum to begin the same way. Once the doors are open, it will grow as those who love the area visit. Donations of exhibits will be offered when they have a home. The Island Park Historical Museum’s time is now. Let’s say “thank you” to those who built the community by telling their story to all who visit Island Park.