Copyright 2011
The Priest Lake Museum Association
Contact Us:
PO Box 44, Coolin, ID 83821
208-443-2676
priestlakemuseum@gmail.com
In 1989, an opportunity occurred to join hands with
the Panhandle National Forest in an effort called the
'Luby Bay Project'. It was and remains a partnership
between the U.S. Forest Service and the Priest Lake
Museum Association.
The Priest Lake Museum Association
functioned without a central location for the first decade
of its existence, focusing on the collection of historical
photographs and the creation of traveling exhibits.
In 1979, Doug Urquhart, a long time friend of the lake,
gave Lois Hill $300 to initiate an effort to organize a
group motivated to collect and preserve the lake's
history. It's the result of the tenacious effort of a small
group of volunteers who wanted visitors and residents
to be aware of the area's past.
THE PRIEST LAKE MUSEUM
Priest Lake Museum Association * 208-443-2676 * 38 Priest Lake Museum Rd, Priest Lake, ID 83856
The Mission of the Priest Lake Museum Association is to collect and make available
to the public the history of the Priest Lake region, including the natural and cultural
characteristics making Priest Lake unique. The Association's major function shall be to preserve,
prepare and display for the general public any materials that may help to illustrate early
exploration, settlement and development of the region.
The Association will maintain a museum for such purposes, and serve as a focal point for public
interest, enjoyment, education, research and information.
In June 1990, the Priest Lake Museum and Visitor
Center opened its doors to the public in a building
provided by the U.S. Forest Service. Since then it has
steadily grown and thrived, thanks to a supporting
community who protects the past and cares for the
future.
The Priest Lake
Museum
Association
publishes and
sends out an
annual Newsletter
to its members and
volunteers. We have
included
downloadable PDFs
of our newsletters
for your
convenience. Feel
free to browse
through the history
of the Priest Lake
Museum
Association and see
how we have grown
through the years.
Property of the Priest Lake Museum. 1927 USFS
Map with all Ranger Stations marked.
PLMA Newsletters
The Museum building has its own rich and unique
history. The cabin was built by the Civilian
Conservation Corps in 1935 as a Ranger Station and
sits on Forest Service Land. The building served as the
U.S. Forest Service Ranger's home and office until
1960 when it became U.S. Forest Service employee
housing until 1988.
Property of the Priest Lake Museum. Image of the
pathway leading to the lakefront from the front door
otf the Luby Bay Ranger Station (the current Priest
Lake Museum Building.
The Priest Lake Museum was featured in an
article in the Bonner County Daily Bee on
September 16, 2012.