Exhibits at
The Homesteader Museum
While we showcase traveling exhibits each year, our permanent exhibits consist of photographs and artifacts depicting early 20th century domestic culture in Powell. We also have an outdoor collection of farm machinery, sheepherder’s wagon, and the Burchell & Ruby Hopkin Historic Equipment Museum building complete with a blacksmith shop and a Park County jail cell from the Earl Durand era.
Two popular, interactive exhibits include the Bever Homestead; an original, furnished homesteader’s home and the Burlington Northern caboose. We have a story to share with everyone.
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Caboose
Come see the CB&Q Caboose
Climb aboard a CB&Q Burlington Northern Caboose, walk back in time into an original homestead, peer inside a sheep herders wagon and an outhouse. In addition, the museum houses hundreds of homesteading histories and land certificates for research and curiosity.
Our Collections
Blacksmith & Hand Tools
Education/Powell Schools
Fossils, Rocks, & Minerals
Hometown Heroes/Military
Irrigation & Farming Equipment
Kitchen & Domestic Life
Local Powell Valley Area Businesses
Medical/Dental
Oral Histories/Archives
Recreation/Hunting & Fishing
Scrapbooks/Photographs
View Museum Collection
Homestead House
Step back in time and explore the Homestead House
Explore more than 10,000 square feet of historic exhibits that are sure to bring back memories, including the Bever Homestead from the Garland Division of the Shoshone Project.
The Bever Homestead is an original 1913 homestead house owned by homesteaders O.E. and Ruby Bever, donated to the museum in 2002.
As one of the staples of the museum, you’ll enjoy exploring what it was like as a homesteader in Powell over 100 years ago.
Bever Family History
A Tidbit of Powell History
-
In 1904, the United States Government set aside $2.25 million for the Shoshone Project.
-
In 1907, the Garland Division opened with 35,000 acres.
-
In 1910, the Shoshone Dam is completed.
-
In 1914, the Garland Division is complete with 450 homesteads.