The Oakley Valley Historical Museum, in Oakley, Idaho, is a volunteer-run institution dedicated to preserving the rich history of the Oakley Valley. Housed in a historic building, the museum features exhibits that chronicle the area's development, including its Native American heritage, pioneer settlements, and the evolution of local industries such as agriculture and mining. Visitors can explore artifacts and displays that offer insights into the daily lives of Oakley's early residents, including school memorabilia, military uniforms, and household items.
The museum operates seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with additional visits available by appointment. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated to support the museum's mission. Every odd-numbered year, the museum sponsors the Oakley Historic Home Tour, showcasing the town's well-preserved Victorian architecture and offering a glimpse into its storied past .
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12-4 pm
Wednesday: 9-11am
Thursday: 4-6pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday: 1-4pm
Museum 208.862.3646
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brent Butler 503.997.5340
Rachel Dillon 208.431.5317
Dwight Hale 308.312.0839
140 W Main St, Oakley, ID 83346
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The Oakley Museum is unique in that it is not just a collection of random old things. Rather, it tells the story of Oakley. Every artifact is from Oakley, was used by someone from Oakley, or is similar to what would have been in Oakley. Oakley was named for William E. Oakley, manager of the stage station located north and west of the city in the 1870s. Settlers began arriving in the mid-to-late 1870s, and the city was incorporated in 1883.
In 1878 several Mormon families from Grantsville, Utah settled in the Basin and on Goose Creek. They were not sent by the Church, but came on their own, as did many others shortly afterward. By 1882 there were enough Mormons to start a ward, and Horton D. Haight was sent from Utah to be the first bishop. Every year on the weekend of the 24th of July, the date the pioneers arrived in Utah, Oakley hosts a large celebration with events and activities for all.
In the 1870s large cattle companies grazed cattle in the Goose Creek area. In 1878, the same year the Mormons arrived, Frank Carl Bedke settled in the Basin and began ranching. Soon the ranchers were joined by outfits grazing sheep, and conflicts resulted. In fact, conflicts in this are can be seen as a microcosm for those in the entire west. Diamondfield Jack was in the forefront here.
The project to build the dam, 1909-1913, employed 250 men. The dam was well built and was the largest earthen dam in the world at the time. Engineers over-estimated the amount of water available during most years, but it is still serving farmers in the valley well. In 1984, the dam filled beyond capacity, and a devastating flood was averted by the herculean efforts of local leaders and citizens.
Agriculture has always been basic to the economy of Oakley. Examples of tools and equipment may be seen throughout the museum and outdoor display areas. A scale model of an early threshing machine is in a showcase.
Education has always been important in Oakley, and schools sprang up wherever there was a concentration of families, such as the Dam School for children of those building the dam. In 1889 the Cassia Stake Academy was established and in 1910 moved to the two-story building, which was known as Oakley Rural High School after 1921. In 1912, a new three-story elementary school was built on East Main. Both schools have been replaced by modern buildings. Yearbooks are available for viewing.
Oakley is proud of its veterans. In this display are binders with information on nearly every serviceman from Oakley. There are different uniforms and even a field phone.
Ranching and farming in Oakley started in 1878 along Goose Creek. After the dam was finished, more rich farmland could be irrigated in the perfectly flat Oakley Valley. The Vipoint Mine was an important siler mine that employed many people for many years. There were other small mines in the area. Quarrying of Oakley quartz began in the 1950s.
Oakley City was served by resident physicians until the mid-20th century, including Dr. Marion Rich “Sutty” Sutton and Dr. Axel Francis Oscar (A.F.O.) Nielson. Born in Denmark and trained in Vienna, Dr. Nielson played a crucial role in protecting the community during the 1919–1920 influenza epidemic. By placing the entire city under quarantine, he is credited with saving Oakley from the worst of the outbreak.
The island in the center of the main room represents some of the many businesses that were in Oakley at one time. These included five banks, doctors, a hospital, dentists, attorneys, automobile dealerships, furniture stores, JC Penney, grocery stores, an opera house, movie theater and saloons. There is a bank safe, electric curlers, whiskey still and original mirror and soda counter from the drug store on display.
This display shows many of the everyday items a homemaker would have used in earlier times. There are butter churns, washing machines, and a “kitchen secretary” which was used to keep dry ingredients rodent and insect free. Imagine watching television on one of those displayed or having a radio that is large.