Ellie Norman, Wood River Museum Collections Specialist A captivating photo from the Center for Regional History's Historic Photograph Collection showcases a quintessential moment from the 1976 Sun Valley Rodeo, featuring an unidentified cowboy expertly roping a calf. This snapshot, dated July 4th, 1976, serves as a vivid reminder of the rich rodeo traditions that are deeply rooted in Hailey, Idaho. Rodeo has long been a proud tradition in the West, and Hailey's connection to this … [Read more...] about A Quintessential Rodeo Moment
"Rear View" from Regional History
Howling Wolf
Mary Tyson, Director of the Center for Regional History A wolf sighting is truly exciting. Most of the time it’s from a long distance away. Our appreciation of their magnificence is often from close-up photos. Contemporary nature photographers are like hunters except with a camera. Predicting where the animal or bird will be and when takes great knowledge. And then, the sought after shot is captured with skill, a powerful lens, and some luck. Well before the turn of the 20th Century, a … [Read more...] about Howling Wolf
Springtime in Sun Valley
Liam Guthrie, Regional History Librarian As the weather warms and ski season comes to an end, I’m sure many can relate to this group of skiers, donned in short sleeves and straw hats, chasing the last of the spring snow high in the mountains. This photo is from the personal scrapbook of Jerry Norling, a publicist and noted “popular young rogue” working for Sun Valley in the 1950s. The album features many photos from this particular trip up into the Boulder Mountains, taken by Norling … [Read more...] about Springtime in Sun Valley
The 1910 Ketchum Women’s Baseball Team
By Brigid Miller, Museum Community Engagement Manager In the US, the month of March is celebrated as Women’s History Month, and International Women’s Day is recognized on the 8th of March this year. The Wood River Valley has been shaped by incredible women past and present, and in this feature, I wanted to highlight a group of women from our collection. Also occurring in March is the start of baseball season, from the MLB to little leagues across the country. Pictured here is the … [Read more...] about The 1910 Ketchum Women’s Baseball Team
Dancing with the Ram Trio
By Ellie Norman, Wood River Museum Collections Specialist Within the pages of the Center for Regional History’s historic photograph collection, a captivating snapshot from 1950s Sun Valley comes to life. This photograph from c. 1958 captures a spirited moment as couples twirl and sway to the lively tunes of The Ram Trio, a beloved local band that left a lasting mark on the entertainment scene during that era. Comprising the musical talents of Charles Macak, Larry LaPrise, and Tafit … [Read more...] about Dancing with the Ram Trio
Major Hong King Wash House
Mary Tyson, Director of the Jeanne Rodger Lane Center for Regional History In the late 1800s, Idaho was home to a substantial Chinese community, drawn by the allure of gold and opportunities in railroad construction. While the written history of mining companies and early prospectors is well-documented in the Wood River Valley, details about the Chinese community remain scarce because anti-Chinese sentiment eventually drove them out. A poignant glimpse into this history comes from this … [Read more...] about Major Hong King Wash House




