Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-06-01

RECOGNIZING THE OWYHEE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

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On 2026-06-01, Senator James E. Risch (R-ID) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE OWYHEE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM" in the Senate.

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RECOGNIZING THE OWYHEE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 92 (Monday, June 1, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 92 (Monday, June 1, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S2470-S2471] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE OWYHEE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the Owyhee County Historical Museum, celebrate the opening of its new Mike Hanley Wagon Barn, and mark the beginning of the Outpost Days. Founded in 1961 by a dedicated group of local men and women determined to preserve Owyhee County's rich history, the museum was originally located in a small room within the county courthouse before moving to the old Murphy School House. As its collections grew, the community came together in 1971 to build a new museum, and the old schoolhouse was converted into an artifact. Over time, the museum welcomed the Marsing train depot, a replica stamp mill, and equipment from Silver City. By the early 2000s, the museum expanded to include a new exhibit [[Page S2471]] hall, gift shop, meeting hall, kitchen, library, and archives space. Today, the museum displays many eras of Owyhee County's history, from the frontier days and early mining projects to modern-day ranching and farming practices. Home to the only operating print shop with 100-year- old equipment, the museum also offers rides in a 1915 Model T and provides visitors with a unique opportunity to learn more at the moments that shaped the American West. Each year during the first weekend of June, that history comes to life during the annual Outpost Days celebration, a beloved community tradition featuring art vendors, entertainment, and the world-famous Horney Toad Races. Now, the museum is expanding again to include the Mike Hanley Wagon Barn. The Wagon Barn will be filled with more than 35 wagons, buggies, and stagecoaches, many of which are more than 150 years old. With the new facility, the Owyhee County Historical Museum will have the largest collection of wagons in Idaho, strengthening its ability to tell the story of how pioneers settled the West. As we celebrate the opening of the Wagon Barn and another successful Outpost Days, we also recognize the Owyhee County Historical Museum for its many years of dedication to the community and preserving the legacy of Idaho's early founders. Thanks to their efforts, generations of Idahoans will continue to learn and be inspired by our State's history. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING THE OWYHEE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 92 (Monday, June 1, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 92 (Monday, June 1, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S2470-S2471] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE OWYHEE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the Owyhee County Historical Museum, celebrate the opening of its new Mike Hanley Wagon Barn, and mark the beginning of the Outpost Days. Founded in 1961 by a dedicated group of local men and women determined to preserve Owyhee County's rich history, the museum was originally located in a small room within the county courthouse before moving to the old Murphy School House. As its collections grew, the community came together in 1971 to build a new museum, and the old schoolhouse was converted into an artifact. Over time, the museum welcomed the Marsing train depot, a replica stamp mill, and equipment from Silver City. By the early 2000s, the museum expanded to include a new exhibit [[Page S2471]] hall, gift shop, meeting hall, kitchen, library, and archives space. Today, the museum displays many eras of Owyhee County's history, from the frontier days and early mining projects to modern-day ranching and farming practices. Home to the only operating print shop with 100-year- old equipment, the museum also offers rides in a 1915 Model T and provides visitors with a unique opportunity to learn more at the moments that shaped the American West. Each year during the first weekend of June, that history comes to life during the annual Outpost Days celebration, a beloved community tradition featuring art vendors, entertainment, and the world-famous Horney Toad Races. Now, the museum is expanding again to include the Mike Hanley Wagon Barn. The Wagon Barn will be filled with more than 35 wagons, buggies, and stagecoaches, many of which are more than 150 years old. With the new facility, the Owyhee County Historical Museum will have the largest collection of wagons in Idaho, strengthening its ability to tell the story of how pioneers settled the West. As we celebrate the opening of the Wagon Barn and another successful Outpost Days, we also recognize the Owyhee County Historical Museum for its many years of dedication to the community and preserving the legacy of Idaho's early founders. Thanks to their efforts, generations of Idahoans will continue to learn and be inspired by our State's history. ____________________