Fort Hall Replica opens under new management
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POCATELLO — The Fort Hall Replica in Pocatello officially opened for the summer on Saturday, and staff is hopeful that a change in management will breathe new life into the facility over the next few years.
On the heels of an April agreement with the city of Pocatello, the Bannock County Historical Society has assumed all day-to-day operations of the Fort Hall Replica and the Pocatello Junction mock townsite from the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. The two facilities along with the historical society’s museum are located in the Historical Complex at Upper Ross Park.
“The county museum is open year-round so we are the people who are on-site,” said Lynn Murdoch, director and curator for the Bannock County Historical Museum. “The replica is only open a few months over the summer, so with us taking the helm to oversee the day-to-day operations it gives us more access and oversight.”
The museum now has two full-time employees, Murdoch said, adding that in the future the replica can open earlier in the summer and stay open later into the fall season.
City staff estimate the changes will save the city about $7,000 by reducing costs associated with staffing the replica.
In addition, transitioning to one overseeing entity will ease difficulties the general public encountered when scheduling events, according the Murdoch.
“What was happening was people were calling two different entities for scheduling an event,” she said. “It was a cumbersome process to the public who thought we were a single entity.”
While oversight has changed, the city will continue to maintain both the Fort Hall Replica and Pocatello Junction, and will continue to own both facilities.
And within the two years, new walkways will connect the replica, museum and Pocatello Junction structures thanks to an Ifft grant. The grant funding comes from a foundation started by the Ifft family, which formerly owned the Idaho State Journal.
In relation to the on-going operation of the replica and Pocatello Junction facilities, the city of Pocatello has established the Fort Hall Replica Commission.
The commission has a long history of significant and valued contributions to the Replica, including the original construction. The commission also preserves, improves and promotes the replica.
Furthermore, the commission oversees advisement of replica programs, facilities, administrative policy, long-range planning, areas of concern, fees and hours of operation.
The commission will work with the Bannock County Historical Society Board as a committee, providing input to and collaborating with the board to preserve the commission’s opportunities for continued contribution to the replica.
Gerald Waggoner is the current replica commission chairman, and was also the fort sheriff during the grand opening on Saturday.
Gerald said the commission faced challenges finding new members to serve on the board, but is hopeful the transition will help alleviate those concerns.
During the grand opening a senior singing group, the Silver Chords performed before a flag raising ceremony.
In the future, board members are interested in expanding the educational curriculum offered in many third- and fourth-grade classes throughout Idaho.
Murdoch said that many third- and fourth-grade classes study Idaho history and a section of that education includes a field trip to the Historical Complex.
“At some point in the future one of our board members will try and come up with ways to have a hands-on classroom to help with that environment,” Murdoch said. “This will include different stations to learn about the history of the replica, county and Pocatello Junctions.”
The cost to tour the Fort Hall Replica, Bannock County Historical Museum and Pocatello Junction is $6 for adults, $3 for youth age 6 and older, and $5 for seniors and military personnel. The hours of operation are Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This story first appeared in the Idaho State Journal. It is used here with permission.