Welcome to the Emmett Valley of Southwest Idaho!

Fur trappers were in the area as early as 1818 . . .
One hundred-fifty years ago, in 1862, Tim Goodale led a wagon train across the Payette River, then north, up Haw Creek . . .
Goodale's Cutoff from Boise Valley to Powder River (ISHS Reference Series 1048, 1994)
Later in 1862 the Gold Rush to the Boise Basin came up the Payette River valley Payette River Road . .
The next summer farmers along the river started raising crops to supply the Boise Basin mines . . .
Nathaniel Martin and Jonathan Smith built a ferry crossing just west of the present-day bridge . . .
Squire Martin established a post office as EMMETTSVILLE October 31, 1868; see "What's In A Name?" by Director-Curator Meg Davis ~ (Post Office History)
Emmettsville's merchants from Langley's 1876 Business Directory check out our walking tour.
Gem County was established in 1915 from portions of Canyon County and Boise County, with Emmett as the county seat.

Hawley's 1920 History of Gem County and Emmett, history in detail.

The Museum is open year round. Admittance is free. Donations are always appreciated. New members are always welcome. Tours are available.

Membership meetings with guest speaker programs are held quarterly throughout the year at 7:00pm in the museum. Visitors are always welcome.

Other events are held through out the year.

thanks for stopping by!

2020 Idaho State Historical Society Esto Perpetua Awards -
The Gem County Historical Society was the lone organization selected for the 2020 Esto Perpetua Award by the Idaho State Historical Society and its curator and director, Meg Davis was one of fourteen individuals recognized. . .continued. ::  2020 Esto Perpetual Awards


Dues and contributions may be mailed to the museum at 501 E. 1st, Emmett, ID 83617
or dropped by the museum, afternoons, Wednesday-Saturday

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Updated 16 March 2024

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Unless otherwise attributed, all photos and text are the property of Gem County Historical Society

Serving Gem County since 1973.  ~  © 2008-(present).

Extended hours during The Cherry Festival in June.

501 E. First St, Emmett, Idaho 83617   ~   (208)365-9530

Broken Links? Suggestions? Errors? contact Sharon McConnel, Web Administrator

Webspace for this site is generously provided by Genealogy Village and Access Genealogy