Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum wins Orchid Award
Hosts book reading next week
WALLACE — The many caretakers of the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum were recently honored for their commitment to keeping the historic structure in pristine condition.
Preservation Idaho, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to protecting historic places of significance in Idaho, announced in late May that the NPR Depot Museum was one of six Idaho locations that would be recognized during its 43rd Annual Orchids & Onions Awards ceremony.
Held on June 13 at the historic Schick-Ostolasa Farmstead in Hidden Springs, Idaho, NPDRM was given the Heritage Stewardship Orchid Award at the ceremony.
NPRDM Director Shauna Hillman explained that the Heritage Stewardship is awarded to organizations or individuals that have shown dedication to historic preservation through the long-term maintenance and care of historic, architecturally significant, or culturally important sites and structures.
The award specifically recognizes the voluntarism of the NP Depot Foundation Board of Directors, which are a working group of members who are dedicated to the historic value and maintenance of the NPR Depot facility and grounds.
“It is a grand honor to be recognized by Preservation Idaho of The Idaho Historic Preservation Council as a contributor to the state of Idaho’s list of historic buildings, sites and people,” Hillman said.
The NPDRM has seen countless changes and renovations during its time as a museum. On top of being relocated from its original position on the south side of town to its current location in 1986, the building has also had an enormous amount of refurbishment and upkeep. Most recently, the museum received a new roof to ensure that the rest of the structure — and it’s exhibits inside — stick around for years to come. On the horizon, NPDRM is hosting a book reading and discussion on Tuesday, June 30 from 3 to 5 p.m. with author Brian R. Lee. The book being read is Lee’s recent published piece, “Where’s our Money?”
“We promise you a good time as you listen to Mr. Lee’s accounts of the train robbery that occurred in the Silver Valley about 129 years ago, but few details are known for certain,” said Cindy Lien. “Local author Brian R. Lee decided to remedy that by making up details for a new novel entitled ‘Where’s Our Money? The North Idaho Train Robbery.”
Lee takes the few facts known about the robbery and creates conspiracy, intrigue and extortion that affects fictitious characters in Wallace, leading up to the assault on the train, a shooting and a riot. Good, law-abiding people find themselves tangled up in the plot, requiring them to make difficult decisions. Was all this how the North Idaho Train Robbery actually played out? The readers will have to decide that for themselves.
Social distancing will be practiced and attendees are welcome to wear a mask, although it is not required.
For more information, contact the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum at 208-752-0111.
