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Fall 2021/COVID-19 Updates: The College has returned to full in-person learning with indoor masking required. Read More
Boy surprised by taxidermy bear

Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History

As the only natural history museum in the region encompassing southwestern Idaho, southeastern Oregon, and northern Nevada, The College of Idaho's Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History is the premier resource for environmental and natural history education in the region.  The Museum is listed in the "30 Most Amazing Higher Education Natural History Museums," compiled by Best College Reviews.

The Museum is located in the basement of Boone Hall on the College's campus in Caldwell. Don't forget to visit the museum store!

Our students explore the meaning of the liberal arts through in-depth research on museum specimens.  Learn more by clicking here.

Students can apply for grants to help pursue student research projects.  Click here to find the application.

You can check us out on Facebook and also on Instagram.

Hours

Monday and Wednesday, 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday,  11:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Butterflies on display

Support the Museum

Want to support the Orma J. Smith Natural History Museum?

What We Need
Natural History Museum 6714

Volunteer with Us

Members of the public are invited to visit the Museum and work with staff on a variety of projects.

Volunteer Workdays & Lunchtime Presentations
Natural History Museum Display

Museum Staff & Contributors

A number of people work together to help make this museum the tremendous resource that it is.

Our Staff
Natural History Museum Interior

Museum Events

The Museum takes part in and observes several events during the year.

Museum Events