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admission day to Museum
On Saturday, September 26, 2009, the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude will participate in the fifth annual Museum Day, presented by Smithsonian magazine. A celebration of culture, learning and the dissemination of knowledge, Smithsonian’s Museum Day reflects the spirit of the magazine, and emulates the free-admission policy of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, D.C.-based properties. Doors will be open to Smithsonian magazine readers and the Smithsonian.com visitors at museums and cultural institutions nationwide. Last year, upwards of 200,000 people attended Museum Day, with all 50 states plus Puerto Rico represented by over 900 participating museums, including 84 Smithsonian affiliate museums. This year, the magazine expects to attract over 1,000 museums. “We believe the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude is one of the finest museums in Idaho. As a result, we want to be connected to this nationwide educational and cultural effort presented by the Smithsonian that showcases museums around the country,” said Lyle Wirtanen, Director. The Historical Museum at St. Gertrude houses some 70,000 artifacts with about 11,000 on exhibit. Founded in 1931, the museum is one of the longest, continuously operating museums in the Northwest. The exhibits reflect the history of Idaho with themes connected to the history of ranching, logging, mining, the Chinese in Idaho, the Nez Perce, the military, weapons, the history of the sisters of the Monastery of St. Gertrude and more. The Rhoades Emmanuel Memorial gallery consists of exquisite Asian and European artifacts, some of which date to the 17th century. Attendees must present the Museum Day Admission Card to gain free entry to participating institutions. Visit www.smithsonian.com/museumday to download your Museum Day Admissions Card, or find it in the September 2009 issue of Smithsonian. Each card provides museum access for two people, and one admission card is permitted per household. Listings and links to participating museums’ and sponsors sites can also be found at www.smithsonian.com/museumday. |
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