Welcome to Garden Valley Historical Society
The Garden Valley Historical Society (GVHS) is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing the rich and unique history of Garden Valley, Idaho. Our organization serves as a steward of local heritage, ensuring that the stories, artifacts, and traditions of our community are protected and passed on to future generations.
About Us
Preserving Our Past, Inspiring Our Future.
The Garden Valley Historical Society is a community-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing the rich history of Garden Valley, Idaho. We work to protect the stories, artifacts, and traditions that define our community, ensuring they are not lost to time but passed on to future generations.
Through the careful collection and conservation of historical materials, we safeguard the legacy of those who shaped Garden Valley. Our goal is to make local history accessible, engaging, and meaningful for everyone—residents, visitors, researchers, and students alike.
We believe that history connects generations and strengthens community identity. By educating and inspiring through exhibitions, research, and public programs, we foster a deeper appreciation of our shared heritage.
Our Program: Bringing Garden Valley’s History to Life
The Garden Valley Historical Society offers programs designed to preserve, share, and celebrate the rich heritage of our community. Through engaging activities and educational initiatives, we connect people of all ages with the stories, artifacts, and traditions that define Garden Valley.
Heritage Preservation & Archives Program
This program focuses on the careful collection, documentation, and preservation of historical artifacts, photographs, records, and documents related to Garden Valley’s past. By safeguarding these materials, we ensure that valuable pieces of local history are protected from loss or deterioration. The program supports accurate historical research and provides future generations with authentic resources to understand and appreciate the community’s heritage.
Community Exhibits & Historical Displays
Through thoughtfully curated exhibits and displays, this program brings Garden Valley’s history to life for residents and visitors alike. Artifacts and stories are presented in engaging ways that highlight significant events, everyday life, and cultural traditions of the area. These exhibitions encourage exploration, learning, and a deeper emotional connection to the community’s past.
Community Exhibits & Historical Displays
This program is dedicated to making local history accessible and meaningful through educational talks, presentations, workshops, and community events. By engaging students, families, and lifelong learners, we foster curiosity and appreciation for Garden Valley’s heritage. Public outreach strengthens community involvement, encourages the sharing of personal stories, and ensures that history remains a living, shared experience.
Why History Matters
History matters because it connects us to who we are, where we come from, and how our community has evolved over time. It preserves the stories, struggles, achievements, and everyday lives of those who came before us, giving meaning and context to the present. By understanding history, we gain insight into our shared identity and the values that have shaped our community.
Studying and preserving history helps us learn from past experiences, celebrate cultural heritage, and avoid repeating mistakes. It builds respect for diversity, fosters civic pride, and strengthens the bonds between generations. When history is protected and shared, it becomes a powerful tool for education, reflection, and informed decision-making.
Our Mission
Preserving History, Connecting Generations
The mission of the Garden Valley Historical Society is to preserve, promote, and present the rich history of our community. We are dedicated to collecting, conserving, and sharing historical artifacts, documents, photographs, and stories that reflect the heritage of Garden Valley.
Through education, exhibitions, and community engagement, we strive to make local history accessible and engaging for all. By fostering understanding and appreciation of our shared past, we aim to inspire pride, curiosity, and a lasting connection between past, present, and future generations.
Our Mission
At the Garden Valley Historical Society, our mission is to preserve, promote, and present the rich history of our community. We are dedicated to collecting, conserving, and exhibiting historical artifacts, documents, photographs, and stories that reflect the heritage of Garden Valley. Through education and public engagement, we strive to inspire curiosity, deepen understanding, and foster a lasting appreciation for our shared past. Our goal is to make local history accessible, engaging, and meaningful for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a future where the history of Garden Valley is valued, protected, and celebrated as an essential part of community identity. We envision a community that recognizes the importance of its heritage and actively participates in preserving it. By strengthening connections between past and present, we aim to inspire pride, learning, and stewardship so that Garden Valley’s stories continue to inform and enrich generations to come.
Our Impact
The impact of the Garden Valley Historical Society is seen in the preservation of local heritage and the growing awareness of Garden Valley’s history within the community. Through our efforts, historical materials are safeguarded for future study, and meaningful opportunities for learning and engagement are created. Our work helps residents and visitors alike connect with the people, events, and traditions that shaped the region.
Our Values
At the Garden Valley Historical Society, our values guide everything we do and reflect our commitment to preserving and sharing the heritage of our community. These principles shape our work, our relationships, and our responsibility as stewards of local history.
We value historical integrity, ensuring that all collections, research, and presentations are accurate, respectful, and thoughtfully preserved. We believe in accessibility, working to make history open, engaging, and meaningful for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Our work is grounded in community collaboration. We honor the voices, stories, and contributions of local residents, recognizing that history is strongest when it is shared and inclusive. We are committed to education and learning, using history as a tool to inspire curiosity, understanding, and lifelong appreciation of our heritage.
Above all, we value stewardship and responsibility. We approach preservation with care and respect, knowing that we are entrusted with protecting Garden Valley’s legacy for future generations. Through these values, we strive to honor the past while enriching the present and inspiring the future.
Why Choose Us
The Garden Valley Historical Society is more than a place where history is preserved — it is where the story of our community is carefully protected, thoughtfully shared, and kept alive for future generations. Choosing us means supporting an organization that is deeply rooted in respect for heritage and committed to honoring the people and events that shaped Garden Valley.
We bring a local, community-driven perspective to historical preservation. Our work is guided by authenticity, accuracy, and a genuine passion for safeguarding local stories that might otherwise be forgotten. Every artifact we preserve and every story we share reflects our dedication to historical integrity and careful stewardship.
We believe history should be accessible and engaging for everyone. Through educational programs, exhibits, and community outreach, we make the past meaningful and relevant to today’s audiences. Our approach encourages curiosity, learning, and connection across generations.
Our Team: Dedicated Stewards of Our Shared Heritage
Behind the Garden Valley Historical Society is a passionate team of historians, volunteers, educators, and community members who share a deep commitment to preserving and celebrating our local history. Each member brings unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives, working together to ensure that Garden Valley’s stories are carefully protected and meaningfully shared.
Our team is united by a respect for the past and a belief in the power of history to educate and inspire. From collecting and conserving artifacts to organizing programs and engaging the public, we collaborate to make history accessible, accurate, and engaging for all.
Jeremy Epstein
Founder
Passionate about local history and community heritage, our Founder and President leads the Garden Valley Historical Society with vision and dedication. They guide the organization’s mission to preserve and promote Garden Valley’s unique past for future generations.
Joseph Berry
Curator & Archivist
Our Curator carefully manages the collection, ensuring artifacts and documents are preserved with the highest standards. They research, catalog, and prepare exhibits that bring Garden Valley’s history to life for visitors and residents alike.
Edward Cothran
Outreach Coordinator
Focused on making history accessible and engaging, the Education & Outreach Coordinator develops programs, workshops, and events that connect the community with its heritage. They work closely with schools, volunteers, and partners to inspire learning and participation.
Testimonials
Voices of Appreciation from Our Community
At the Garden Valley Historical Society, the impact of our work is best reflected in the words of those we serve and collaborate with. Our community’s support and appreciation inspire us to continue preserving and sharing Garden Valley’s rich history. Here are some heartfelt testimonials from visitors, volunteers, and members who have experienced the value of our programs and dedication firsthand.
“A treasure trove of local history! The exhibits brought my family’s stories to life and deepened our connection to Garden Valley.”
Kevin Sanders
Community Member
“The volunteers and staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Their efforts make history accessible and engaging for all ages.”
Annie Drake
Teacher and Volunteer
“Thanks to GVHS, our children have a greater appreciation for our town’s heritage. The educational programs are inspiring and fun.”
Derek Arguello
Parent and Supporter
Preserving Yesterday, Inspiring Tomorrow
The Garden Valley Historical Society stands as a guardian of our community’s rich and diverse heritage, dedicated to preserving the stories, artifacts, and memories that define who we are. History is not just a record of what has been; it is the foundation upon which we build understanding, identity, and connection. By safeguarding our past, we provide future generations with the tools to learn, grow, and carry forward the legacy of Garden Valley.
Our commitment goes beyond preservation—it is about making history accessible, engaging, and meaningful to everyone. Through education, exhibitions, and community involvement, we bring the past to life in ways that inspire curiosity and pride. We believe that every artifact tells a story, every photograph holds a memory, and every person is part of this ongoing narrative.