Upcoming Lecture Explores the History of the Benedictine Sisters in Idaho

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Former Idaho State Historian Keith Petersen will guide in the new exhibit on the sisters that he helped create.

This Thursday, October 20, the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude presents a special event that focuses on the history of the Benedictine sisters of Cottonwood, Idaho. The lecture and tour will be offered at both 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. The event is free and admission to the Historical Museum will be free all day.

The Historical Museum at St. Gertrude has begun a five-year plan to extensively remodel the exhibits so that they better tell the stories of our region. Thursday’s event celebrates the completion of the first phase that focuses on the history of the sisters and their ministries. The tour will be guided by former Idaho State Historian Keith Petersen, who helped create the exhibit. Assistant Prioress Sister Mary Marge Goeckner will also present.

The sisters’ service in the Pacific Northwest began with the courageous leadership of Mother Johanna Zumstein, Sister Magdalene Suter, and Sister Rosalia Ruebli who arrived in 1882 from a cloister in Sarnen, Switzerland. The journey took these women through Eastern Washington and continues in Cottonwood, Idaho where the motherhouse was founded in 1909.

This project is supported in part by a grant from the Idaho Humanities Council, a state-based partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Support has also come from the Idaho State Historical Society as part of its Community Enhancement Grants program and Northwest Farm Credit Services through their Rural Community Grant Program. Further support for the exhibits remodel project has come from donors who responded to a recent appeal.

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The Benedictine Sisters established their motherhouse in Cottonwood in 1909.

This is the third lecture in the 17th Annual Fall Lecture Series presented by the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude. The series, held on Thursdays during the month of October, provides insights into the history of our region. October is also Membership Month at the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude and Thursday’s event will provide an opportunity to join in support as museum members. The lecture and tour will be at 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. Light refreshments are provided. This event is FREE.

Come celebrate the rich legacy of the Benedictine sisters of Cottonwood, Idaho. The event will be held at the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude located at 465 Keuterville Road, Cottonwood, Idaho. For further information on the Lecture Series, contact the Museum at 208-962-2054.