A jolly bunch of homesteaders were vacationing at the Jesse Rice ranch on Thompson River when this picture was taken in the early 20s. Pictured in the front row are left to right, Elizabeth Howser, C.P. (Scrubby) Howser, Roy Bras. Standing are Claribel Dondanville, LaVerne Dondanville, Zella Von Segen, Florence Dondanville, Klonda Howser, Jim Howser, Jesse Rice, Don Rice and Mabel Rice.

2025-2026 Meeting Dates


Museum Archives & Research Room


10 a.m. to Noon

We meet the 3rd Saturday of every month. Join us!


January 18, 2025

February 15, 2025

March 15, 2025

April 19, 2025

May 17, 2025

June 21, 2025

July 19, 2025

August 16, 2025

September 20, 2025

October 18, 2025

November 15, 2025

December 20, 2025

January 17, 2026

February 21, 2026

March 21, 2026

April 18, 2026

Everyone is welcome, we are eager to hear your thoughts!

A variety of past events

Homesteaders 2024

A variety of visitors stopped in for coffee, cake and coversation during the 75th Homesteaders Celebration.

Rock N Roast 2024

The first ever Annual Rock N Roast Gathering & Fundraiser brought many people out to the museum to explore our exhibits along with visiting old friends.

Kindergarten Visit 2024

The kindergarteners and second graders worked together on a historical scavenger hunt while exploring the museum. All of the students received a free Trailblazer Museum Membership!




In 2023, Sophia Springs Homesteader Taxi promoted the museum while shuttling spectators from town to the Homesteaders rodeo.


Volunteers are constantly working on The Living Heritage Interpretive Center Trail project. Trail building, maintenance, mowing and weeding are constant chores.


The Spud Fest has continued as the annual museum fundraiser generating funds for museum operation.


Getting connected with the history of the area by clearing sage brush at The Ventling Cemetery. Jacob Winn, Ariah Erny, Sam Carr and Sher Loberg


Students in the school's mentoring program came out to explore. They usually race out to the buildings and trucks for further investigation.



Visitors tend to enjoy The Sorenson Cabin for the hands-on exploration. 


Another spring visitor studies desk posters before wandering off into the in-door exhibits.


The entire school population came out to make ice cream, explore, ask questions and enjoy learning about items in the museum.