Sawtooth Interpretive & Historical Association

The Sawtooth Interpretive & Historical Association (SIHA) is a nonprofit based in Stanley, Idaho dedicated to protecting and advancing the natural and cultural history of Idaho's Sawtooth and Salmon River country through education and preservation.

Visit us! SIHA operates the Stanley Museum and the Redfish Visitor Center & Gallery, staffs trailheads, and provides educational opportunities and area information.

SIHA works in cooperation with the Sawtooth, Salmon-Challis, and Caribou-Targhee National Forests. Since 1972, we have provided interpretive and educational programs to preserve the past and protect the future of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (NRA) and Salmon River country.

For over a decade SIHA has hosted the annual Sawtooth Forum & Lecture Series, a free, public program at the Stanley Museum. The series brings in scientists, historians, and storytellers to present their work as it relates to the Sawtooths, expanding our understanding and appreciation of the area.

SIHA also preserves history throughout the valley by restoring buildings and providing interpretive information and education programs.

The museum and visitor center are open daily mid-June through mid-September. Our staff is made up of dedicated interns with backgrounds in environmental studies, recreation, conservation, education, and related sciences who are interested in learning educational and interpretive techniques and explore the beauty the area has to offer.

At the Redfish Lake Visitor Center & Gallery, naturalists present over 300 free walks and talks throughout the summer about the natural history of the area for all ages. The center also provides maps, books, and information, hosts an art gallery of regional talent, and welcomes visitors to the area. Naturalists inform adventurers about Leave-No-Trace and wilderness regulations at trailhead portals (contacting more than 7000 visitors) and answer myriad questions.

At the Stanley Museum you will find displayed relics of the past and an older way of life. To further inform both locals and visitors alike, SIHA collects oral histories, maintains photo archives, organizes history tours, provides area information, and sponsors other activities and events, including History Day and the Sawtooth Salmon Festival.

SPECIAL PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS:

Help fund a Naturalist or Historic Specialist!
SIHA's Intern Program: 8-10 college students and recent graduates gaining skills in education, interpretation, research, communications/writing, social media, visitor services, Wilderness regulations, nonprofit operations, US Forest Service operations, and more!

Sawtooth Forum & Lecture Series
8-week speaker series bring scientists and historians to the Stanley community and visitors to deepen our understanding of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

Historic Building Fund
Historic buildings require special care, attention, and upkeep. SIHA is raising funds to accomplish upgrades and enhancements to the Stanley Museum, working on building a historic replica "Clerk’s Cabin" for intern housing, and raising funds for future preservation efforts.