Phone: (208) 467-7611

Field Trips for the Treasure Valley

The Canyon County Historical Society believes our local history matters. Students in the Treasure Valley deserve to experience how rich that history is and understand how it has shaped the world around them today.

Our goal is to meet students where they are, presenting history in ways that feel relevant, engaging, and meaningful. We strive to create experiences that spark connection and leave a lasting impact, helping students see how the past influences their future.

With two museums filled with artifacts and stories, we are committed to connecting with every student who walks through our doors in a way that resonates with them.

Through our knowledgeable docents and our CCHS Field Trip Team, we bring history to life in interactive and memorable ways.

As part of that experience, students will also meet our CCHS Mascot Team, who help guide, engage, and inspire curiosity throughout their visit. From welcoming faces to hands-on learning moments, each member of our team plays a unique role in making history come alive.

While your field trip can take place at either the Nampa Train Depot or Caldwell’s Our Memories Indian Creek Museum, we believe the most enriching experience comes from visiting both locations in one day.

We typically recommend starting at one museum from 9:30–11:00 AM, followed by a lunch break at a nearby park or outdoor space, and then visiting the second museum around 12:00 or 12:30 PM to complete the day.

We’re happy to work with your schedule, so please let us know if this format works best for your group.

Conductor Charlie Junction - Museum Host & Welcoming Guide

Charlie is the friendly face of the depot, welcoming visitors and inviting students to step into the world of railroad history. He introduces the stories of passenger travel, the depot, and the community, guiding students through an engaging and interactive museum experience.

Personality: Warm, encouraging, and proud of the depot
Catchphrase: “All aboard for history!”

Engineer Casey Junction - STEM Education Guide

Casey, Charlie’s cousin and the depot’s locomotive engineer, brings the science of trains to life. He helps students discover how locomotives work, exploring the mechanics, energy, and engineering behind the railroad through hands-on learning and problem-solving.

Personality: Curious, hands-on, and loves explaining how things work
Catchphrase: “Let’s fire up the engine and see how it works!”

Archivist Lillian Prescott - Preservation & Records Guide

Lillian helps students discover how history is preserved through newspapers, photographs, and personal keepsakes. She shows how memories are collected and protected, inviting students to explore the stories of the past through scrapbooking, artifacts, and historical records.

Personality: Thoughtful, creative, detail-oriented, and passionate about preserving memories
Catchphrase: “Every memory has a story worth saving.”

Dr Smiley Creek - Health & Community History Guide

Dr. Smiley Creek welcomes visitors to the Our Memories Indian Creek Museum, where he helps students explore how people lived, stayed healthy, and cared for one another throughout history. Through stories of everyday life, he brings community history to life in a warm and meaningful way.

Personality: Kind, patient, gentle, and always smiling
Catchphrase: “History is something to smile about!”