New area resident launches museum project for Colfax

Timothy Hill

Timothy Hill, a retired museum curator from Florida, is now attempting to start a museum in Colfax.

He has started the Palouse Museum of Science and History with a temporary location at 114 S. Main Street, next door to Colfax Security in Colfax.

Hill and his family moved to Rosalia after members of his wife’s family moved to Whitman County. His wife, Cara Morton, works at Washington State University.

Although the project lacks museum artifacts at the moment, Hill believes one day another, larger museum-type building will be a more permanent site.

Hill moved here after he retired from the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa, Fla.

He became involved with the Whitman County Historical Society and later realized Colfax needs a museum.

“This is an opportunity for people driving through town to learn about the Palouse,” Hill said.

Hill has discussed the museum idea with Colfax Mayor Todd Vanek who is “very supportive and really excited. He feels there’s a need and desire to have a museum,” Hill said.

While Hill is waiting for a nonprofit certification, he is mustering support and donations for his project.

“I want to celebrate the history of Colfax,” he said.

The small area he is renting now serves as office space and a small starting version of a museum.

He would prefer to use a building on Main Street for the permanent location.

“I want people to see Colfax as a place with interests in architecture and focus on how awesome Colfax is,” he said.

Hill said he is now soliciting residents for old photographs and newspaper clippings to begin to fill the space.

“I’ve worked in museums my whole life but this the first one I’ve put together,” Hill said. “It’s always been my love to work in an informal educational setting.