The Museum of the Henry’s Fork

The museum is the repository for American Dog Derby memorabilia. The collection includes dog sleds, trophies (including the Ambassador Cup), and race buttons (current and past years).  The late Bernetta Hansen donated two 3-in binders of historic dog derby photos, postcards, and newspaper clippings that she had complied over the years.

In 2024, a display dedicated to Lydia “Whistlin’ Lyd” Hutchison, who in 1922 became the first female musher to enter the American Dog Derby.  We met Lydia’s family, after a small dog sled display (where volunteers had named it “Whistlin’ Lyd”) was posted on the museum's Facebook page.  Lydia’s granddaughter, Nancy Brower Dafoe reached out to the museum and offered the donation of Lydia’s memorabilia.

In August 2024, Lydia’s family donated her memorabilia to the museum and visited with local mushers. The donation included her race pendant, fur hat, scrapbook, 1931 race button that featured her photo, numerous photographs, jewelry, etc.  A museum display case dedicated to Lydia now houses her memorabilia.

A life-size display depicting Lydia Hutchison is planned for the museum's front window.  A female mannequin will be dressed in period clothing and staged behind a dog sled.

In addition, the museum has dog sledding books/coloring sheets and plush huskie dogs for children.