Idaho State Historical Society | Boise

The Idaho State Historical Society (ISHS), headquartered in Boise, Idaho, is the state’s primary institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and promoting Idaho’s history. It functions as a comprehensive organization encompassing archives, museums, historical research, and public programs, serving as both a guardian of the past and a hub for educational outreach.

Location and Setting

The ISHS is located near downtown Boise, within the city’s cultural corridor alongside Julia Davis Park and other prominent institutions such as the Idaho State Museum and Boise Art Museum. The main building is a functional, modern structure, designed to house archival materials, administrative offices, and research facilities. While not ornate, its design emphasizes accessibility and practical preservation of historical resources.

The society’s offices and research facilities are complemented by associated historic sites and museums across Idaho, including restored territorial buildings, frontier homes, and landmarks significant to the state’s development.

Historical Background

The Idaho State Historical Society was founded in 1881, making it one of the older state historical organizations in the western United States. Its mission is to collect, preserve, and disseminate Idaho’s historical records, including documents, photographs, maps, artifacts, and oral histories.

The ISHS also plays a critical role in registering and protecting historic sites, coordinating with local and national preservation efforts, and promoting public understanding of Idaho’s complex social, cultural, and economic history.

Collections and Archives

Manuscripts and Documents

The society maintains a comprehensive archive of government records, personal papers, diaries, letters, and maps that chronicle Idaho’s history from its territorial days through modern times. Researchers can access materials related to politics, industry, social history, and more.

Photographic and Media Collections

Thousands of historic photographs, prints, and audiovisual recordings document Idaho’s towns, landscapes, people, and events. These materials are often used for exhibitions, publications, and educational programs.

Artifacts and Material Culture

The ISHS preserves objects that reflect Idaho life, including tools, household items, clothing, and industrial equipment. These artifacts illustrate the daily experiences of settlers, Native American communities, miners, ranchers, and urban residents.

Historic Sites and Museums

Through its stewardship, the society manages several museums and historic properties throughout the state, including:

Old Idaho Penitentiary – preserving prison history and architecture.

Territorial Homes and Forts – showing pioneer life and military history.

Local heritage sites, from mining towns to homesteads, illustrating regional history.

Educational Programs and Public Engagement

Exhibits and Museum Displays

The ISHS provides rotating and permanent exhibitions that highlight major themes in Idaho history, from Native American heritage to mining, agriculture, and political development. Exhibits often include interactive components, maps, and multimedia presentations to engage visitors.

Research Services

Historians, genealogists, and students use the society’s resources to conduct in-depth research. Staff assist with archival searches, historic site documentation, and publication preparation.

Workshops, Lectures, and Community Programs

The ISHS organizes lectures, workshops, and seminars on topics such as historical preservation, oral history, and Idaho’s cultural diversity. These programs encourage public participation and foster deeper understanding of the state’s heritage.

Publications

The society publishes scholarly and popular works, including journals, newsletters, and research guides, disseminating knowledge about Idaho’s past to both specialists and general audiences.

Visitor Experience

Visiting the Idaho State Historical Society’s facilities offers a blend of research-focused resources and public-facing exhibits. Visitors can explore curated displays on local and state history, examine archival documents in reading rooms, and participate in educational programming. The atmosphere is academic yet welcoming, balancing professional archival care with accessibility for casual visitors.

For those interested in history, the ISHS provides a comprehensive view of Idaho’s evolution, connecting territorial settlement, Native American history, economic development, and cultural growth.

Legacy and Significance

The Idaho State Historical Society is central to preserving the state’s collective memory. By safeguarding documents, artifacts, and historic sites, it ensures that Idaho’s history is accessible to researchers, students, and the public.

Its work not only preserves the past but actively promotes understanding of Idaho’s identity, challenges, and achievements. As a resource for education, cultural engagement, and heritage preservation, the ISHS remains a cornerstone of the state’s historical and civic life.