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The Idaho Black History Museum is located in Boise, Idaho, within Julia Davis Park.

Visual Characteristics

The museum is housed in a single-story, rectangular building constructed primarily of red brick. It features a flat roof and a prominent central entrance with a concrete facade. The building's design is functional and utilitarian, with regularly spaced windows along its sides.

Location & Access Logistics

The Idaho Black History Museum is situated at 508 Julia Davis Drive, Boise, ID 83706. It is approximately 1.5 miles south of Boise's downtown core. Access is via Julia Davis Drive, which is a main thoroughfare within the park. Ample free parking is available in designated lots adjacent to the museum and throughout Julia Davis Park. Public transportation is accessible via Boise's ValleyRide bus system; Route 1 stops within Julia Davis Park, with the closest stop being approximately 0.2 miles from the museum.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building originally served as the Boise Public Library's children's wing, constructed in 1939. It was designed by architects Tourtellotte and Hummel. The Idaho Black History Museum was established in this location in 1999, repurposing the existing structure to preserve and present the history of Black people in Idaho.

Key Highlights & Activities

Exhibits focus on the contributions and experiences of Black individuals and communities in Idaho. Visitors can view permanent displays detailing early Black settlers, the role of Black soldiers, and the civil rights movement in the state. Temporary exhibitions are also presented throughout the year. Educational programs and lectures are offered periodically.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the museum. Limited shaded areas are present in the surrounding park. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable within the park. Food vendors are not typically located directly at the museum, but concessions are available at other locations within Julia Davis Park, particularly during warmer months.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is best visited during its operating hours, typically Tuesday through Saturday. For optimal lighting within the building's exhibition spaces, midday visits are recommended. The surrounding park is most pleasant for exploration during spring and fall months, avoiding the peak heat of summer and potential winter weather.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical fact is that Idaho had a Black governor, George Washington, who served as the territorial governor from 1870 to 1871, though his tenure was brief and his governorship is often overlooked in broader historical narratives.

Nearby Landmarks

• Julia Davis Park (0km, immediate vicinity)
• Boise Art Museum (0.1km West)
• Idaho State Historical Museum (0.3km West)
• Boise Zoo (0.5km Southwest)
• Anne Frank Memorial (0.2km West)