Idaho State Historical Society

Idaho State Historical Society The Idaho State Historical Society is an extraordinary system of cultural and historic resources. Join us today!

The Idaho State Historical Society is comprised of the Idaho State Museum, Idaho State Archives, Idaho State Historic Preservation Office, and Historic Sites Program. We seek to inspire, enrich and engage all Idahoans by leading the state in preserving, sharing, and using history and cultural resources relevant to today to inform and influence the future.

Raise a tankard and celebrate America's 250th birthday at Museum After Dark: RevolutionALE! 🍻Step back into the colonial...
07/11/2026

Raise a tankard and celebrate America's 250th birthday at Museum After Dark: RevolutionALE! 🍻

Step back into the colonial era and discover how taverns, brewing, and ale helped shape early American life. Learn about the Founding Fathers' interest in brewing, experience live brewing and printing press demonstrations, enjoy live music, great food, and hands-on activities throughout the Idaho State Museum.

Raise a glass to life, liberty, and the pursuit of hoppiness!

🎟️ Tickets:
• ISHS Members: $27
• Non-members: $30

Get your tickets today for an unforgettable evening of history, hops, and celebration!

07/08/2026

Pizza and history? Name a better duo. 🍕

We’re thrilled to partner with Smoky Mountain Pizzeria Grill to bring a new Boise history exhibition to their State Street location. The next time you’re grabbing a pizza, take a few minutes to brush up on the history of Idaho’s capital and discover the stories that shaped the city we know today.

07/04/2026

For generations, Idahoans have celebrated milestones in our country’s history together. This year marks an especially momentous anniversary for our nation, as this Saturday is the country’s 250th birthday!

This large flag was made in 1903 for a Fourth of July celebration by Mr. and Mrs. Geo D. Smith of Thunder Mountain, Idaho. Realizing their town lacked a flag, they worked tirelessly the night of the 3rd to finish it before sunrise. Creatively, they used a sheet, some red curtains, and a blue calico apron to pull it off. The flag made its debut in a celebration in Roosevelt, Idaho, a nearby town.

Come see this flag in person in United We Celebrate, currently on exhibit at the Idaho State Museum.

Happy Fourth of July from the Idaho State Museum! Free admission from 9AM-3PM today.

Flag, 1903, ISHS, 1922.028.0006

Happy 250th birthday, America!Please note: The Idaho State Archives and ISHS Administration offices are closed July 2-6 ...
07/02/2026

Happy 250th birthday, America!

Please note: The Idaho State Archives and ISHS Administration offices are closed July 2-6 in observance of the holiday.

Photo: P1979-66-45, 4th of July Celebration, Idaho State Archives

The return of Idaho's Liberty Bell Replica to Boise marks a major milestone in one of America250 in Idaho's signature le...
06/30/2026

The return of Idaho's Liberty Bell Replica to Boise marks a major milestone in one of America250 in Idaho's signature legacy projects. After a comprehensive professional restoration, this nationally significant artifact is once again ready to inspire Idahoans as a symbol of liberty, civic engagement, and democratic ideals.

The original Liberty Bell, cast in 1753 for the Pennsylvania State House, became one of America's enduring symbols of liberty, justice, equality, and self-government. In 1950, the U.S. Treasury commissioned 55 official full-size replicas for every state and U.S. territory as part of the Savings Bonds Independence Drive. Idaho's bell traveled throughout the state before being presented to Governor C.A. Robins and installed on the grounds of the Idaho State Capitol, where it has stood as one of Idaho's best-known public landmarks ever since.

After decades of exposure to Idaho's climate, the bell's supporting yoke required professional conservation. The restoration was completed by Paccard-Christoph Foundry, successor to the French foundry that cast Idaho's replica in 1950. Returning the bell to its descendant foundry honored its original craftsmanship while ensuring its preservation for generations to come.

Historic artifacts connect us to the people, events, and ideals that shaped our nation. For generations, the Liberty Bell has represented liberty, justice, equality, and civic responsibility. Its preservation ensures Idahoans can continue to reflect on those enduring principles and their relevance today.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the restored Liberty Bell Replica stands as a lasting legacy project—preserving an important piece of our shared history while inspiring future generations to engage with the enduring ideals that continue to shape our nation.

Effective July 1, 2026, and in accordance with House Bill 898, the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is no...
06/29/2026

Effective July 1, 2026, and in accordance with House Bill 898, the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is now part of the Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination (OSMEC).

As we complete this transition, we do not anticipate impacts to public services. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we finalize administrative and operational updates.

For questions or assistance, please contact [email protected].

A friendly annual reminder as we head into the Fourth of July holiday:The Table Rock mesa, managed by the Idaho State Hi...
06/26/2026

A friendly annual reminder as we head into the Fourth of July holiday:

The Table Rock mesa, managed by the Idaho State Historical Society, and the surrounding foothills are especially vulnerable to wildfire during dry conditions like those we are experiencing this year.

To help protect this historic landmark and surrounding public lands, the mesa is closed to all vehicle traffic, and fireworks and open fires are strictly prohibited.

Table Rock is normally open from sunrise to sunset. For public safety, the mesa will close at 9:00 p.m. July 1–4.

Please do your part to help keep Table Rock fire-free, safe, and open for everyone to enjoy. Thank you for helping protect one of Boise’s most recognizable landmarks.

Did you know Idaho’s oldest permanent settlement is still welcoming visitors today?Tune in to the latest Behind Gray Wal...
06/23/2026

Did you know Idaho’s oldest permanent settlement is still welcoming visitors today?

Tune in to the latest Behind Gray Walls episode featuring Susan Bodrero Hawkes, Site Coordinator for the Franklin Historic Site, as she shares the stories, people, and places that helped shape one of Idaho’s most important historic communities. From pioneer life and the founding of Franklin to treasured landmarks like the Lorenzo Hill Hatch House and the John and Ann Doney Cabin, this conversation offers a fascinating look at Idaho’s early history.

The Franklin Historic Site is open Tuesday–Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m., from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Listen, learn, and discover why history lives here in Franklin, Idaho.

06/15/2026

Sitting on the Utah state line, Franklin is the Gem State's first town. When established, settlers debated what side of the state line it was on.

Address

2205 Old Penitentiary Rd
Boise, ID
83712

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+12083342682

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