The Foundation for Idaho History is the fundraising engine that powers the Idaho State Historical Society, ensuring that Idaho’s stories are uncovered, illuminated, and passed along to future generations.
The Foundation bridges the gap between the funding allocated by the state legislature and the resources required to create a variety of programs, exhibits, and events. We rely on community support via donations, membership, paid admissions, fundraising events, and more to generate roughly half of our Historical Society’s annual budget for initiatives that touch every corner of our state. It would not be possible to safeguard the stories and artifacts of our past without time, energy, expertise, and resources from the Foundation’s generous statewide members and donors.
If you are interested in making a contribution to the Idaho State Historical Society, you can donate online, or you can email us at information@ishs.idaho.gov, and we can connect you with our development administrator.
Thank you for ensuring Idaho’s history is cared for and accessible to future generations of Idahoans.
HOURS
Monday-Friday | 8 am-5 pm
Closed most state holidays.
LOCATION
2205 Old Penitentiary Road
Boise, ID 83712
CONTACT US
(208) 334-2682
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Education and Outreach Programs
National History Day in Idaho (NHD) is a year-long student-led academic program focused on historical research, interpretation, and creative expression for 4th-12th grade students across Idaho. By participating in NHD, students become writers, filmmakers, web designers, playwrights and artists as they
create unique contemporary expressions of history. The experience culminates in a series of competitions at the local and state levels and an annual national contest in June.
Students who participate in NHD build skills that are key to success in college, career, and citizenship. NHD teaches critical thinking, writing, and research skills. They learn to speak publicly, collaborate with team members, communicate ideas effectively with diverse audiences, manage their time, and persevere through challenges.
The Foundation for Idaho History seeks support to increase access to National History Day program opportunities for students in Idaho. The Foundation for Idaho History aims to remove barriers to participation for educators and students in Idaho by supporting national registration needs and curriculum material support for classrooms.
The Ray Knight Field Trip Fund helps offset admission and transportation costs to schools in Idaho, by evaluating the needs of Idaho’s Title One schools.
Student admission cost for all field trips is based on the percentage of students that qualify for free or reduced lunch. Schools that have over 40% of students that qualify for free or reduced lunch will receive $2 off admission costs, covered by the Ray Knight Field Trip Scholarship Fund. Additionally, all schools, can apply for bus funding support through the Ray Knight Field Trip Scholarship.
Funding is awarded on a first come, first served basis and is subject to availability.
The Foundation for Idaho History seeks support to provide funding for schools in Idaho to provide bus transportation to all Idaho children.
The Guide, Engage, Mobilize (GEM) High School Internship Program brings together passionate, curious, and innovative teens to make a difference in Idaho communities and get a behind the scenes look at the Idaho State Museum. Interns network with professionals including archivists, curators, and designers as they advance important skills that will prepare them for college and career. Interns dive deeper into exciting topics and develop key skills through projects, programs, workshops, and volunteering. As a member of the museum team, students meet teens from across the Treasure Valley and work together to create exciting and educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
The Foundation for Idaho History seeks funding to support Idaho’s high schoolers that want to intern with the Idaho State Museum.
Camps are a great way to provide hands-on learning opportunities for your family! Have a blast with camps at the Idaho State Museum. Experience history like never before as you play, explore, and make new friends. Spring and Summer camps are offered annually at the Idaho State Museum near the heart of downtown Boise. Registration is accepted for both week-long camps or single-day camps and camp activities incorporate STEM learning and tie into K-5 learning curriculum.
The Idaho State Museum has a limited number of camp scholarships available. The Foundation for Idaho History seeks financial support to increase access to summer camp opportunities for children in Idaho.
Special Exhibitions & Initiatives
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The America250: Idaho’s Journey, America’s Legacy commemoration will celebrate American history and the invaluable contributions of Idahoans to our region, nation, and world.
As the nation honors this landmark moment, the Idaho State Museum is celebrating Idaho’s place in crafting a “more perfect union” through Idaho stories. This special exhibition will shine a light on the many ways Idaho has furthered the ideals of equality, liberty, and justice, rooted in the birth of our nation.
Idaho is a state of unique historical significance, breathtaking natural beauty, and vibrant cultural heritage. Idaho: Turning Points invites Idahoans to celebrate our nation’s founding and Idaho’s place in that grand story.
An interpretive path surrounding the historic Assay Office in downtown Boise tells the rich history of the building and land dating to 1881, as well as its importance to mining in Idaho’s history. The landscaping has been restored to reflect the 1920s design.
Contribute
Community investment is critical to the Foundation for Idaho History’s work and makes it possible to connect Idahoans to our shared threads from the past to inspire a better future for Idaho.
Idahoans can donate directly to the Foundation, become a member, or attend one of our fundraising events, including the annual Wine, Eats and Artifacts gala . You can make your mark on Idaho history by helping us empower the Idaho State Historical Society to continue sharing the stories that illustrate who we are, how we fit together, and why a shared appreciation of history is critical to providing context for the future.
All Idahoans can carve their chapter in our state’s history by supporting the work that preserves and honors Idaho’s heritage.
Foundation for Idaho History EIN#: 80-0031592
Foundation for Idaho History Board Members
Title: Public Affairs Manager
Company: Amalgamated Sugar, Boise
Major Community Service: Komen Race for the Cure Committee (2012-14); Boise Young Professionals, Marketing & Comm. Work Team (2012-Present): Idaho FFA Foundation Board Member
Title: Retired – Exec. Dir. Project Controls
Company: Morrison- Knudsen, Inc (URS), Boise
Major Community Service: President-MK Foundation & Foundation for Idaho History; Past President: Assistance League of Boise & Girl Scouts-Silver Sage Council, St. Alphonsus Foundation Board; Member of: Assistance League, IWCF; W100 Steering Committee; Louis B. Sullivan Bldg. Preservation, Newark, Ohio; PEO; other non-profits
Title: Quality Control/County Commissioner
Company: Micron Technology/Gem County, Emmett
Major Community Service: Idaho State Historical Society Trustee – Chair; Board of Directors-Sage, a Community of Councils; Second-term-Judicial District Magistrate Courts Commission
Title: Partner
Company: Eiguren Merrill Public Policy Firm
Major Community Service: Served as Chairman of the Idaho State Capitol Commission; Several non-profit boards, including American Red Cross of Greater Idaho – Chair; Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce – Chair; St. Alphonsus Foundation – Chair; Bishop Kelly Foundation – Director; Foundation for Idaho History–Board Member
Title: Retired
Company: Hewlett-Packard, Boise
Major Community Service: Boise State University – BAA Board
Title: Retired
Company: Several companies, incl. Boise Cascade & Morrison Knudsen, Inc.
Major Community Service: President-Boise Columbian Club; Past President: Two different schools PTO’s, Boise State Alumni Board, Board for Ronald McDonald House; Boise Junior League Sustainer Board, Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation- Grants and Symposium Marketing/PR
Title: Executive Sales Associate
Company: Keller Williams Realty East Idaho, Pocatello
Major Community Service: Idaho State Historical Society Trustee, Past Pres-Idaho Assoc. of Realtors, Past Rotary District Governor, Past Pres/Member Pocatello City Council, Chair-BOD-Citizens Community Bank, Past Regional VP Nat’l Assoc. of Realtors, Past Chair-Idaho State Civic Symphony BOD, Past Chair-United Way SE Idaho, Past Pres-The Grand Teton Council, Boy Scouts of America, Past BOD Greater Idaho Chapter-American Red Cross
Title: Attorney
Company: Leroy Law Office, Boise
Major Community Service: Foundation for Idaho History Board founding member, Idaho Attorney General, Lt. Governor, US Nuclear Waste Negotiator
Title: Elmore County Homesteader
Business: Package print management software, Mayfield
Major Community Service: The Ambrose School
Title: Director of Operations
Company: Idaho Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Major Community Service: Board Director Idaho Food Bank; Board Director Boise Nice; Previous Executive Director of the Autism Society Treasure Valley; Co-Chair for the Food Access Committee and Healthy Impact Nampa; Board Director and one of the founders of the Traveling Table food pantry. Also a leader at the Hispanic/Latino SW Idaho Task force and the Sister City committee between Nampa and Jalisco MX.
Title: Retired-Dir. Corp. Giving and Philanthropy
Company: Sanofi Pharmaceutical Foundation, Eagle
Major Community Service: Active member IWF Idaho; Prior Boards: National Hospice Foundation, Conference Board Council on Social Responsibility, New Jersey Battered Women Services, Operation Smile, University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey, The United Way, and many others; Received national several awards for her significant corporate accomplishments
Title: Vice President, Branch Mgr.
Company: Zions Bank, Meridian
Title: Professor
Company: College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls
Major Community Service: Director of Preservation Twin Falls, Gooding County Historical Society board member
Title: Program Manager
Company: Idaho Central Wealth Management
Major Community Service: Mission in Rwanda, Africa
2024 Wine, Eats, & Artifacts Gala
