Old Idaho Penitentiary Reimagining
Idaho’s story is still being written. From the landscapes that shaped early communities to the people who continue to define this state today, our history connects us all. Now, we have an opportunity to reimagine how that story is told—through immersive exhibits, expanded access to historic sites, and the inclusion of voices and experiences that have too often gone unheard. This is more than a campaign. It’s a shared investment in Idaho’s future, and a chance for every Idahoan to see themselves in the story we tell.
This project is supported by the Foundation for Idaho History.
Contact
(208) 334-2682
Reimagining Idaho's Story
We are transforming how history is experienced across Idaho.
This work brings together new technologies, dynamic storytelling, and meaningful community input to create spaces where history feels relevant, engaging, and personal. Visitors won’t just learn about Idaho’s past—they will step into it, explore it, and connect it to their own lives.
Through this effort, we are:
- Creating immersive, interactive exhibits that bring Idaho’s history to light
- Expanding opportunities for hands-on learning and education
- Connecting past events to the issues and communities shaping Idaho today
This is history designed for the way people learn, explore, and engage now.
What this Investment Delivers
Exhibits That Reflect Idaho
New and updated exhibits will highlight the depth and complexity of incarceration over time. From artifacts rarely seen by the public to stories rooted in communities across the state, these experiences will illuminate the relationship between humanity and crime.
- Expanded display of artifacts from statewide collections
- Interactive environments designed for all ages
- Stronger, More Accessible Historic Sites
- Investments in infrastructure and accessibility will improve how visitors experience Idaho’s historic places while protecting these resources for the future.
- Accessibility upgrades at the Old Idaho Penitentiary
- Improved visitor amenities and wayfinding
- Preservation efforts that safeguard irreplaceable structures and collections
Stories That Haven’t Been Told
Idaho’s history is rich, but it is not complete. This campaign brings forward stories that have been underrepresented or overlooked.
- Perspectives from communities across Idaho
- Everyday Idahoans whose contributions shaped the state
- Connections between Idaho and the broader American story