Idaho State Museum Educational Programs & Resources
The Idaho State Museum is a vibrant center for exploration, offering a wide range of public programs designed to engage students, kids, families, and learners of all ages. From hands-on family activities and seasonal camps to teen workshops and school programs, there’s something for every age and curiosity. These programs are supported by rich educational resources, including access to primary source collections that bring Idaho’s stories to life. An Educator Advisory Council helps guide and shape our offerings to ensure they meet classroom needs and foster meaningful connections to curriculum. The museum also supports teachers with professional development opportunities that enhance instruction and provide fresh tools for engaging students in history, culture, and civic life.
Whether you’re a family looking for a fun day out or an educator seeking dynamic learning tools, the Idaho State Museum is your destination for discovery, connection, and lifelong learning.
Contact
(208) 334-2120
Educational Programs
The Idaho State Museum offers a variety of engaging programs for students, kids, teens, families, and curious minds of all ages, designed to spark curiosity and inspire meaningful connections to Idaho’s history.
Explore Idaho’s history together at the Idaho State Museum. Participate in interactive and engaging programs offered throughout the year. See the Family Programs page for current offerings.
Family Second Saturdays from the Idaho State Museum
Family Second Saturdays will take place on the second Saturday of each month. All ages welcome! Programming is free with Museum admission. Timed entry with limited numbers. To secure your spot for this program, purchase your tickets to the Museum in advance.
Interested in attending more than one Family Second Saturday? Consider becoming a Member at the Idaho State Historical Society and enjoy access to the Idaho State Museum and Old Idaho Penitentiary all year long.
Have a blast with one of the Idaho State Museum’s Camps. Experience history like never before as you play, explore, and make new friends. See the below for current offerings.
Camps at the Idaho State Museum bring history to life through activities, games, and hands-on learning opportunities. Campers explore the Museum exhibits and beyond to learn about the people, places, and animals that make Idaho great! Camps are offered during fall, spring, and summer breaks for students in grades K-8.
Become a GEM Volunteer and make a difference! Guide, Engage, and Mobilize (GEM) in this brand-new summer program open to High School students entering 9th-12th grades. You will help visitors to connect to the unique and fascinating history of Idaho.
GEM High School Internship Program at the Idaho State Museum
The Guide, Engage, Mobilize (GEM) High School Internship Program brings together passionate, curious, and innovative teens to make a difference in your community and get a behind the scenes look at the Idaho State Museum. You will network with professionals including archivists, curators, and designers as you advance important skills that will prepare you for college and career. Dive deeper into exciting topics and develop key skills through projects, programs, workshops, and volunteering. As a member of the Museum team, you will meet teens from across the Treasure Valley and work together to create exciting and educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
See the Field Trips Page for more information about workshops and tours at each unique site.
Homeschool students and their families are encouraged to explore the Museum and experience the stories of Idaho on selected Homeschool Days each month from 10am – 3pm.
Admission is $4 per student (Youth 2 and up) and adults/teachers in a 1:1 ratio are $5, any additional adults must pay regular admission. ISHS Members are free. Preregistration is required; Walkups will not be accommodated. Payment is due at the time of reservation and is non-refundable.
Join us on the first Friday and third Wednesday of each month! Please note: We will not be hosting this program on some dates due to events happening in Julia Davis Park.
To ensure an enjoyable experience for all participants, we are implementing timed entry ticketing. When registering, please select an arrival time that works best for your schedule. Everyone will have until 3:00 PM to participate in the classroom activity.
2025 First Semester Dates: September 17, October 3 & 15, November 7 & 19, December 5 & 17.
2026 Second Semester Dates: January 21, February 6, March 6, April 3 & 15, May 1 & 20.
Educational Resources
In addition to dynamic programming, the museum provides a wealth of educational resources—including access to primary sources, professional development for educators, and guidance from an Educator Advisory Council—to support learning in and out of the classroom.
If you are a teacher that would like to help us shape the future of education at the Museum, join our Educator Advisory Council (EAC). We are looking for educators from many disciplines and grade levels to help us develop, pilot, and evaluate programs and resources produced by the Museum’s Education staff.
Applications for the 2024-2026 term are now closed.
The Idaho State Museum offers relevant and engaging educator professional development workshops to assist in classroom teaching about Idaho history topics. Professional development workshops provide classroom-ready materials and an opportunity to learn from subject-matter experts.
Check back soon for Professional Development Opportunities.
Prospector Club Archives
The Prospector Club was a popular newsletter series that the Idaho State Historical Society produced from 1989-2009. In this charming, old timey newsletter, Idaho students followed the adventures of prospector Lucky Noah and his mule as they learned about important topics in Idaho History. Back by popular demand, the Prospector Club Archives are available for download. It is a great resource for Idaho students, and anyone interested in learning more about Idaho History!
*Please note: contact information in the newsletters is no longer valid.
Primary Source Collections
Check out our curated Primary Source Collections to support student research and classroom teaching. To suggest topics for future collections, contact our Education Team.
Teachers should preview all materials for appropriateness and suitability in their classroom.
American Indian Boarding Schools
American Indian Boarding Schools were established to force American Indians to assimilate with the “American way of life” in culture, language, and religion. In doing so, these boarding schools intentionally repressed the tribes’ culture, language, and religion.
How were American Indian children impacted by the boarding schools?
- Why were American Indian children forbidden to speak their native languages at the boarding schools?
- Why did the missionaries believe that American Indian children should attend the boarding schools?
- How was communication the key to understanding for the missionaries and the Native American children?
Indian Agent Letter
This letter from 1877 reports the death of a Christian Native American to the Office of Indian Affairs.
This series of letters from 1875 urges the Native American Boarding School in Lapwai, Idaho, to require English be the spoken language by Native Americans both in and out of the boarding school classroom.
The Indian Helper, Vol. 3 No. 6
This journal from 1887 contains the first part of an article titled “Home Difficulties of a Young Indian Girl,” which outlines the lived experiences of a Native American Boarding School student. Remember, this source is published from the perspective of missionaries running the boarding school.
The Indian Helper, Vol. 3 No. 8
This journal from 1887 contains the second part of the “Home Difficulties of a Young Indian Girl” article.
The Indian Helper, Vol. 3 No. 12
This journal from 1887 contains the third and final part of the “Home Difficulties of a Young Indian Girl” article.
This journal from 1918 contains an article titled “The Nez Perces as Christians and Patriots.” It provides information about missionary teachers Kate McBeth, Sue McBeth, and Mazie Crawford, and their work on a Native American Boarding School in Idaho.
The New Indian — Seeking for Souls, Not Scalps
This document from 1927 contains reasoning and justification for the existence of Native American Boarding Schools. Remember, this source is published from the perspective of missionaries running the boarding school.
This journal from 1889 contains an article titled “Indian Education.” It mentions the outing system, where Native American children are removed from their families and placed to live with white families instead.
The Trial of the Century: Murder of Governor Frank Steunenberg
Former Idaho Governor Frank Steunenberg was assassinated in December 1905. His killer, Harry Orchard, was connected to the Western Federation of Miners. They were seeking revenge because in 1899 Gov. Steunenberg called federal troops to keep the peace in response to a miner’s strike for higher pay and better working conditions in Coeur d’Alene. The “Trial of the Century” became a nationwide media circus.
- What are some of the reasons why people wanted Gov. Steunenberg to be killed?
- What consequences did William Borah face for his involvement in the trial of Harry Orchard?
- What evidence was used in the trial to prove Harry Orchard’s guilt?
- How was communication the key to understanding in this trial?
The Pinkerton National Detective Agency was a private firm hired by the State of Idaho to investigate the murder of Governor Frank Steunenberg.
William Borah was a U.S. Senator and lawyer from Boise, Idaho. He served as a Special Prosecutor during the Trial of the Century. This is a letter from a Pinkerton agent to Borah.
Harry Orchard was a professional assassin who murdered Governor Frank Steunenberg. This document is a transcript of Orchard’s interrogation after he was arrested by local police authorities.
“In Memory of Ex-Governor Frank Steunenberg” Poem
This poem written by James Hart remembers the life of Governor Frank Steunenberg, what ideals he stood up for, and why he was murdered.
Letter from Shoup to Steunenberg
This 1899 letter from Senator George Shoup to Governor Frank Steunenberg reveals the marshal law Steunenberg requested in response to labor disputes in northern Idaho.
Cribbage Board, Idaho State Museum, 1977 007 0000
Cribbage board made by Harry Orchard at the Idaho State Penitentiary. Given to assistant warden Cureton B. Moreton circa 1915.
Clock, Idaho State Museum, 1977 114 0000
Clock given to Richard Weil by Harry Orchard. Reportedly used for an earlier assassination attempt against Gov. Steunenberg.
See this article for more information: The Idaho Sunday Statesman November 9 1958 P11
Packing Crate, Idaho State Museum, 1978 071 0001
Packing crate used to store some of the court exhibits relating to the Haywood, Pettibone and Moyer trial. Dates to about 1907. The hinges, hasp, and padlock were added to the crate by the Ada County District Court to ensure exhibits were secure.
World War II P.O.W. Camps in Idaho
A prisoner of war (P.O.W.) can either be a soldier or a civilian who has been captured by enemy forces. During World War II, Germans were held as P.O.W.s in camps all across the United States. One of these camps, Camp Rupert, was located in Idaho. The spiritual obligations of these camps were maintained by a chaplain, or a religious mentor appointed by the military. The chaplain at Camp Rupert was named Reverend William Werner, himself a German American. After the war, Werner remained in close contact with many of the P.O.W.s he advised.
- What was life like for German P.O.W.s at Camp Rupert?
- Why did Rev. Werner keep in contact with former P.O.W.s?
- How is communication key to understanding the experiences of German P.O.Ws?
Sherman W. Arends to Rev. William Werner Letter
This is a letter from one chaplain to another, requesting the loan of a sermon book to deliver church services in German.
Keith F. DuBois to Rev. William Werner Letter
This letter requests specific information about a former German P.O.W. and their captivity in Idaho.
O.J. Mager to Keith F. DuBois Letter
This is a response to DuBois’ previous letter.
Ariel H. Achtermann to Rev. William Werner Letter
This letter mentions a former P.O.W. German woman and her child seeking an American sponsor for their legal immigration to the United States.
Horst Grafer to Mr. and Mrs. William Werner Letter
This letter expresses gratitude to Rev. Werner and his wife for shipping a German family much–needed support packages during the post-war period.
Fahrenholz to Rev. William Werner Letter
CONTENT ADVISORY: Contains references to sexual violence on pages 5 and 7, and usage of profanity on page 6.
This letter is an update to Rev. Werner from a former P.O.W. in West Germany. It describes his return journey to Europe and the harsh conditions his family faced.
Emma Edwards Green & the Great Seal of Idaho
Emma Edwards Green designed the Great Seal of Idaho in 1891 in her early thirties. She is the only woman known to have designed a state seal of the United States. Green was also an author.
- What symbolism did Emma Edwards Green use in her artwork?
- How was communication key for artists like Emma Edwards Green?
Statement of Emma Edwards Green
In Green’s own words, this statement reveals the original inspiration behind the Great Seal’s depiction. It also discloses Green’s interaction with the State of Idaho during and after the creation of the Great Seal.
“Beginning of Art Education” by Emma Edwards Green
This brief memoir recalls Green’s early childhood introduction to art, as well as her general thoughts on art.
“The Design of the State Seal” by Emma Edwards Green
This document mentions specifications that the Idaho State Legislature requested for the original design of the Great Seal.
“At the Legislature” by Emma Edwards Green
This document describes how it was common practice for young women to attend the Idaho State Legislature sessions as spectators.
“Success” by Emma Edwards Green
This document attributes Green’s love of art to her mother, who was formally trained in art and music by a French school in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Ariel L. Crowley to Idaho State Board of Education Letter
This letter describes the history of changes to the Idaho State flag and its emblem: the Great Seal of the State of Idaho, designed by Mrs. Emma Edwards Green.
Barzilla W. Clark to Emma Edwards Green Letter
This letter recognizes the artistic and cultural contributions from Emma Edwards Green to the State of Idaho.
Women's Suffrage in Idaho
Suffrage is the right to vote in political elections. For a long time, women did not have the right to vote in elections in the United States. In 1896, Idaho became the fourth state in the nation to grant women’s suffrage. More than twenty years later, in 1920, the U.S. granted nationwide women’s suffrage through passage of the Nineteenth Amendment.
- Why did Idaho grant women’s suffrage so long before the rest of the United States?
- To what extent did the Idaho women’s suffrage movement affect the national women’s suffrage movement?
- Why did some people oppose women’s suffrage?
- How was communication the key to understanding the fight for women’s suffrage in Idaho?
Minutes of the Equal Suffrage Association of Idaho
These handwritten notes are from the first meeting of the Equal Suffrage Association of Idaho, on November 20, 1895.
Congratulatory Letter Regarding Suffrage
This is a letter from the Women’s Equal Suffrage Club in Montana congratulating the women of Idaho for finally obtaining suffrage through a state constitutional amendment in 1897.
Congress Joint Resolution 3760
This is the original text of the nineteenth amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted women across the nation the right to vote in 1920.
This is a proclamation by Idaho’s Governor Davis establishing a special session of the Idaho State Legislature to ratify the nationwide women’s suffrage amendment.
This public statement by Governor Davis celebrates Idaho’s existing history of women’s suffrage and outlines the necessity of the special session to ratify women’s suffrage nationwide.
Gov. Davis to Idaho State Legislature
This is an open letter related to women’s suffrage from Governor Davis to the Idaho State Legislature before their special session began in 1920.
This is the national women’s suffrage bill that passed the Idaho House of Representatives and the Idaho Senate, and was signed into law by Governor Davis on February 17, 1920.