Captivating Conversations: Eagle Island: Preserving Our Past & Planning for the Future

Join the Old Idaho Penitentiary for a Captivating Conversation with Melanie Schuster, Development Bureau Chief at the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, presenting a fascinating look at the history and preservation of Eagle Island State Park.

This event is FREE. Pre-register online or arrive at the Old Idaho Penitentiary by 6:30 pm on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Event: Friday, April 10, 2026. Doors open at 6:00 pm, presentation begins at 6:30 pm. Site closes at 8:00 pm. Arrive early to explore the site and grab complimentary refreshments before the conversation begins.

About Melanie Schuster:
Melanie leads the design and construction of facilities across Idaho’s 30 state parks, with a focus on historic preservation and accessibility. At Eagle Island, a 545-acre park just west of Boise, she has guided major improvements while helping uncover and document its layered past as agricultural land, the Idaho State Penitentiary Prison Farm, and now a beloved recreation destination.

In this talk, Melanie will share her research, documentation, and planning efforts related to the park’s historic structures, and how that work is shaping current preservation initiatives. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of how history, architecture, and public access come together in one of the Treasure Valley’s most popular outdoor spaces.

“Captivating Conversations” is an ongoing educational experience series, hosted by the Old Idaho Penitentiary and featuring a variety of guest speakers and topics ranging from the history of the Idaho State Penitentiary to the issues facing correctional institutions today.