Wine, Eats, & Artifacts

Join the Idaho State Historical Society and the Foundation for Idaho History for this year’s Wine, Eats, & Artifacts annual gala on September 21, 2023. This year’s initiative includes restoring a unique artifact and an uncovering an exciting new chapter in the story of the Old Idaho Penitentiary.

The Artifact:

The painting by former Old Idaho Penitentiary inmate, James “Blueagle” Erard is over seventy years old.  Signs of aging are starting to show in a slackening canvas, cracked paint, and accumulated grime.  Before exhibition, the painting will need professional care to ensure Erard’s work is stable.  You can read more about Erard and his painting on our information page.

The Reimagining:

The reimagining of the Old Idaho Penitentiary is a multi-year design-build effort that will bring new exhibitions giving visitors a deeper understanding of the history of crime and punishment in Idaho and reflect more purposefully on the meaning of a fair and equitable society. These exhibitions will include

• Interpretive graphics to understand the architecture and past use of the site’s historic buildings
• An interactive touch screen illuminating site history from the tribal era to the present
• Immersive exhibitions sharing the story of the Old Idaho Penitentiary.

Learn more and purchase tickets at wea23.afrogs.org.