The Idaho State Historical Society is proud to present the 1985 classic “Back to the Future” and host a scavenger hunt to celebrate Idaho Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month (IAHPM). Proceeds from this event support IAHPM activities.

Scavenger Hunt: How well do you know the Old Pen? Come and test your knowledge with the Scavenger Hunt and Movie Night!

Back to the Future (1985)
Rated: PG

Movie Plot: Marty McFly is accidentally sent back to 1955 in a plutonium-powered DeLorean “time machine” invented by a slightly mad scientist. Now, Marty must make certain his teenage parents-to-be meet and fall in love – so he can get back to the future..

Seating is limited – purchase tickets in advance to guarantee your spot!

Folding chairs will be provided.
Building is not heated, please bring appropriate items (such as jacket or blanket). Bring a flashlight for walking around the site. The Old Pen gets very dark after the sun sets!

Limited refreshments will be available for purchase. For those 21 and up, beer will be available for purchase. No outside food or drinks are allowed in the Old Pen. Bags will be searched at the entry gate.

7:00 pm Doors open for scavenger hunt and movie seating
8:00 pm Movie starts (a short intermission will occur halfway)
8:15 pm Doors close for entry for movie

Great Scott! National History Day in Idaho presents Back to the Future at the Old Idaho Penitentiary Saturday, April 27! Doors open at 6:30pm for an Old Idaho Penitentiary scavenger hunt or self-guided tour. Last admission takes place at 8:00pm when the movie begins! All proceeds benefit students and teachers participating in National History Day in Idaho. Concessions will be available for purchase – No alcohol is allowed inside for Saturday’s showing. Cushions and blankets are allowed to make your seats more comfortable!

Saturday, April 27
Doors open at 6:30pm
Doors close and movie begins at 8:00pm
Tickets are $8 each for all ages.

About National History Day: National History Day in Idaho is an exciting way to engage students in history. The program pulls students out of the classroom and into the world of the professional historian. Students track down information about historic people and events by exploring archives, libraries, and other resources. This research leads to new insights and original conclusions that students use to prepare exhibits, documentaries, websites, papers, and performances. History Day is a great way to teach students critical thinking skills while instilling a lifelong love of history.

Explore Idaho’s history through its creatures and landscapes! Whether they galloped, crawled, or flew, Idaho’s animals have had a paw, hoof, and claw in shaping our state.

Join the Idaho State Museum team from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Zoo Boise and learn more about our relationship with the wildlife of the Gem State!

Regular Zoo Boise admission.

Join Big River Paranormal as they use their unique equipment and knowledge to attempt to connect with inmates and guards of the past. Ticket are now on sale for this event at this link.

NOTE: Participants must be at least 18 years old (ID required). Tickets are non-transferable (the person who purchased the tickets must be present upon arrival).

What to bring:
– Valid ID (required)
– Cameras
– Recording devices
– EMF meters, etc.
– Flashlight – Lighting is limited, but you may be asked to turn off the light by BRP
– Weather Appropriate Clothing

What to expect:
– Brief orientation by the BRP team.
– Divided into Small Groups, 10-12 per group.
– Investigating 5-7 buildings, 30-40 minutes per building.
– This is a paranormal investigation, not a ghost tour. There are no ghosts on demand.
– Ask BRP volunteers for helpful hints or strategies to illicit a response.
– Investigation may yield results only after audio/photography is reviewed.

Rules/Expectations:
You will adhere to all site rules at all times
– No outside food or drink (you may bring water).
– No running, jumping, or climbing on any building or artifact.
– Be respectful of other visitors.
– If using an EVP app on your phone bring headphones so as not to disturb others.
– Remember you are at a museum. Failure to comply with any site rules, or any unruly behavior, will lead to your immediate removal from the site without a refund.

The Idaho State Museum offers a Homeschool Day the 4th Monday of every month. During Homeschool Days, admission for registered students is reduced to $3.00. The Idaho State Museum limits Homeschool Day registration to 90 students.

Admission of 1 parent or chaperone to every 5 students is free. However, additional parents/chaperones will be charged $3 each.

Students participate in our Exploring Idaho Program. Each student receives an Explorer Guide that is grade level aligned to help them think critically about the museum’s exhibits.

Please direct questions to our education team at SHSEducation@ishs.idaho.gov

Tuesday Mornings, 10:30 A.M.-11:00 A.M.

Join us for a story and activity time for children Pre-K-2^nd grade and their caregivers. A different theme will be explored each week that highlights the stories and people of Idaho.

*No registration required

*Free with purchased admission

Kindergarten-2nd Grade- July 15-19

What makes a community? Explore the people, places, and history that make Idaho great! Campers will engage with Idaho’s cultures, traditions, architecture, recreation and more through hands-on activities, museum exploration, and play.

Minimum 10 and Maximum 20 students per week.

Monday-Friday or Daily option
9 A.M.-4:30 P.M.
Daily rate: $40
Weekly rate: $180, $160 for Members

Campers will need to bring their own snacks and a bag lunch for each day of camp. We will explore the Museum as well as the outdoors in Julia Davis Park so please have campers dress appropriately for the weather. More information on camps, including necessary forms and documentation will be e-mailed to attendees after registration.

Cancellation/Refund Policy

Cancellations received two weeks prior to camp dates will be refunded in full. Cancellations with less than two weeks’ notice will be not be refunded. Any questions please contact Education staff.

3rd Grade-5th Grade – July 22-26th

Who are the people who make up a community? Campers will learn about Idahoans that made our state great and defined history. Come experience first-hand the roles of innovators, explorers, artists, scientists and more! Through hands-on activities, games, and museum exploration, students will be inspired to make history and change the world.

Minimum 10 and Maximum 20 students per week.

Monday-Friday or Daily option
9 A.M.-4:30 P.M.
Daily rate: $40
Weekly rate: $180, $160 for Members

Campers will need to bring their own snacks and a bag lunch for each day of camp. We will explore the Museum as well as the outdoors in Julia Davis Park so please have campers dress appropriately for the weather. More information on camps, including necessary forms and documentation will be e-mailed to attendees after registration.

Cancellation/Refund Policy

Cancellations received two weeks prior to camp dates will be refunded in full. Cancellations with less than two weeks’ notice will be not be refunded. Any questions please contact Education staff.

6th-9th Grade – July 29- August 2

How can we learn from the past to affect change in the future? Investigate stories of people in Idaho who made a difference in the past, and work to create a piece of art that informs and inspires the next generation. By exploring our community and its needs, campers will create, problem solve, and take action to inspire change that is important to them.

Minimum 10 and Maximum 20 students per week.

Monday-Friday or Daily option
9 A.M.-4:30 P.M.
Daily rate: $40
Weekly rate: $180, $160 for Members

Campers will need to bring their own snacks and a bag lunch for each day of camp. We will explore the Museum as well as the outdoors in Julia Davis Park so please have campers dress appropriately for the weather. More information on camps, including necessary forms and documentation will be e-mailed to attendees after registration.

Cancellation/Refund Policy

Cancellations received two weeks prior to camp dates will be refunded in full. Cancellations with less than two weeks’ notice will be not be refunded. Any questions please contact Education staff.