Join teachers from Utah, Nevada, and Idaho for a free multi-state workshop about teaching historical thinking and research skills through National History Day. You can pick and choose which sessions you want to attend through the registration link. Sessions will be held September 10, 15, 22, 29, and Oct 6.

There is a reason that the word “art” is in “party!” Come ready for a good time during the Idaho State Museum’s next paint night. “Fall into Idaho” with this historic and fall-colored scene. We will be painting “en plein air,” which is the act of painting outdoors in our historic Pioneer Village.

No painting or art experience necessary. Recommended for ages 13+. Come ready to create, laugh, and connect while painting a special art piece to remind you of this memorable night for years to come.

Registration Cost: $30 per person, $55 for two ($15 per member, $30 per member + guest)

Registration per person includes:

• Lightly pre-sketched, 14”x18” canvas
• All acrylic paint colors needed
• Paintbrushes, water cup, palette, and paper towel
• Inspirational “Fall into Idaho” image for reference
• History “lesson” and related images
• Step-by-step painting lesson – Virtually or on-site! You choose at registration!
• Games and activities throughout the evening

Tickets are non-transferable. Idaho state Historical Society event tickets are not eligible for refund. Minimum class size is 4 people.

See the Old Idaho Penitentiary’s newest exhibit, “Disturbing Justice,” then join the Old Idaho Penitentiary team for a discussion of the site’s major riots and disturbances at locations in the site where the events occurred! Doors open at 5:30pm. Admission is $6 per person, and FREE for Idaho State Historical Society Members.

Purchase Tickets Now!

“Disturbing Justice” tells the story of the major riots and disturbances that took place at the Idaho State Penitentiary through brand new, local, graphic novel-style artwork. We are excited to share these complicated, thought-provoking, and increasingly relevant stories with visitors.

“Captivating Conversations” is a new lecture 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.

September 25, 2020 (9:15pm-2:00am) Join Big River Paranormal as they use their unique equipment and knowledge to attempt to connect with inmates and guards of the past.

This event is Sold Out! Ticket sales for our October 17 Paranormal Investigation begin on Monday, September 14 at 10:00am.

Participants must be at least 18 years old (ID required).

Friday, October 2 (7:00pm-11:00pm, last admission 10:15pm). Join us as we kick off Locktober with nighttime self-guided tours of the Old Idaho Penitentiary.
$10 per person or 2 for $15.

Purchase Tickets Now!

Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. This event is recommended to guests 13 and older due to mature content and site safety hazards.

Part of the Old Idaho Penitentiary’s Locktober 2020 celebration, all October!

Saturday, October 3 (12:00pm-9:00pm). Experience a unique tour of the prison and its rarely seen inmate cemetery. Unlock the mysteries of the dead with us as guides explore where inmates died, what their final moments were like, and where they are laid to rest. Discover why more than half the cemetery is riddled with “Unknown” markers (or often no markers at all) and why some names cannot be found in any prison register.

Purchase Tickets Now!

Your Cemetery Tour ticket also entitles you to a copy of the information booklet, “Buried Secrets: Inmates of the Idaho State Penitentiary Cemetery.” Cemetery Tour tickets include admission to the Old Idaho Penitentiary site and exhibits.

Cemetery Tours are offered each hour on the hour from 12:00pm to 8:00pm (last admission). Guests must be 18 or older unless accompanied by an adult. Recommended for ages 13+ due to graphic content. Tickets are $12 each and FREE for Idaho State Historical Society Members!

Part of the Old Idaho Penitentiary’s Locktober 2020 celebration, all October!

October 9, 10, 23 and 24 (9:00pm and 12:00am nightly). Join us for premiere screenings of the new film Paranormal Prison, filmed here at the Old Idaho Penitentiary!

Purchase Tickets Now!

Paranormal Prison:
The impending demolition of an abandoned prison has the paranormal investigation team “The Skeptic and the Scientist” rushed to spend a locked-in night within the prison’s walls before the wrecking balls start swinging turning the now state historical building to condos.

Knowing their channel needs views, team leader Matthew (Todd Haberkorn) funds one last-ditch effort in hopes the device science expert Sara (Paris Warner) has invented will be their ticket to fame and fortune. Along with their sound technician Ashley (Coryn Treadwell), cameraman Jacob (Brian Telestai) and guided by their assigned park ranger, the team recorded everything, hoping to capture elusive spirits. What they captured instead will change paranormal investigation forever, and may have even solved a long-standing mystery.

Doors open at 8:00pm for 9:00pm showings, and 11:00pm for midnight showings. Explore the site and grab concessions before enjoying the movie! Stay afterward for a panel Q&A featuring Paranormal Prison cast and crew. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Part of the Old Idaho Penitentiary’s Locktober 2020 celebration, all October!

Friday, October 16 (7:00pm-11:00pm, last admission 10:15pm). Join us as we kick off Locktober with nighttime self-guided tours of the Old Idaho Penitentiary.
$10 per person or 2 for $15.

Purchase Tickets Now!

Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. This event is recommended to guests 13 and older due to mature content and site safety hazards.

Part of the Old Idaho Penitentiary’s Locktober 2020 celebration, all October!

Join Big River Paranormal as they use their unique equipment and knowledge to attempt to connect with prisoners and guards of the past. Saturday, October 17, 9:15pm-2:00am. Arrive at 9:00pm, Doors open at 9:15pm.

This event is Sold Out!

Individual tickets are $35 each. Participants must be at least 18 years old (Photo ID Required).

Part of the Old Idaho Penitentiary’s Locktober 2020 celebration, all October!

October 9, 10, 23 and 24 (9:00pm and 12:00am nightly). Join us for premiere screenings of the new film Paranormal Prison, filmed here at the Old Idaho Penitentiary!

Purchase Tickets Now!

Paranormal Prison:
The impending demolition of an abandoned prison has the paranormal investigation team “The Skeptic and the Scientist” rushed to spend a locked-in night within the prison’s walls before the wrecking balls start swinging turning the now state historical building to condos.

Knowing their channel needs views, team leader Matthew (Todd Haberkorn) funds one last-ditch effort in hopes the device science expert Sara (Paris Warner) has invented will be their ticket to fame and fortune. Along with their sound technician Ashley (Coryn Treadwell), cameraman Jacob (Brian Telestai) and guided by their assigned park ranger, the team recorded everything, hoping to capture elusive spirits. What they captured instead will change paranormal investigation forever, and may have even solved a long-standing mystery.

Doors open at 8:00pm for 9:00pm showings, and 11:00pm for midnight showings. Explore the site and grab concessions before enjoying the movie! Stay afterward for a panel Q&A featuring Paranormal Prison cast and crew. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Part of the Old Idaho Penitentiary’s Locktober 2020 celebration, all October!