UPDATE: The Idaho Constitution exhibit has been postponed until further notice. We are prioritizing the health and safety of visitors and staff above all else and look forward to rescheduling the exhibit and constitution programs in the future.

Following a successful fundraising campaign by the Idaho State Historical Society (ISHS) and the Foundation for Idaho History, the Idaho State Archives worked with the Preservation Lab at the University of Utah’s J. Willard Marriott Library to conserve the Idaho State Constitution.  The conservation process included paper conservation, removing laminate from two of the pages, surface cleaning, tear mending, tape removal, humidifying and flattening the document, and attaching a new custom binding.

ISHS partnered with Idaho Public Television to document the history of the Idaho State Constitution and the conservation work, as part of the Idaho Experience documentary series, titled Idaho Constitution Revealed.  The documents and photographs represented in the exhibit were featured in the documentary.

Creating and Conserving the Idaho State Constitution exhibit will be on display March 10th – April 11th, 2020 during Research Center open hours Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 to 4.

Admission is free to the public.

Note: Cemetery Tours for 2020 have been tentatively postponed. Please watch this space and our social media pages for information on a rescheduled date.
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.

Your Cemetery Tour ticket also entitles you to a self-guided tour of the prison the day of your visit and 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 at 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00 and 6:00 each day, March 21-27. Guests must be 18 or older unless accompanied by an adult. Recommended for ages 13+ due to graphic content. Tickets are $15 each or 2 for $25, and free for Idaho State Historical Society Members! Tours are limited to 30 people each – reserve your spot by pre-purchasing online.

Note: This event has been tentatively postponed. Please watch this space and our social media pages for information on a rescheduled date.
Join Jane Sweetland, author of Boxcar Diplomacy, her book chronicling the story of the Merci Train – boxcars sent to the United States a postwar gift of thanks from France to the United States. The Old Idaho Penitentiary houses Idaho’s boxcar, which will be on display along with other artifacts during the event. Sweetland will discuss this unique piece of world history with visitors, sharing her research, photos and video of the train’s U.S. arrival. Enjoy a discount on all Old Idaho Penitentiary Gift Shop purchases during the event, including copies of Boxcar Diplomacy. Site opens at 6:00pm. Presentations begin at 6:30pm. Free for for all guests!

“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. Stay tuned for more event announcements on this website and our Facebook page.

NOTE: The health and safety of our visitors, staff, and volunteers is of the highest priority. As such, in an effort to be proactive and help prevent the spread of the virus in our community, public access to Idaho State Historical Society sites, including the Old Idaho Penitentiary, Franklin and Stricker Ranch Historic Sites, the Idaho State Museum, and the Research Center at the Idaho State Archives will be closed to the public beginning Friday, March 20, and all programming and events are currently canceled or postponed until further notice.

For regular updates on future events, programming and rental opportunities please visit: https://history.idaho.gov/updates/

April is Jazz Appreciation Month. Listen to the smooth sounds of Idaho’s own Gene Harris and design a piece of artwork inspired by the music and instruments of jazz musicians.

Family Second Saturdays will take place on the second Saturday of each month. Families are encouraged to drop in any time to create and learn together through these hands-on activities.

All ages welcome! Free with Museum admission.

Note: The April 11 Paranormal Investigation has been canceled. Stay tuned for more information on future 2020 Paranormal Investigation events at the Old Idaho Penitentiary.
Join Big River Paranormal as they use their unique equipment and knowledge to attempt to connect with inmates and guards of the past.

Individual tickets are $35 each. Investigation from 9:15pm to 2:00am. Participants must be at least 18 years old (Photo ID Required).

Get full access to the Idaho State Museum this summer! Join us for a summer of exciting and innovative adventures!

Each week your camper will participate in:

• Exclusive tours of the Museum’s exhibitions and access to one-of-a-kind artifacts that tell stories from Idaho’s past
• Artmaking including drawing, painting, sculpture, and more!
• STEM activities related to Idaho structures, ecosystems, and technologies
• Excursions to other cultural sites in and nearby Julia Davis Park
• Outside games and activities including farmer freeze tag and our salmon migration obstacle course
• Showcases and art exhibitions of campers’ projects on Fridays for parents and guardians

Get to Know Idaho

July 27-31
9am-4pm, M-F
Entering grades 3-5
$150 Member, $200 Non-member

Learn about Idahoans that have made our state great and defined history. Come experience first-hand the roles of innovators, explorers, artists, scientists and more! Master your leatherworking skills, design a map of the park for a camp friend to navigate, and build a bridge that can span a canyon while we learn about the important roles people play in a community.

Get full access to the Idaho State Museum this summer! Join us for a summer of exciting and innovative adventures!

Each week your camper will participate in:

• Exclusive tours of the Museum’s exhibitions and access to one-of-a-kind artifacts that tell stories from Idaho’s past
• Artmaking including drawing, painting, sculpture, and more!
• STEM activities related to Idaho structures, ecosystems, and technologies
• Excursions to other cultural sites in and nearby Julia Davis Park
• Outside games and activities including farmer freeze tag and our salmon migration obstacle course
• Showcases and art exhibitions of campers’ projects on Fridays for parents and guardians

Boomtown

August 3-7
9am-12pm
Entering Grades K-2
$150 Member, $200 Non-member

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. Plant your own crop, build Boise’s newest skyscraper, and join our Museum parade as we learn about and celebrate our community.