Foundation for Idaho History
The Foundation for Idaho History is the fundraising engine that powers the Idaho State Historical Society, ensuring that Idaho’s stories are uncovered, illuminated, and passed along to future generations.
The Foundation bridges the gap between the funding allocated by the state legislature and the resources required to create a variety of programs, exhibits, and events. We rely on community support via donations, membership, paid admissions, fundraising events, and more to generate roughly half of our Historical Society’s annual budget for initiatives that touch every corner of our state. It would not be possible to safeguard the stories and artifacts of our past without time, energy, expertise, and resources from the Foundation’s generous statewide members and donors.
Thank you for ensuring Idaho’s history is cared for and accessible to future generations of Idahoans.
Community investment is critical to the Foundation for Idaho History’s work and makes it possible to connect Idahoans to our shared threads from the past to inspire a better future for Idaho. Help us preserve and promote Idaho’s rich history by making a donation today.
Tribute or Memorial Gifts
Recognize friends or family in an especially meaningful way while at the same time supporting the educational programs, collections and mission of the Idaho State Historical Society.
Planned Giving
ISHS offers many planned giving opportunities; including setting up program specific endowments, all of which can be tailored to meet your specific financial and estate-planning goals. Learn about the main advantages a planned gift can offer. If you have already included ISHS in your will, please let us know. We would love to thank you for your generosity!
Fundraising Spotlight
Old Idaho Penitentiary Re-imagining
The Foundation for Idaho History has embarked upon an ambitious campaign—a public/private partnership—designed to link plans and dreams with the necessary resources to re-imagine the Old Idaho Penitentiary visitor experience.
Donate Artifacts or Documents
The Idaho State Archives and Idaho State Museum are the state’s designated repositories for Idaho’s irreplaceable historical and cultural artifacts and archival materials. If you are interested in donating historical artifacts, documents, or photographs, contact the Idaho State Historical Society to schedule a consultation.
Foundation For Idaho History Board Members
As dedicated ambassadors of the Foundation for Idaho History, our board members play a vital role in preserving and promoting Idaho’s rich heritage. Serving as stewards of both history and philanthropy, they help build meaningful connections within their communities, inspire public engagement, and support initiatives that safeguard our state’s stories for future generations. Through advocacy, outreach, and leadership, they champion the mission of the Foundation and ensure Idaho’s history remains a vibrant part of our collective identity.
Jessica Anderson, President
Title: Director of Strategic Communications
Company: Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry
Major Community Service: Komen Race for the Cure Committee (2012-14); Boise Young Professionals, Marketing & Comm. Work Team (2012-Present): Idaho FFA Foundation Board Member
Mary Ann Arnold
Title: Retired – Exec. Dir. Project Controls
Company: Morrison- Knudsen, Inc (URS), Boise
Major Community Service: President-MK Foundation & Foundation for Idaho History; Past President: Assistance League of Boise & Girl Scouts-Silver Sage Council, St. Alphonsus Foundation Board; Member of: Assistance League, IWCF; W100 Steering Committee; Louis B. Sullivan Bldg. Preservation, Newark, Ohio; PEO; other non-profits
Roy Eiguren
Title: Partner
Company: Eiguren Merrill Public Policy Firm
Major Community Service: Served as Chairman of the Idaho State Capitol Commission; Several non-profit boards, including American Red Cross of Greater Idaho – Chair; Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce – Chair; St. Alphonsus Foundation – Chair; Bishop Kelly Foundation – Director; Foundation for Idaho History–Board Member
Dixie Grant
Title: Retired
Company: Hewlett-Packard, Boise
Major Community Service: Boise State University – BAA Board
Carol Hoidal
Title: Retired
Company: Several companies, incl. Boise Cascade & Morrison Knudsen, Inc.
Major Community Service: President-Boise Columbian Club; Past President: Two different schools PTO’s, Boise State Alumni Board, Board for Ronald McDonald House; Boise Junior League Sustainer Board, Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation- Grants and Symposium Marketing/PR
David Leroy
Title: Attorney
Company: Leroy Law Office, Boise
Major Community Service: Foundation for Idaho History Board founding member, Idaho Attorney General, Lt. Governor, US Nuclear Waste Negotiator
Dr. Cheryl O’Brien
Title:
Company:
Major Community Service:
Mari Ramos
Title: Director of Operations
Company: Idaho Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Major Community Service: Board Director Idaho Food Bank; Board Director Boise Nice; Previous Executive Director of the Autism Society Treasure Valley; Co-Chair for the Food Access Committee and Healthy Impact Nampa; Board Director and one of the founders of the Traveling Table food pantry. Also a leader at the Hispanic/Latino SW Idaho Task force and the Sister City committee between Nampa and Jalisco MX.
Evelyn Self
Title: Retired-Dir. Corp. Giving and Philanthropy
Company: Sanofi Pharmaceutical Foundation, Eagle
Major Community Service: Active member IWF Idaho; Prior Boards: National Hospice Foundation, Conference Board Council on Social Responsibility, New Jersey Battered Women Services, Operation Smile, University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey, The United Way, and many others; Received national several awards for her significant corporate accomplishments
Neal Squires
Title: Vice President, Branch Mgr.
Company: Zions Bank, Meridian
Justin Vipperman
Title: Professor
Company: College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls
Major Community Service: Director of Preservation Twin Falls, Gooding County Historical Society board member