Craters of the Moon – 100 Years!
Each year the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office organizes and promotes statewide opportunities for the public to learn about Idaho archaeology, history, and historic preservation. The Idaho Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month program is a celebration of everything dealing with Idaho’s archaeology and history. Events, presentations, and programs have been reaching all corners of the state for over 30 years! This year we partnered with Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in celebration of their 100th birthday.
Originally established in May of 1924 by a presidential proclamation, today Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve protects over 750,000 acres of southern Idaho’s unusual lava terrain and a “weird and scenic landscape peculiar to itself.” Following World War II, a surge in visitors prompted the construction of buildings, roads, and other amenities as part of the nationwide Mission 66 initiative to modernize National Park Service (NPS) facilities. Today, NPS stewards the monument’s archaeological sites, National Register-listed Mission 66 buildings, and unique natural vistas, welcoming visitors from Idaho and beyond to explore its wonders!
Available Posters
If you would like a poster mailed to you, please email us at shpo@ishs.idaho.gov.
2025 Idaho Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month Poster Design Contest
May is Idaho Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month. Each year, the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (IDSHPO) creates a commemorative poster centered around a relevant theme. This year, we are asking for artwork submissions from the public that depict the iconic Rainbow Bridge over the North Fork of the Payette River along State Highway 55.
About The Rainbow Bridge: The bridge is an open spandrel arch bridge designed by Charles Kyle and constructed in 1933. It is the largest bridge of its type in the state and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is currently at risk, as the crossing is to be redesigned, leaving the fate of the bridge in question.
Artwork may be of any two-dimensional medium, including but not limited to drawings, paintings, prints, and photographs. The IDSHPO will choose one design from the submitted artworks to feature on the May Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month poster. Artworks must be submitted by February 28th, 2025 to be considered.
- All artwork must be the artist’s own original concept. Art created by any artificial intelligence (AI) is not acceptable.
- Artwork must feature the Rainbow Bridge.
- Each participant must only enter one artwork.
- All artwork is to be submitted digitally. A form for submittal is available here: https://history.idaho.gov/iahpm/
- If chosen, the artwork will be featured on an 18X24″ poster. Resolution should be a minimum of 300 DPI. Landscape and portrait orientation are accepted. Please submit a print-ready PDF.
- Artwork will be chosen at the discretion of the Idaho SHPO staff. Judging criteria may include originality, creative depiction, composition, impact, and overall quality of the work.
- Artists will retain copyright of all submitted work but grant the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office unlimited and indefinite permission to display submitted images on IDSHPO’s website, social media networks, newsletters, additional promotional materials, and for distribution via print related to Idaho Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month.