The Idaho State Historical Society became a part of state government in 1907, despite having humble beginnings dating to 1881 as a volunteer-led organization dedicated to preserving Idaho’s territorial history. In 1907, via an act of the state legislature, the Idaho State Historical Society officially became the entity responsible for preserving state and territorial history and serving as the institutional knowledge keepers of state government. Our enabling legislation also created a Board of Trustees, which, to this day, plays a crucial role in governance for the agency and has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s direction and policies for over a century.

The Board of Trustees serves as the policymaking and governance body for the Idaho State Historical Society. Idaho’s governor selects individuals to serve based on their qualifications, knowledge, competence, experience, and interest in preserving and promoting Idaho’s history. The Board provides a statewide perspective to inform agency services, serves as a vital communication link to communities across Idaho, and delegates management of the organization to the executive director and leadership team, among other duties, but at the heart of the work, is a spirit dedicated to ensuring that the Idaho State Historical Society sets an example for other entities across the state in the celebration, preservation, and promotion of state and local history.

Below is a brief history of the impact and life of one of the ISHS’s Trustees, W. James “Jim” Johnston, who passed away in November 2024. The ISHS is saddened by the loss of Trustee Jim Johnston, who served as a Trustee from 2009–2024, representing Power, Bannock, Caribou, Bear Lake, Oneida, and Franklin Counties. As a member of the Board of Trustees, Jim brought a wealth of experience and community service to his role. Johnston’s professional background included local business and real estate work, where he honed valuable communication and relationship-building skills. His commitment to public service extended beyond the ISHS, as he was a past Idaho Association of Realtors president, founding member, and past president of the Gate City Rotary Club.

Johnston’s involvement in local government as a past member of the Pocatello City Council gave him insight into the needs and interests of Idaho communities. His leadership roles in various organizations, including chairing the Board of Directors for Citizens Community Bank, demonstrated his ability to guide and support diverse institutions. However, his passion for history and community development greatly impacted the Idaho State Historical Society. His leadership influenced Idaho’s celebration of its territorial sesquicentennial in 2013; the planning and development of the new Idaho State Museum, new exhibitions at the Franklin Historic Properties in Frankin, Idaho; and the creation of the Spirit of Idaho Women commemorative women’s suffrage sculpture on the statehouse grounds. Jim traveled throughout his district to recognize Century Farms and Ranches, a cornerstone ISHS and State Department of Agriculture program. To honor the Northwest Tribe of the Shoshone Nation, he represented the state annually at the Bear River Massacre memorial commemoration.

His passing in November 2024 marks the loss of a resolute public servant and advocate for Idaho’s history. His contributions to the ISHS and the broader community will be remembered as part of the ongoing legacy of those who have served on the Board of Trustees since its inception in 1907.

Written by HannaLore Hein