
The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) encourages the preservation, documentation, and use of cultural resources. Idaho SHPO educates the public about the importance of Idaho’s cultural heritage. Idaho’s historic, archaeological, and cultural resources represent the physical and tangible manifestations of our history; they reflect who we were, where we came from, where we are now, and help shape our outlook for the future. By protecting, preserving, and understanding these important resources, we span the past, the present, and the future, not as separate events or periods, but as an on-going narrative. These resources provide economic, educational, and intrinsic value today and for future generations. The Idaho SHPO works to ensure the state’s historic and archaeological properties are preserved, interpreted, and reused.
The Idaho State Historic Preservation Office is staffed with historic preservation professionals who meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Historic Preservation Professional Qualification Standards. These Professional Qualification Standards set out the minimum education and experience needed to be considered a historic preservation professional. More information on the Secretary of the Interior’s Historic Preservation Professional Qualification Standards is available from the National Park Service. By employing individuals who meet these qualifications, the Idaho SHPO has ensured that its staff have the expertise to carry out its federally mandated responsibilities.
ATTENTION: Beginning January 25, 2024, all record searches and submittals (including Section 106 and 110 consultations, determination of eligibility projects, survey and monitoring reports/forms, and annual reports) will be conducted via the Idaho Cultural Resource Information System (ICRIS). To learn more visit: https://history.idaho.gov/shpo/icris/.
HOURS
Monday-Friday | 8 am-5 pm
Closed State holidays
LOCATION
210 Main St.
Boise, ID 83702
CONTACT US
(208) 334-3861
PROGRAMS
The Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has been in the process of developing an Idaho Cultural Information System (ICRIS). The ICRIS is a GIS enabled application which provides internal SHPO workflow management tools resulting in efficiencies that will decrease turn-around times for federal project review. Additionally, it is a portal through which external stakeholders, who are professionally qualified can view all SHPO data via a GIS, and create, upload, and track projects. The general public can view unrestricted data through the guest portal.
To view a complete list of available map resources, please visit ArcGIS Online.
Map of Idaho Certified Local Governments
For more information visit Idaho CLGs
Map of National Register of Historic Places in Idaho
For more information visit Idaho National Register
The Idaho Historic Sites Review Board typically meets annually on the third Saturday in May to consider nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The public is welcome to attend these meetings.
The next meeting of the Historic Sites Review Board is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025 in Lewiston. The meeting will be held in-person with an option for virtual participation via Zoom. For more information click here.
The submission deadline for nominations to be heard at the May 16, 2026 meeting is October 15, 2025.

SHPO Guidance
The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) official guidance for consulting with the Idaho SHPO, submitting survey reports and documenting Idaho's cultural resources. This guidance replaces "Consulting with the Idaho SHPO" (2015).

Idaho Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month
Each year the SHPO Office organizes and promotes statewide opportunities for the public to learn about Idaho archaeology, history, and historic preservation.

SHPO FAQs
The State Historic Preservation Office staff are happy to help with questions. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page or contact us at shpo@ishs.idaho.gov