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
In 2024, the Idaho SHPO is updating the Idaho Historic Preservation Plan (IHPP). The IHPP establishes the priorities and goals for the historic preservation community throughout the State of Idaho.
To learn more about the update, click here.
The Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has developed the ICRIS, 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
The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the official national list of properties considered important in our past and worthy of preservation.
The National Historic Preservation Act requires all federal agencies to consider what effects their actions may have on historic properties, including archaeological sites and the built environment.
One of the functions of the Idaho SHPO is to maintain the state inventory of archaeological and historic sites. The inventory is comprised of sites identified through survey efforts of Federal and State agencies and Idaho cities and counties. Approximately 51,000 archaeological sites and 33,000 architectural and historical properties have been recorded.
The primary purpose of this trusted body is the long-term care of Idaho archaeological collections and their archival records. The Idaho State Historical Society manages the Western Repository of the Archaeological Survey of Idaho (ASI). The Western Repository holds the archaeological collections and associated records from a ten-county area in southwest Idaho. The Northern Repository located at University of Idaho, Moscow, holds the archaeological collections and associated records from northern Idaho and the Eastern Repository located at Idaho State University, Pocatello, holds the same for eastern Idaho.
Certified Local Government (CLG) communities are those that shown a commitment to historic preservation. They have done this by adopting a local ordinance and creating a historic preservation commission. The program is a dynamic partnership between local governments, the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and the National Park Service (NPS).
An important federal program for encouraging private investment in historic buildings involves the tax incentives available for some owners and developers. For certain qualifying projects, the owner may claim 20% of their rehabilitation project costs as investment tax credits that can be applied to their federal income tax.
The mission of the ISHS Easement Program is to provide a long-term preservation solution for significant historic resources within the State of Idaho. The Easement Program helps the ISHS accomplish and advance its mission to preserve Idaho history and promote sustainable and economically viable communities through historic preservation.
Frequently asked questions related to National Register of Historic Places, Section 106 Reviews, and Certified Local Government Programs (CLGs).
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