Idaho is home to over 150 historical societies, preservation organizations, and heritage groups. From major institutions in Boise to small-town societies preserving local heritage, these organizations maintain vital connections to Idaho's rich past.
Featured Historical Societies
Idaho State Historical Society
Location: Boise, ID
Founded: 1881
Official state historical society operating Idaho State Museum, Old Idaho Penitentiary, and state archives. Preserves Idaho history from Native American cultures through mining, agriculture, and statehood.
Website: history.idaho.gov
Boise Basin Museum
Location: Idaho City, ID
Founded: 1960
Preserves the history of Idaho's gold rush era in the historic mining town of Idaho City. Features exhibits on mining, pioneers, and the boomtown days of the 1860s-1870s.
Website: boisebasinmuseum.org
Nez Perce National Historical Park
Location: Spalding, ID
Founded: 1965
National Park Service site preserving Nez Perce tribal history and culture across 38 locations in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Montana. Includes museum, archives, and cultural center.
Website: nps.gov/nepe
Idaho State Historical Society
Location: Boise, ID
Founded: 1907
Statewide organization operating museums and preserving Idaho history from Lewis and Clark through mining booms. Maintains state archives and administers historic preservation programs.
Website: history.idaho.gov
Old Idaho Penitentiary
Location: Boise, ID
Founded: 1870 (prison), 1973 (museum)
Territorial prison operating 1872-1973, now museum interpreting Western criminal justice. Features solitary confinement cells, gallows, and exhibits on famous inmates including Lyda Southard.
Museum of Idaho
Location: Idaho Falls, ID
Founded: 1985
Regional museum exploring Upper Snake River valley history, archaeology, and natural sciences. Features traveling exhibitions and permanent galleries on local Native cultures and pioneer settlement.
Nez Perce National Historical Park
Location: Spalding, ID
Founded: 1965
38-site park across four states documenting Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) people's history and 1877 War. Interprets Lewis and Clark encounter, missionary work, and Chief Joseph's resistance.
Website: nps.gov/nepe
Twin Falls County Historical Museum
Location: Twin Falls, ID
Founded: 1980
Documents Magic Valley irrigation development that transformed desert into farmland. Collections include pioneer artifacts, agricultural equipment, and materials on Snake River Canyon.
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Submit a Society →Additional Idaho History Resources
- Idaho State Historical Society - Statewide history organization and museums
- Idaho State Historic Preservation Office - State historic preservation programs
- Idaho State Archives - State archives in Boise