Idaho State Historical Museum Renovation and Addition History is essential to understanding America. Lessons from the past enhance historical literacy, create an informed citizenry, deepen our connections to our communities, and provide understanding of the people and circumstances that paved the way to today. History teaches us about triumphs and mistakes, inspiring us with stories of humanity and perseverance in the face of challenges. History compels us to think beyond our assumptions and find truth. History helps us to understand the context of our lives and shape an informed future. History tells our stories and engages us in what they mean today. The Idaho State Historical has gathered the state s history since 1881 and is the steward for over 250,000 objects, 150,000 feet of government records, 30,000 rolls of microfilm, 1 million photographs, 5,000 films and videos, 3,100 oral histories, 32,000 maps, 25,000 books and periodicals, and 74 historic structures. The Idaho State Historical Society illuminates our state s future and helps people of all ages explore and appreciate Idaho s rich past and learn more about themselves. To foster a more meaningful exploration of our history, the Idaho State Historical Society is seeking to renovate and expand the Idaho State Historical Museum and develop world-class exhibitions that inspire learning and invite an engaged discussion of Idaho s past and its impact today. The Idaho Historical Museum serves the entire population of the state as well as thousands of visitors to Idaho. Every year, 40,000 visitors experience the museum s programs and exhibitions, giving the institution a vital role in Idaho culture: teaching the past in order to inspire, enrich, and engage current and future generations. Our facility requires infrastructure enhancements, public interest in the Idaho Historical Museum exceeds our capacity, and our exhibitions need to reflect a more comprehensive telling of Idaho s story. Project Goals To repair and replace aging infrastructure that dates to the museum s opening in 1950 in order to enhance the building s functionality and environmental controls; To expand the museum to accommodate the public demand for programs and expand the capacity to feature special traveling exhibitions; To realize a level of excellence with core exhibitions that is inspiring and information, and one that appeals to Idahoans sense of pride in the state, serves an essential role for children, families, and school tours, and positions the Idaho Historical Museum as a top destination.
Key Museum Renovation and Addition Elements: Before and After I II Heath, Safety, and Infrastructure Repairs Mold damage and asbestos; aging infrastructure Repair of west wall, including areas damaged by mold and water New fire suppression and security systems Renovation and modernization of the public elevator Renovation of public restroom plumbing New lift and utility entrance to the building New energy-efficient lighting potentially in partnership with the Idaho Power Incentive Program New HVAC system, including connecting to geothermal, thus saving approximately 30% on utilities Surface repair of interior walls, ceilings, floors, and exterior walls Accessibility and Functionality Facilities too small for public lectures and school tours Building not able to accommodate special traveling exhibitions Dedicated lecture and multi-use space for 150 people One additional classroom for students Dedicated lobby for school groups and heritage tours Public programming area adjacent to Pioneer Village for enhanced indoor-outdoor experience Museum can accommodate up to 5,000-square-foot special traveling exhibitions from the Smithsonian or other venues III Story of Idaho Core Exhibition 2,500 square feet Outdated exhibitry 5,000-square-foot state of the art exhibition: Idaho: The Spirit of the Land and Its People Technology connects this exhibition to all parts of Idaho and beyond Exhibition developed with scholars, tribes, ethnics communities, and regional representatives Enhanced citizen personal connection to Idaho s comprehensive story More signature artifacts available to the public