Idaho State Historical Society - History and Organization

History and Organization

The ISHS was established in 1881, eighteen years after the Idaho Territory was established, and nine years before statehood in 1890. Initially named the Historical Society of Idaho Pioneers, its goal was to discover and preserve Idaho’s heritage. Early efforts of the Historical Society led to the establishment of the Idaho State Historical Society as a state agency in 1907.

The ISHS is charged with responsibility of preserving Idaho’s rich history and prehistory in accordance with Chapters 41 and 46 of Title 67 of the Idaho Code, and other statutory capacity assigned by Titles 14, 31, 33, 58, and 63. A board of trustees has statutory authority for setting policy for the society, which serves as an agency of the State Board of Education.

From its original “library and cabinet” meant to preserve “literary and scientific objects” the Society has evolved to include the Idaho State Historical Museum, the Public Archives and Research Library, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Historic Sites Program, and the Administration unit. The ISHS has a seven member Board of Trustees appointed by the governor to represent Idaho's seven judicial districts. The Society now directly reaches more than 100,000 people annually and serves an additional 700,000 on its web site.Template:Http://www.history.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/trustee poster.pdf