Innovation and creative approaches are a critical component of making history alive. With this in mind, the goals of the History Division are to: preserve the place of history in Boise’s community through local advocacy and partnership with other organizations; promote Boise’s historic and cultural landmarks by encouraging education, outreach and cultural tourism; document ways to incorporate history in future city projects, programs and policies; collect the city’s history by preserving oral, written, and visual documents and material culture; and celebrate historic and cultural events, making it easy for the community to access and appreciate Boise’s heritage.

Boise is one of few communities nationwide that acknowledges the importance of history in developing and sustaining our unique and livable community. Honoring and investing in history as an important component within city government strengthens our ability as a city to “foster an environment where learning, the arts and recreation thrive.” With local inspiration and national best practices, the City of Boise’s History Division preserves, promotes, documents, collects, and celebrates Boise’s history. A&H brings together city departments, local agencies, businesses, non-profits, and Boise State University to create a better community by advocating for local history, preserving our past, and illuminating why it matters.   

The History division has been recognized with an Esto Perpetua Award from Idaho State Historical Society for BOISE 150, and two Orchid Awards from Preservation Idaho for Restoration of the Oregon Trail Memorial Bridge and the BOISE 150 Sesquicentennial Celebration. To view data related to the program, learn more about the History Division, or for assistance with a research request, please contact artsandhistory@cityofboise.org at 208-608-7050.

CURRENT EXHIBITION

• A City Without a Mayor: Boise’s Early Government 1863-1867

WHAT’S NEXT?

• Year-long commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the first Foothills Levy. Learn more here.
• New online content focusing on Boise’s history.
• Fighting Bob: A series of children's books that explore Boise's history. Available at the Library.  
• Opportunities to see the department’s artifact collection. 
  
  

BE PART OF THE ACTION

PRESERVE LOCAL HISTORY
Donate your valuable artifacts--please email artsandhistory@cityofboise.org.

ORAL HISTORY: SUGGEST A SUBJECT
Our growing collection of recorded and transcribed Oral Histories relies on fascinating interview subjects. Seeking Boiseans who would give a great interview on a time period or topic of interest--please email artsandhistory@cityofboise.org. 

ATTEND AND SHARE OUR EVENTS
History fans unite! Please help get the word out about History Division activities and events.