Events at the Idaho State Historical Museum
Essential Idaho Programming and Related Events
With the opening of our new exhibit, this web page will have detailed information about upcoming programming and related events. Each month we will feature Brown Bag Lectures on the second Tuesdays and beginning in April, Hands on History the first Saturday of each month. Upcoming programming and events are listed through July 31, 2013.
International Museum Day
May 19, 12-5 p.m.
Bring the whole family for a stroll in Pioneer Village and enjoy International Museum Day! This once-a-year event is sponsored by the Boise Museum Association and will include art projects, mug shots, an outlaw toss, gem dig, and much more
. Participating museums include the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, Boise Art Museum, Boise WaterShed Environment Education Center, Discovery Center of Idaho, Idaho Botanical Garden, Idaho Historical Museum/Old Idaho State Penitentiary, Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology and more! For more information contact Vince Trimboli at 208-949-3712.
Hands-on History
June 1, 12-3 p.m.
Join us for a family friendly exploration of Idaho History. This month's theme is Giddy-up: Ranching in Idaho. Learn how to throw a lasso, make your own brand, and other activities about the history of ranching. The Hands-on History schedule will continue first Saturdays through Dec. 7 and highlight themes in the Museum's featured exhibit, Essential Idaho: 150 Things that Make the Gem State Unique. Museum admission fees apply.
First Thursday
June 6, 5-9 p.m.
Get Territorial! Come in and relate to Idaho in a whole new way. Our exhibit, Essential Idaho: 150 Things that Make the Gem State Unique, explores the people, places, things, and events that make our state great. All hands-on activites commemorate some aspect of Idaho history. Free admission 5-9 pm.
Brown Bag Lecture
June 11, 12-1 p.m.
Come and learn about "BOISE 150 - A Sesquicentennial Commemoration" from those who make it happen. Join Terri Schorzman, director of Boise Department of Arts & History, and Amy Fackler, cultural programs manager, as they give a brief overview of Boise's founding. They will introduce BOISE 150 goals through the 
lenses of Community, Environment,and Enterprise that encourage the public's exploration of Boise's past, present, and future. Schorzman and Fackler will provide attendees with information about how to get involved with BOISE 150. Brandi Burns, city historian, will give an overview of the city's new Remnants of Boise digital tour that incoporates historic images with modern Boise scenes.
Annual Events
Brown Bag Lecture Series
January through December
This series includes twelve lectures by celebrated experts on unique aspects of Idaho history, covering a wide range of topics of interest to a variety of age groups. The Brown Bag lectures take place the second Tuesday of each month from noon to 1 pm and are free to the public during calendar year 2013. With the exception of the 2013 calendar year from September through May the lectures take place at the Idaho State Historical Museum and June through August they take place at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. The Brown Bag Lecture Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Historical Museum and Old Idaho Pen. Regular admission fees apply. Friends of the Museum and ISHS member are admitted for free.
Museum Comes to Life
September 28, 2013 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Immerse yourself in history at our 40th annual Museum Comes to Life festival sponsored by Friends of the Museum. This exciting event held the last Saturday of September, is a day to celebrate the artisans and technology of years past with expert exhibitors and living history re-enactors from around the state. Stroll through an encampment of Medieval knights, feel the ground shake with the firing of a Civil War cannon, try your hand at calf-roping, or one of the many other hands-on activities. Come celebrate the 150 anniversary of Idaho's Territory. Essential Idaho: 150 Things That Make the Gem State Unique will be the featured exhibit. Each year there are new exhibitors, entertainment, and hands-on activities. Vendors will be there serving food and Pioneer Village will be overflowing with action. Don’t miss the chance to bring the whole family. It's fun and it’s free!
What’s It Worth?
February 23, 2014 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Join the Friends of the Historical Museum as they sponsor their sixth annual “What’s It Worth?” event at the Idaho State Historical Museum. Treasure Valley
evaluators will assess the value of your treasures such as art, books, coins, jewelry, clothing, stamps, small furniture, LPs, 45s and record albums, clocks and watches, guns firearms and militaria, hunting, fishing and western collectibles, Indian items, china, and dolls. The entry fee at the door is $5 per person and $10 per item to be evaluated.
The Vinyl Preservation Society keeps the day moving as their turn-table churns out vintage tunes. Guests are encouraged to roam the Museum's exhibits in between evaluation stations. Coffee and pastries are available to patrons. Don’t miss a chance to clean out your closets and find out what your personal valuables might be worth. For more information call 208-334-2120. Proceeds from "What's It Worth?" help with programming at the Museum and the Old Idaho Penitentiary.
