Idaho State Historical Society

The agenda includes a review of the third quarter FY26 expenditures and earned income. Action items encompass the approval of the ISHS FY2028 fee policy, the adoption of FY2028 budget principles, amendments to the board governance policy management guide, and the approval of century status for the Nelson-Smith Farm and the Ernest George Bates Family Farm. Additionally, the meeting covers agency updates, information on the A250 project, fund development initiatives, planning for the Wine, Eats, and Artifacts event, leadership report outs, and a walk-through of the Esto Perpetua exhibit.

The agenda focuses on the review of national register listings and the voting on various historic property nominations, including the Historic Agricultural Properties of Cougar Gulch, Carousel Tree Farm, Parma State Bank, Weiser High School Gymnasium and Auditorium, Evergreen Grange Hall, Shoshone County Poor Farm, Caldwell Municipal Rose Garden, Bovill Historic Commercial District, and the University of Idaho Historic District. The meeting also includes the evaluation of a Multiple Property Documentation Form and a discussion regarding the date and location of the next meeting.

The Board of Trustees meeting addressed several key actions and informational items. Actions included the approval of the ISHS Agency Records Retention Schedule, following a report detailing its compliance with state and federal laws and considerations for digital record retention challenges. The Board also approved the 100% Design Development Plans for Phase I OIP exhibitions, noting changes such as incorporating an auditorium space and refining exhibit storylines related to legal origins. Additionally, the Warhawk Air Museum was approved to receive the 2025 Sister Alfreda Award, and two Century Farm applications, Heuett-Watson Land Co. and Abbott Ranches LLC, were approved. Information items covered proposed license agreements for the Table Rock Road Easement balancing commercial/institutional access with safety concerns, an update on the 2025/2026 Legislative Engagement strategy, reports on the WEA event and America250 activities, and various departmental reports regarding budgets, archives, museum exhibits, and facilities maintenance. The Board also discussed and set tentative dates for 2026 meetings.

The agenda for the Special Board of Trustees Meeting included a call to order, followed by motions to move into and subsequently out of an executive session to discuss Personnel matters concerning the District 3 Board of Trustee position. The primary action item involved approving the recommendations for the District 3 Board of Trustees position and forwarding those names to the Governor's Office for final selection. The schedule also allocated significant time for conducting interviews related to the District 3 position.

The Idaho State Historical Society's Strategic Plan for FY 2026-2030 outlines a roadmap to preserve and promote Idaho history, aiming to make history essential and accessible to all Idahoans. The plan focuses on three key strategic goals: Statewide Outreach to build lasting relationships and amplify the value of history; Education to deliver compelling, curriculum-aligned, and inquiry-driven learning experiences; and Responsible Government to earn and maintain public trust through transparency, integrity, and efficient operations. The overarching vision is to inspire, enrich, and engage all Idahoans, fostering a deeper understanding of their heritage and empowering civic participation.