Sharing Stories

There’s no history without a good story.

We often speak to the importance of preserving our history and heritage for the future generations of Idahoans in advance of our Bicentennial Celebration in 2090. As our connections to the communities we serve deepen, we grow increasingly aware that preservation is a catalyst for cultural, social, educational, economic, and environmental advancement in our present communities.

Preserving historic buildings and artifacts helps define and distinguish our communities. They provide a strong sense of place and cultural identity that increases community engagement and stewardship. Historic preservation creates local jobs and opportunities for businesses to breathe new life into old buildings. It spurs investment and interest in historic downtowns, creates opportunities for heritage tourism, promotes green building and sustainability, and more.

We invite you to learn along with us as we share some firsthand narratives about how preservation projects have made a profound impact in specific communities and personal stories that illustrate the way in which historic places are an indelible part of our individual and cultural identity.

The History of Stained Glass Lives through United Methodist Church of Twin Falls

First United Methodist Church is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as one of the fifteen distinctive structures comprising the Twin Falls City Park Historic District. United Methodist …

Max Black In Memorium

  It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the passing of one of our beloved Trustees, Mr. Max Black. Having someone of Mr. Black’s character, intellect, professional pedigree, and …

The Two Burials of Uncle Ben’s Leg

There is plenty of spooky history haunting Idaho’s outer reaches. From phantom footsteps and voices in the Shoshone Ice Caves to the malevolent spirit of Raymond Allen Snowden, Idaho’s answer …

The History of Cooks Cabin Lives Through Backcountry Blaze

Wildfires throughout North America, taking lives and endangering countless more, ruining livelihoods, and destroying utterly irreplaceable pieces of our past. While the heartbreaking devastation visited upon Maui, including the decimation …

Reading Between the Walls: Lessons Learned from the Award-Winning Restoration of The Mission of the Sacred Heart to the Coeur d’Alene

As many of you know, The Mission of the Sacred Heart is Idaho’s oldest intact building, one of our most recognizable historic sites, and a National Historic Landmark. Designed by …

Getting People Inside (And Outside!) At The Bishop’s House in Boise

A common myth of historic preservation is that owning or caretaking an old building means it can never change, that everything has to remain the same and, well, stagnant. The …

Share Your Stories

The Idaho Heritage Trust believes in preserving historic structures not only for the time and place they exemplify, but also for the personal stories they represent. These stories strengthen community bonds and speak to the importance of preserving our beloved landmarks.

Do you have a family story or meaningful anecdote tied to one of our projects? We cordially invite you to share your story with us!

Send us an email through our contact page, and we would be thrilled to share your story with the world. Make sure to include your name and contact information, so we can reach out for any additional information and give you due credit.

Fund your Project

Learn about our grant program and apply today!

Technical Assistance

Enlist the help of our preservation experts.

Explore

View a comprehensive list of IHT’s projects and an interactive map of historic sites across Idaho.

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