The purpose of the History Division is to preserve, promote, educate, celebrate Boise heritage; elevate awareness and appreciation of historic cultural resources; recognize and celebrate historic and cultural resources; make it easy for the public to participate in activities; make recommendations to City departments regarding history projects, programs and policies; ensure that history is a component of Boise City projects, advise in policy-making; serve community in advisory/educational capacity; assist historical and cultural organizations; assist with cultural heritage tourism initiatives.

The Division is supported by a volunteer History Committee.

Historical Inquiries

The History Division fields public inquiries relating to the history of Boise. Some are answered in-house, others are referred to the agency best equipped to answer them accurately. We try to respond to all questions within two working days. Contact us at: cityhistorian@cityofboise.org.

The History Division maintains partnerships and contacts with other agencies such as the Boise Public Library, Idaho State Historical Society and Preservation Idaho. Between the many professional historians and librarians in the city, we are able to find answers to most questions we receive.

Research assistance can also be found through the Boise Public Library's Ask a Librarian service.