Idaho State Historical Society seeks spending authority for exhibits and archives move; $1.65M America250 allocation mostly obligated

The Idaho State Historical Society briefed the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on multiple items including spending authority for donated and grant funds, staffing at the Old Idaho Penitentiary, a multi-year move and consolidation of collections, and its America250 commemoration budget.

Brooke Dupree, the committee analyst, opened the presentation noting the society’s statutory responsibilities under chapter 41, title 67 of Idaho Code and the agency’s organizational breakdown across archives, the State Historic Preservation Office, the State Museum and the Old Idaho Penitentiary.

Authority to spend fundraising and grant dollars

Director Janet Gallimore (Janet Gallimore, director of the Idaho State Historical Society) told the committee that the agency raises roughly half its operating budget from non-state sources — earned revenue, grants and private donations — and that legislative spending authority is needed to accept and expend large grants and fundraising proceeds. Gallimore said some prior appropriations established authority to spend funds raised for projects and campaigns; the agency seeks similar re‑appropriation and spending authority where required.

America250 appropriation and obligations

Dupree summarized the FY 2025 appropriation of $1,650,000 from the general fund for the America250 commemoration. Gallimore told the committee about partnerships (Boise State University, public television, and other agencies) and said roughly $1.4 million of that appropriation is already obligated via memoranda of understanding and grant agreements for exhibits, curriculum and other commemorative work.

Old Idaho Penitentiary staffing and earned-revenue goals

Gallimore described a business plan for the Old Idaho Penitentiary that recommended additional staff to expand education and earned-income activities. The agency received positions and is now asking for additional ongoing support for two staff this fiscal cycle (an educator and a store manager); Gallimore said the Old Pen “operates probably 90% on earned income” and that the agency aims to increase student visits from about 6,000 to 12,000 as part of the business plan.

Consolidating archives and planned move

The agency requested one-time funds (the hearing materials showed $450,000 in fiscal 2026 as part of a multi-year effort) to move material into the State Archives building and consolidate off-site storage. Gallimore said planning estimates include moving roughly 30,000 boxes and about 50,000 artifacts; the physical move and cataloging work will span two fiscal years and may take about 10 months of active moving once started.

Fundraising initiative and reporting request

Lawmakers asked about the $1,000,000 fundraising initiative appropriated in 2024 and how much revenue it produced. Gallimore said the agency raises different amounts depending on projects and campaigns, with ongoing earned revenue in the range of about $250,000 per year for education programs, and larger campaign goals (for example a $2,000,000 campaign for the Old Pen). She offered to provide specific fund-balance and campaign totals to the committee.

Exhibit presentation: naval silver service

At the committee’s invitation, Gallimore presented artifacts that had traveled on USS Idaho vessels — engraved silver pieces gifted to the state — and explained the broader plan to curate artifacts that will travel on the newly commissioned USS Idaho submarine and to ensure a plan for transfer and return of those items to Idaho if/when the Navy disposes of them.

Committee directions and follow-ups

Committee members asked for: documentation of fundraising results tied to the earlier $1,000,000 authority; data showing results from prior Old Pen hires (visitation and revenue); and continued reporting on the multi-year move plan. Gallimore agreed to provide the requested data and to supply additional specifics on most items.

Attribution

This article uses statements by Brooke Dupree (budget and policy analyst, Legislative Services Office) and Janet Gallimore (director, Idaho State Historical Society) as recorded in the committee transcript.