Idaho State Historical Society seeks spending authority for fundraising, collections move and America250 projects

The Idaho State Historical Society told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee it needs spending authority for fundraising proceeds, requested one‑time funds to move archival collections into a consolidated facility, and detailed a $1.65 million general‑fund package for America250 commemorations.

Director Janet Gallimore said the agency raises roughly half its budget from non‑state sources (admissions, contracts, grants and donations) and requires legislative spending authority to accept and expend grants and large donations. "If you're talking about large federal grants or large foundation grants that require an audit and require the assurance of the government, that's why we have that spending authority," Gallimore said.

Why it matters: The agency safeguards statewide archives, museum collections and historic sites including the Old Idaho Penitentiary and the Idaho State Archives; funding decisions affect preservation, public access and planned commemorations of the U.S. Semiquincentennial.

Key details - The agency requested $1,650,000 from the general fund for America250 commemoration activities; Director Gallimore said roughly $1.4 million of that amount already is obligated through contracts or MOUs but not all has been expended. - Fiscal year 2026 requests include a $450,000 one‑time item for moving collections into a centralized facility (agency said the consolidation will move roughly tens of thousands of boxes and artifacts), a $103,200 ongoing request for Old Pen staff (1.0 FTP) funded by the penitentiary’s miscellaneous revenue fund, and a $62,900 ongoing request for an archivist technician to catalog and digitize holdings. - The agency confirmed prior legislative spending authority for a $1,000,000 fundraising initiative; Director Gallimore said the society regularly raises roughly $250,000 per year in earned revenues and runs campaigns for larger capital projects (for example a $2,000,000 campaign for the Old Pen).

Committee questions and clarifications - Legislators asked for data showing returns on previously authorized Old Pen staff and for updates on student‑education goals. Gallimore said the agency has targets (for example, a goal to increase student visits at the Old Pen from about 6,000 to 12,000) and will provide follow‑up metrics. - On the fundraising item, Gallimore explained that government accounting requires legislative spending authority to accept and expend some grants and large donations, and that the state foundation for Idaho history assists with private fundraising.

Collections and public access - Senator Hart asked where archives are stored; the agency said the Idaho State Archives are housed in the penitentiary district and contain the state constitution, state government records, photographs and manuscripts. The agency noted some content is available online (including digitized newspapers on Chronicling America and inventories on ArchivesSpace) and that the requested archivist position would expand cataloging of territorial and gubernatorial records.

Artifacts presented - The society brought two historical silver service pieces associated with ships named USS Idaho and described a partnership to curate artifacts that will be placed aboard a Navy vessel and later returned to Idaho for long‑term curation.

What’s next - The agency will provide legislators with requested metrics on Old Pen revenues and education visits, and will continue implementing the America250 portfolio in coordination with the Governor’s task force and the advisory council.

Ending - Gallimore thanked the committee for past investments and reiterated the society’s role preserving materials from territorial days through the present.