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Idaho State Historical Society brings USS Idaho silver service to Senate chamber
Summary
Members of the Idaho State Historical Society displayed pieces of the USS Idaho silver service — including an engraved fruit tray and a cake tray — and briefed senators on the artifacts' history and the society's role preserving state records and objects.
The Idaho State Historical Society presented selections from its collection to the Idaho Senate on Wednesday, including pieces of the silver service associated with U.S. Navy vessels named USS Idaho.
A Senate floor member introduced the presentation and noted that the items on display include a cake tray from the battleship BB-24 and an engraved fruit tray that a visiting foreign dignitary added to the set during the ship’s 1919 voyage. The presenter said the copper eagle atop the Idaho state capitol was fashioned from parts of the decommissioned BB-24.
Janet Gallimore, executive director of the Idaho State Historical Society, and members of the society’s board of trustees and foundation were identified in the chamber and made available to answer senators’ questions as members examined the artifacts. The presentation was accompanied by a printed photograph of a historic USS Idaho and the society’s explanation of the items’ provenance.
Senator Sarah Hart drew attention to the Navy research facility on Lake Pend Oreille and noted Idaho’s historical ties to naval research. The society’s appearance was described as an annual visit to place a tangible piece of state history on the Senate desk and allow legislators to view and photograph the artifacts.
The presentation was ceremonial and informational; no formal action or vote was recorded. Senators were invited to the well of the chamber to see the items more closely and to speak with society staff.
