State Historical Society requests $450,000 to consolidate archives, brings powder horn and Idaho Admissions Act for committee viewing

The Idaho State Historical Society told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee it seeks $450,000 in FY27 (year two of a two‑year request) to professionally move state records, artifacts and capital collections from three off‑site facilities into a new consolidated archives stewardship addition.

Analyst Brooke Dupree explained the year‑two request follows a prior $450,000 appropriation and described a $900,000 total project to relocate roughly 150,000 linear feet of materials into a purpose‑built facility. Janet Gallimore, the society's director, said the move is "not about expansion, it's about stewarding the assets that are already entrusted to the state," emphasizing preservation, environmental controls and improved public access.

Gallimore introduced a set of artifacts the committee could view after adjournment, including a Revolutionary War‑era powder horn that belonged to Captain Samuel Brady and the Idaho Admissions Act (signed July 3, 1890). She framed the objects as examples of the state's documentary and material record and tied stewardship work to civic education and the America250 commemorations.

Committee members asked about the State Historic Preservation Office's archaeological review process; Gallimore said SHPO operates under the National Historic Preservation Act, consults with federal agencies on project reviews and conducts field visits when necessary. Members requested travel records for archaeological surveys in Bonner County and the director agreed to provide them.

The committee adjourned and members were invited to view the artifacts.