In August of 1994, the Idaho Military Division (IMD) and the IMHS entered into a Memorandum of Understanding and developed a “cooperative relationship”. In January 1999, this MOU was reaccomplished and expanded.

The MOU reaffirms that “The goals of the State (IMD) and the Society in regards to promoting the appreciation of Idaho military history are mutually supportive. Each party to this agreement has separate activities and responsibilities, but are committed to long-term programs that foster and enhance an interest in Idaho Military history. The Idaho Military History Museum is seen by both parties to this agreement as the means to cooperatively accomplish their historical goals.”


Pictured here are some of the colors and guidons from inactivated Idaho National Guard Units


Many other volunteer groups and military historical societies, have attempted to accomplish something similar to what the IMHS has done in Idaho. While attempting to establish a military history museum in their state, they have found it necessary to establish a non-profit organization to handle their operational expenses & fundraising efforts. The one known exception is Kentucky, which placed its military history museum directly under their states historical museum.

What does all of this mean? It means that if an individual is considering donating their military memorabilia to the Idaho Military Historical Society, they can rest assured that it will be in good hands. On the other hand, a person does not necessarily need to be Idaho National Guard alumni to be able to donate their memorabilia to the IMHS. In fact, we are interested in memorabilia from all services.

The mission of the IMHS is to “provide for the preservation, display, and interpretation of military history and artifacts that have a geographical, cultural or historical tie to the history of the people and state of Idaho.” 
                        
The IMHS has laid the groundwork for an endowment fund to handle the day to day cost of operations and administration of the museum and has set in place a membership program for those interested in directly supporting the preservation of Idaho Military History for future generations. 

The Idaho Military Division has provided facilities for the museum and financial support when available, for some of the day to day operations.

We, the IMD and IMHS, believe we have a good partnership established. We have quite a daunting task ahead of us but we are ready and willing to do it. We invite you to come join us as we preserve and protect Idaho’s proud Military History.   - Ken Swanson, President (June 1999)
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• Our Strategic Plan
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STRATEGIC PLAN
In April 2000, the Board of Directors reviewed and updated its Strategic Plan. We are pleased to present the highlights of our Plan:

To provide for the preservation, display, and interpretation of military history and artifacts that have a geographical, cultural, or historical tie to the people and State of Idaho.

Our Vision

Members and citizens are educated and enlightened through IMHS' high quality display and outreach programs. The IMHS has diversity in its large and increasing membership, and encourages maximum creativity and participation from members.

Our Goals

To provide high quality historical exhibits of particular significance to those interested in military history, with an emphasis on Idaho Military history.

  To maintain and continually update a long-range collection plan based on themes, exhibits, and eras. The plan includes permanent, rotating, and mobile exhibits.

To develop and implement a plan to increase the visibility and accessibility of the museum.

To increase public awareness of the Museum and IMHS by publicity events, mobile exhibits, educational outreach programs, news releases, membership activities, and meeting room usage.

To assist the Commanding General’s staff with information and reports to develop a state budget allotment for museum operations. - The Board

Membership Information

Why Join the Idaho Military Historical Society?

Idaho's citizens have a rich military history.   Besides the battles with indigenous Native Americans that established the modern state, individual Idahoans have served their state and nation in the active forces, reserves, and National Guard.  Idaho Reserve and National Guard units have been called to duty for every major military conflict from the Spanish American War in 1898 to Operation Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom in 2005.  

As a Society member, you can help us preserve this rich heritage.  Members and volunteers are helping the Society with its historical programs which include:

• collecting, preserving, and displaying artifacts and documents,
• providing military history education programs,
• museum and archives operation,
• conducting oral histories.

MEMBERS ALSO RECEIVE BENEFITS:

P As a member, you will receive Pass In Review, our quarterly newsletter.

P As a member, you will also receive advance announcements of field trips, meetings, exhibit openings and other special events or benefits.

P The Society sponsors membership meetings with special speakers, technical consultants and professional historians. As a member, you will be invited to attend and participate in these various programs and events.

P You will have the satisfaction of knowing your are directly supporting the preservation of Idaho Military History for future generations.

P You will be a part of a growing, dynamic organization.

The Idaho Military Historical Society has memberships for individuals and organizations; the categories are listed below:

Individual Memberships

General Membership - Membership entered in the name of an individual of good character with a sincere interest in the Society.  General Membership annual dues are $25.   Receives newsletter and notice of future events.  1 vote at membership meetings

  Lifetime Membership - Membership entered in the name of an individual of good character with a sincere interest in the Society.  Lifetime membership dues are $375 in lieu of annual dues.   Receives newsletter and notice of future events.  1 Vote at membership meetings.  Lifetime memberships may be paid in installments over a one-year period.

Associate Membership - Membership entered in the name of a spouse of a General Member or Lifetime member in good standing.    Associate Membership annual dues are $10.  Associate member shares newsletter and future events notice with full member partner and is eligible to vote at membership meetings.

  Student Membership - Membership entered in the name of an individual of good character with a sincere interest in the Society who is attending elementary, junior, or senior high school, or an accredited college, university, or technical school. Student Membership annual dues are $10.  Student member receives newsletter & notice of future events but is not eligible to vote at membership meetings.

  Senior Membership - Membership entered in the name of an individual of good character with a sincere interest in the Society who has reached the age of 60. Senior Membership annual dues are $15.

Organizational Memberships

Four categories that recognize size and level of interest with commensurate benefits are as follows:

Platinum - Membership entered in the name of a corporation or business of good character with a sincere interest in the Society. Annual membership dues are $500.  Platinum member receives 15 copies of newsletter & notice of future events. Also receives 15 Corporate Membership Cards good for 15% discount at Gift Shop and other IMHS sponsored events. Member may cast 4 votes at membership meetings.

Gold - Membership entered in the name of a corporation or business of good character with a sincere interest in the Society. Annual membership dues are $250.  Gold member receives 10 copies of newsletter & notice of future events. Also receives 10 Corporate Membership Cards good for 10% discount at Gift Shop and other IMHS sponsored events. Member may cast 3 votes at membership meetings.

Silver - Membership entered in the name of a corporation or business of good character with a sincere interest in the Society. Annual membership dues are $100.  Silver member receives 5 copies of newsletter & notice of future events. Also receives 5 Corporate Membership Cards good for 10% discount at Gift Shop and other IMHS sponsored events. Member may cast 2 votes at membership meetings.

Bronze - Membership entered in the name of a corporation or business of good character with a sincere interest in the Society. Annual membership dues are $50.   Bronze member receives 2 copies of newsletter & notice of future events. Also receives 2 Corporate Membership Cards good for 10% discount at Gift Shop and other IMHS sponsored events. Member may cast 1 vote at membership meetings.

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