Idaho Military Historical Society
Why was the Idaho
Military History Museum established and who is the Idaho Military
Historical Society?
"Preservation of records, banners, and relics. All military
records, banners, and relics of the state, except when in lawful
use, shall be preserved in the office of the adjutant general as an
enduring memorial of the patriotism and valor of the soldiers of
Idaho- State Constitution, Section 4, page 367
National Guard Bureau policy: units that are inactivated, broken
up, or have their federal recognition withdrawn are to turn their
colors and guidons in to the USPFO. The USPFO will in turn transfer
these items to the state NG museum, if one exists in the state. If
there is no state NG Museum, the USPFO will contactthe USA Center
Of Military Historythe flag will be mailed to the USA Center of
Military History,Anniston Alabama.
In 1993, the Idaho Military Historical Society (IMHS) was founded by
a group of volunteers with an interest in Idaho Military History.
The purpose of the IMHS was to establish an Idaho military history
museum for the general public, which could also be used to satisfy
the needs, listed in the two above paragraphs. The museum the IMHS
founded was the Idaho Military History Museum.
On June 30, 1993, the IRS granted the IMHS a
temporary 501(c)(3), Non-Profit, tax-exempt status.
On July 27, 1994, the Center of Military History granted the museum
Historical Holding status. This status meant that the USPFO no
longer had to send inactivated units colors and guidons to Anniston
Alabama.
Photo taken
outside the Museum when it was located in building 303.
On Labor Day, 1995, the Idaho Military History Museum opened its
doors
On May 25, 1999, thanks in part to the efforts of Mr. Phil Reberger and then Senator Kempthornes office, the IRS granted the IMHS permanent 501(c)(3) status.
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
Photos taken inside the Museum when it was located in building 303.
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 Idahos proud
Military History.
-
Ken Swanson, President (June
1999)
Download a
Membership Application
- Our Strategic Plan
- Membership Information
- Donations
- IMHS Officers
- Meetings
- Get an Application for the IMHS
Strategic Plan
In April 2000, the Board of Directors reviewed and updated its Strategic Plan. An updated review is currently in progress; the following are the highlights of our current Plan:
Our Mission
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.Inasmuch as an appreciation and understanding of history and heritage is the foundation of continued progress for any culture, the Idaho Military Historical Society will concern itself with programs and policies that will educate and enlighten the public on the military history and traditions of Idaho and its citizens.
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.
The IMHS works cooperatively with the historical programs and facilities of the Idaho State Historical Society, the Idaho Military Division, and other military and civilian organizations. Fundraising, grants, and endowments are fully used in IMHS' numerous projects and acquisitions.
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 implement and expand our educational outreach program with emphasis on
enriching Idaho public and private school curricula.
To implement an aggressive endowment program for the long-term financial
security of the Society.
To conduct 8 membership-generating activities during the fiscal year.
To expand our Reference/Research Library for use by all members of the public.
To enlist Corporate Sponsors for Special Projects.
To provide consultation to the Commanding Generals staff on unit memorials,
and perform oversight and inspection of Gowen Field external equipment displays.
To assist the Commanding Generals staff with information and reports to
develop a state budget allotment for museum operations. -
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.
Members are encouraged to bring this to the attention of their employer and others who may have an interest in Idahos military history.
All memberships are for the calendar year, expiring on December 31. (If joining in October, November, or December, expiration will be December 31 of the following year.)
Donations
We are working to develop a base of endowed funds that will secure adequate archival and display space so Idaho's proud military past is remembered.
Tax deductible: The Idaho Military Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; donations for membership dues and contributions are tax deductible.
Please Send your Gifts to:
Idaho Military Historical Society
4040 W. Guard Street
Boise, ID 83705-5004
For more information, visit our Museum at Gowen Field. Click here to see a map for directions.
Jeff Packer was elected President in 2012.
He has been a member of the Society since 2005 and also served as Membership
Chairman.
Charles Ake was re-elected Vice- President in 2012. He has been a member of the Society since 2006 and has been active in IMHS events for a number of years prior.
Gayle Alvarez was re-elected as Secretary in 2012. She has been active in the IMHS since 1993 and is one of our Charter members.
Gary Donnelly was re-elected as Treasurer in 2012. He has been a member of the Society since 2006 and has been active in IMHS events for a number of years prior.
Other Board members include Russ Trebby, Bill Beck, Bill Miller, Bob Lytle and Rick Johnson.
Ken Swanson
has been a member since 1994, has
served on the Board in a number of positions and is in fact one of our Charter
Members and former President. He recently stepped down from the Board so
he could assume the position of Executive Director. Ken is recently
retired from the Idaho State Historical Society and brings with him a vast
amount of knowledge and experience.
Meetings
All IMHS Board meetings are held at the
Idaho
Military History Museum,
4692 W. Harvard St., Boise, ID 83705.
Board meetings are normally held the last Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
The 2013 Board Meeting Schedule is as follows:
30 Jan (Canceled)
27 Feb
1 May (postponed from
30 Oct (Membership meeting)
There are no Board Meetings scheduled for:
May, July, November or December 2013
Members and the public are welcome to attend IMHS Board
Meetings.
Page last updated: Tuesday, April 30, 2013
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