Idaho State Archives

Today we honor and remember Governor Dirk Kempthorne and his lasting legacy on the state of Idaho. From championing Idaho’s state parks system to supporting early childhood education, Governor Kempthorne will be remembered as a dedicated and hard-working public servant who cared deeply for the people of Idaho.

To learn more about his years as governor through photographs and historical records, explore his collection at the Idaho State Archives Research Center.

https://idahostatearchives.libraryhost.com/repositories/7/resources/4224

Photo citation: AR2/30 Box 50 Folder 67 (Idaho State Archives)

From 1951–1962, nuclear testing in Nevada spread radioactive fallout across Idaho. Today, many Idahoans affected as “Downwinders” may qualify for compensation.

As of July 2025, eligible individuals or their survivors can receive a one-time $100,000 payment through the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). To apply, you’ll need proof you lived in Idaho during key dates in 1951–1962.

The Idaho State Archives can help locate records like directories, tax documents, and yearbooks. Certified copies are free for pickup or can be mailed for $5.

Request documentation or learn more at history.idaho.gov/reca.

Photo: An atomic test that took place on March 23, 1955, at the Nevada Test Site, credit: AP/U.S. Atomic Energy Commission

Filing a RECA claim and not sure where to find documentation of presence?

The Idaho State Archives will be on hand to answer your questions regarding Downwinder applications this Saturday (1/31) at Nampa Public Library, 10:30am-2pm

Come see the exhibit!
These promotional materials are fun to look at, but they also reveal the challenges and ambitions of early irrigation efforts and the settlers who made Idaho home.

Open Tuesday through Saturday 11 to 4 (closed on holidays)

Image citation: MS544 Idaho Tourism and Travel Box 5
This collection is in the catalog! https://idahostatearchives.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/1272

The Idaho State Archives will be closed this Saturday, October 18th, in observation of the Columbus Day holiday for the State of Idaho.

Contact us at [email protected]

The research center display case is ready for takeoff! This month is all about aviation in and near Idaho, from airline operations to pilot training in the 1950s! Come by and check it out!

Happy International Cat Day from the Idaho State Archives! From circus lions to family pet portraiture, our collections contain a variety of feline depictions.

Although today's celebration was established in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, history certainly reveals we have been charmed by cats for much longer.

When the first agricultural societies of human civilization took root in the Fertile Crescent, some 12,000 years ago, our modern relationship with cats was not far behind. The cultural shift from predominantly hunting for food to growing and cultivating surplus resources created space for a unique partnership. Grain stores attracted rodents, which, in turn, attracted wild cats. As agriculture continued to develop, so did the relationship between humans and cats. Naturally, Idaho also welcomed cats with its agrarian expansion. In 1863, The Idaho World reported a wagon sold cats for $10 each (roughly $255 in today's market) and that rates were often higher!

The popular notion of cats as accepted house pets developed in the late 19th century. A few pioneers settling across the West brought cats with them as family pets, but the majority were transported for efficient pest control. Nevertheless, cats quickly warmed their way into the hearts of Idaho families, even earning spots in photo albums!

Photo Citations:

P1970-10-1218-38
P2002-15-9
P1996-26-83-2a
P1982-63-64c cat

Continuing with Chet Hanks’ cowboy summer, here are some classic cowboy outfits. With chaps, hats, and holsters, these cowboys are ready to go! But the Nez Perce man, Frank McMann (right) and Walt Cook (left) in the first two photos are missing an essential cowboy feature: a horse! Tracy Thompson and a pal show off the essentials, and ready to wrangle some cattle!

Photos in order: P1977-60-28, P1979-120-13, P1980-83-1

The Idaho State Archives wishes you a fun and safe 4th of July this summer!

While you may not see the Goddess of Liberty floating down the streets, we hope there are plenty of delightful spectacles for you to enjoy.

Photo Citations:

P1966-70-4
P1969-29

Basque Country immigrants began arriving in Idaho in the mid-1800s; like many, they hoped to find better lives and success in gold mining. However, the majority forged opportunities in equally hard work, particularly in the growing sheep industry of the early 20th century. As sheep populations continued to expand, Basque boarding houses and communities were established. Today, the cities of Hailey, Ketchum, and Boise have the most centralized Basque populations in Idaho.

Every five years, the Basque cultural festival Jaialdi is celebrated in Boise. While the official dates for Jaialdi 2025 are July 29th - August 3rd, we welcome you to view the hosted exhibition of Basque cultural paintings in our temporary exhibit space now!

The Idaho State Archives is hosting the first collaboration between BOSCO and the Oinkari Basque Dancers. This special exhibition runs from June 18th through August 15th. The opening reception will be July 17th at the Archives from 5-7 and includes a live dance performance by the Oinkari Basque Dancers at 6pm. We hope to see you there!

Photo Citation:
P1972-43-3
Idaho Department of Commerce and Development