Boise State University History Department

08/07/2025

Emily Fritchman, a lecturer in the history department, answered a child’s question: ‘What’s the oldest house in Boise?’

Fritchman is a fifth-generation Idahoan who loves and researches Idaho history and architecture. In her classes at Boise State, she shares this passion and the intrigues of the state’s history through courses such as “Idaho Myths and Legends” and her University Foundations 200 course, where students select, research and present a history of one unique, historic site in Idaho.

Learning is all about asking questions, and no one asks questions better than children. Boise...

08/08/2024

One of our professors in action!

“John Bieter, a professor in history, Cheryl Oestreicher, a professor and head of special collections and archives, along with Iñaki Arrieta Baro with the University of Nevada, Reno presented “Land Transformation in the American West: Sheep, Herders and Tree Carvings” at the quadrennial joint conference of the Society for Social Studies Sciences and the European Association for the Study of Science and Technology.”

https://www.boisestate.edu/news/2024/08/05/bieter-and-oestreicher-present-at-international-conference/

John Bieter, a professor in history, Cheryl Oestreicher, a professor and head of special collections...

08/06/2024

The Old Idaho Penitentiary presents Locktober 2024! Check out our spooky new poster art by local artist Lauryn Medeiros, and the lineup for this year's Halloween events at the site.

Public sales for Locktober events start on Labor Day (Monday, September 2) at 10:00 am, with Member Presales beginning on Tuesday, August 27.

Members are eligible to register for two FREE tickets to the October 19 Paranormal Investigation. Members also receive free admission to October 12's Behind the Scenes Tours. Not a Member? Visit history.idaho.gov/membership to become one before the Member Presale.

Locktober 2024:

Sleepless in Stripes VI: Saturday, October 5, 6:00 pm to 7:00 am. Your chance to stay overnight at the Old Idaho Penitentiary in the site's historic cell houses. Includes meals, behind the scenes exploration, a paranormal investigation with Big River Paranormal, and more! 18+ only. $125 per person.

Behind the Scenes Tours: Saturday, October 12: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Check out rarely seen or off-limits areas of the historic Old Idaho Penitentiary. Recommended Ages 13+. $15 per person. Free to ISHS Members!

Paranormal Investigation: Saturday, October 19: 9:15 pm to 2:00 am. Tour the site with Big River Paranormal at night. 18+ only. $40 per person. Free to ISHS Members!

Squawky & Spirits: Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26, 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm each night. The Old Idaho Penitentiary's annual Halloween party, featuring music, entertainment, food and alcohol for purchase, photo ops, and of course, two great haunted house experiences! 18+ only. $30 per person.

Stay tuned for additional event details!

07/22/2024

We see a Boise State History Student there!

06/24/2024

Learn about the creative journey and purpose of the IBCA's Black Excellence Gala from the visionary minds who created it.

06/24/2024

04/24/2024

Meet Bailey Reece, originally from Middleton, Idaho, and set to graduate in the spring of 2024 from the Boise State University College of Education with a Master in Teaching in Secondary Education degree. Reece is part of a fellowship program that’s allowed her to teach rural students at Parma High School, returning to her roots after living in Boise to attend the university.

“Growing up in a rural area, I thought I would never go back and that city life was for me. But I have an amazing team at Parma High, amazing students and I have an amazing time teaching,” she said. “The opportunity has been incredible. I have built connections and gained real experience applying the knowledge from my classes. I love Parma High School, and I couldn’t have asked to be anywhere better.”

After graduation, Reece plans to take her “dream vacation” to Europe before diving back into her studies and joining the doctoral program in curriculum and instruction. She hopes to ultimately work as a faculty member, educating and inspiring future instructors.

“As a low-income, first-generation student, I initially thought college was never in the cards for me. Against all the odds, I did it. I hope to inspire others to push themselves to achieve their goals. I hope to remind people it is possible. I want to tell people why education is so important and that gaining knowledge can be fun. I truly love learning and this whole experience is like a dream come true.”

Read the Q&A with Bailey Reece: https://www.boisestate.edu/news/2024/04/23/passion-for-learning-sets-college-of-education-students-career-path/

04/22/2024

Boise State history students had a blast exploring the Basque Block with Dr. John Bieter! Students experienced a historical Basque boarding house and showed off their skills while playing pala. Want to meet fellow students and explore history beyond the classroom? Stay tuned for our monthly social events!

04/08/2024

Interested in learning more about the history of Basque folks in Boise? Enjoy walking around Downtown Boise and looking at historic buildings? Want to get to know some of your fellow students? Join the Department of History for this month's student social: a tour of the Basque Block!

This month's event will feature a walking tour hosted by Dr. John Bieter, one of Boise State's resident Basque historians. He's looking forward to showing you around Boise's hub of Basque culture - the Basque Block.

We will meet at the Basque Museum and Cultural Center - located in Downtown Boise at 611 W Grove St, Boise, 83702 - at 4 PM on Friday, April 12th.
To RSVP, please follow the link here: Google Form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0FoO_wY4i-rBdzY9h0LgjBahYLoCSN3fPN0zazzi5nIyjKg/viewform?pli=1
For questions, please email Emily at [email protected]
Click here to learn more about the Basque Museum and Cultural Center - https://basquemuseum.eus/research/
Hope to see you all there!

03/20/2024

03/20/2024

Dr. Lisa Brady and Boise State History major Sydney O'Connor, who is currently working for Congressman Mike Simpson, at his office. Dr. Lisa Brady was at his office to advocate for support for NEH, NARA, Title VI, and Fulbright-Hays funding.

National Humanities Alliance