Atlases on 4th

According to the The Compact Atlas of Idaho “Idaho is not well known in the United States or the world and many Idahoans like it that way. Many on the east coast of the U.S still believe Idaho is really Iowa or Ohio. For those who know the name the... [Read More]

Other Faces, Other Lives - Asian Americans in Idaho

Diverse Collections

"Other Faces, Other Lives: Asian Americans in Idaho"
This week’s edition of Diverse Collections features the VHS documentary, “Other Faces, Other Lives: Asian Americans in Idaho.” In this documentary, eight Asian American families (specifically Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino) were interviewed and asked how they or their families came to Idaho. They were also asked about their experiences living... [Read More]

History of Gambling in Idaho

"Poker Club" book
In the Idaho Territory days of the mid-1800s, gambling was prominent in parts of Idaho.1 As the area inched closer to statehood, however, local officials began to crack down. In 1889, the original state constitution was written and ratified. Article III, Section 20 was noticeably vague about the legality of... [Read More]

Pride Month Display

LGBTQ+ Pride display [1]
The Library has a new Special Collections display on the first floor outside the Reading Room! To honor LGBTQ+ Pride Month this June, we’re showcasing some of our archival collections that relate to LGBTQ+ history in Idaho! [Read More]

Idaho Test Oath

Digital Memories

The Idaho Test Oath
Idaho politics during the territorial period were as convoluted and Byzantine as any before or since. Political and regional factionalism pitted the Democrats and the Mormons against the newly emerging Republicans and the Northern secessionists. When the Mormon and Democrat contingent lost control of the territory in 1882, ambitious Republicans... [Read More]

Mortar Board

Diverse Collections

Mortar Board women at table
This week’s edition of Diverse Collections features our collection of Mortar Board Records. Mortar Board, Inc., is a national honor society of college seniors, which recognizes in its membership the qualities of superior scholastic ability, outstanding and continual leadership, and dedicated service to the college or university community. [Read More]