I was invited to a private tour two weeks ago at the Idaho State Museum to learn about an important exhibit “Trailblazing Women of Idaho”. What an experience! I learned so much more than I thought I knew about Idaho. Rather than explain, I want you to go to the museum before this exhibit ends mid-March. Below is the official press release from March 2021.
Idaho State Museum Exhibition Honors Trailblazing Women
(Boise, ID)— The Idaho State Museum is inviting the public to experience its new exhibition featuring women who have left a significant mark on the state’s history, and their unique stories of breaking down barriers and leading cultural, political, or social change.
The “Trailblazing Women of Idaho” exhibition illustrates the stories of more than 100 Idaho women, including 20 living trailblazers, who have influenced Idaho’s past, present, and future through their courage, creativity, tenacity, and values. From Sacajawea to Olympic medalist Kristin Armstrong, the women highlighted in the exhibit – and in programming planned throughout the year – are proven trailblazers.
The exhibition opens to the public Saturday, March 13 and runs through November.
“It’s an honor and delight to celebrate the unique and exceptional women who have played an integral role in shaping Idaho, it’s history and evolution,” said Liz Hobson, Museum Administrator with the Idaho State Museum. “Each of the barrier breaking women selected had a profound impact on Idaho’s cultural, political, business, and academic worlds.”
“The other takeaway from this experience is an understanding that anyone, regardless of background, can be a trailblazer. The exhibit features women who, through their skill, conviction, empathy and determination, have clearly demonstrated the characteristics and capacity to overcome challenge and adversity to affect change,” Sarah Phillips, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions said.
The exhibit was developed in collaboration with a statewide advisory committee of women who helped identify and select each trailblazer. The exhibit features more than 100 artifacts, including 64 that have never been on display before and were curated from 22 different individuals or institutions.
The museum is also planning in-person and virtual programming throughout the year that will be centered around the exhibit, including a virtual book club, film screenings, and a series of panel discussions.
The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The museum requires face coverings to be worn by visitors and staff to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The museum allows public visitation in limited numbers, and timed entry will be available for 50 visitors per hour. Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 30 people.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting: https://store.history.gov/GeneralAdmission.aspx
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The Idaho State Historical Society is an extraordinary system of cultural and historic resources comprised of the Idaho State Museum, State Archives, State Historic Preservation Office, and Old Idaho Penitentiary and Historic Sites Program. Our vision is to make history essential and accessible through dynamic and gratifying services that inspire, enrich, and engage all Idahoans. Learn more at www.history.idaho.gov.
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