Current Exhibits
The Invisible Idahoan: 200 Years of Blacks in Idaho
Part I: Black Pioneers 1805-1919 explores the origins of African Americans in Idaho beginning with York, a slave and scout with Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery Expedition, who is said to be the first person to set foot in present-day Idaho. Learn about early settlers in the state who worked as explorers, miners and homesteaders and how eventually the railroad brought prosperity to the area and employment opportunities to African Americans and other cultures. See how St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church became the epicenter for Idaho’s African American Community.
Part I: Black Pioneers 1805-1919 explores the origins of African Americans in Idaho beginning with York, a slave and scout with Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery Expedition, who is said to be the first person to set foot in present-day Idaho. Learn about early settlers in the state who worked as explorers, miners and homesteaders and how eventually the railroad brought prosperity to the area and employment opportunities to African Americans and other cultures. See how St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church became the epicenter for Idaho’s African American Community.
Part II: The Black Idahoan in Transition : Struggles and Triumphs 1920-1968 illustrates how African Americans in Idaho, have a significant military history as well. Black Idahoans have been a part of this country’s war efforts since the civil war and the addition of military bases to the Idaho landscape brought more African Americans to the area. Learn how Idaho’s very own war hero Mr. Vernon Baker, was given the Congressional Medal of Honor 50 years after his service in World War II.
Part III: The Enduring Presence and Contributions of Black Idahoans 1969-Present examines the impact that African Americans have had on Idaho culture. Learn about celebrated jazz musician Gene Harris and his significant contributions to the local jazz scene through the Gene Harris Jazz Festival as well as many other talented musicians like Charles Warren, Cherie Buckner-Webb and the late jazz great Lionel Hampton that help keep Idaho swingin’!
See how the African American population in Idaho has grown since the mid 1960’s and how civil and human rights activities and even the world of sports challenged the divisions between race and culture.
