History Resources
Historic Preservation
Canyon County’s history is rooted in the lives of Indigenous people who lived in the area for thousands of years. Railroads, agriculture, and other industries transformed the community through the late 19th- and 20th-centuries – helping to make the Canyon County we know today! For more information on the County’s rich history, see some of the resources below.
Resources are currently organized by related city. Please be patient as we continue to add more information!
Caldwell Historical Timeline, by Caldwell Public Library
The Elaine Leppert Historical Collection at Caldwell Public Library
The Caldwell Historic Preservation Commission, including information on the Steunenberg Residential Historic District.
Virtual Tour of Melba, by the Melba Valley Museum
Historical Walking Tours of Middleton, by the Historical Society of Middleton, available at the Lee Moberly Museum
Idaho State Historical Society
Includes the Idaho State Archives, the State Museum, the Old Idaho Penitentiary and other historic sites, and the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office, or SHPO. SHPO “encourages the preservation, documentation, and use of cultural resources. Idaho HSPO educates the public about the importance of Idaho’s cultural heritage.”
Preservation Idaho, a statewide 501(c)(3) dedicated to “preserving Idaho’s historic places through collaboration, education and advocacy.”
Idaho Heritage Trust, statewide non-profit organization whose mission is “preserving Idaho’s cultural heritage to be celebrated and enjoyed.”
Canyon County History Entites
Check out some of the museums, parks, and other organizations sharing and caring for history in Canyon County!
*Please note: Information obtained from our partner’s websites. Hours of operation and cost of admission are subject to change. Check websites or contact organizations directly to confirm*
MUSEUMS |
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| Canyon County Historical Society | ||
| Nampa Train Depot and Interpretive Center 1200 Front St., Nampa, ID 83651 (208) 467-7611 info@canyoncountyhistory.org
Our Memories Indian Creek Museum |
Hours of Operation – Friday: 11am-4pm Saturday: 10am-3pm Free Admission, Donation Encouraged
Hours of Operation – |
Canyon County Historical Society | Facebook |
| (202) 555-1212 |
No Posted Hours of Operation – Contact for more information |
Greenleaf Historical Society | Facebook |
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Historical Society of Middleton |
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314 Cornell St., Middleton, ID, 83644 (208) 284-8675 |
Hours of Operation – Saturday: 10am-3pm |
Historical Society of Middleton, Idaho | Facebook |
| Melba Valley Historical Society – Melba Valley Museum | ||
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310 Carrie Rex Ave, Melba, ID 83641 |
Hours of Operation – Saturday (May to October): 11am-3pm, or by appointment |
Melba Valley Historical Society | Facebook |
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2112 Cleveland Blvd., Caldwell, ID 83605 (208) 459-5507 |
Hours of Operation – Monday-Friday: 10am-3pm |
C of I’s Museum of Natural History works to catalog their collection (kivitv.com) |
| 621 Harrison St., Caldwell, ID 83605 | Undergoing renovation | |
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201 Municipal Drive, Nampa, ID 83687 (208) 465-6446 |
Hours of Operation – Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 11am-4pm Admission Fee Required |
Warhawk Air Museum | Facebook |
PARKS & SITES |
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Cleo’s Ferry Museum |
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2102 Highway 45 S., Melba, ID 836410 (208) 495-2688 |
Cleo’s Ferry Museum | Facebook | |
| Visitor Center 13751 Upper Embankment Rd., Nampa, ID 83686 (208) 467-9278 |
Hours of Operation – Monday-Friday: 8am-4pm Saturday: 10-4pm |
Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge | Facebook |
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Old Fort Boise |
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| 20847 Old Fort Boise Rd., Parma, ID 83660 |
Old Fort Boise Days | |
CLUBS & OTHER ORGANIZATIONS |
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American Legion Post 18 |
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1504 2nd St. S., Nampa, ID 83651 (208) 546-9580 |
American Legion Nampa Post 18 | Facebook | |
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809 Dearborn St., Caldwell, ID 83605 |
Caldwell Model Railroad Club & Historical Society | Facebook | |
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203 5th Ave S., Nampa, ID 83651 |
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OTHER PRESERVATION COMMISSIONS IN CANYON COUNTY |
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| Caldwell Historic Preservation Commission | Mission: “Identify, promote, and preserve our historic structures of architectural significance and historic legacy for the benefit of citizens of Caldwell and visitors through education, training, cultural activities and events.” | Meets the third Monday of every month at 6:00pm. at Caldwell Planning & Zoning Department, Second Floor, 205 S. 6th Ave, Caldwell, ID 83605 |
| Nampa Arts & Historic Preservation Commission (AHPC) | “The Nampa Arts & Historic Preservation Commission (AHPC) consists of seven commissioners who demonstrate a commitment to preserve and advance the city’s unique history and cultural character and to advance the arts in the community” | Regular meetings are held the second Monday of the month at 4:00pm at Nampa City Hall in Council Chambers, 411 3rd Street South, Nampa, ID 83651 |
Click here to see a map of some of the historic buildings and neighborhoods, plus museums, parks, and other fun sites in Canyon County!
Please note: Information obtained from our partner’s websites. Hours of operation and cost of admission are subject to change. Check websites or contact organizations directly to confirm.
Mailing
1115 Albany St.
Caldwell, ID 83605
Phone
208-454-6884
