Historic Preservation Commission
“Preserving the Past for the Future”ABOUT:
Background: The Canyon County Board of Commissioners (BOCC), by resolution, re-established the Canyon County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) in January 2013. The HPC is an advisory board in matters pertaining to historic preservation in Canyon County. Authority is granted to the HPC pursuant to Article 3, Section 6 of Canyon County code.
Advisory Board Membership: A diverse and remarkable group appointed by the BOCC, members usually include attorneys, anthropologists, archaeologists, architects, historians and historic preservationists, all having one thing in common: an interest in preserving our cultural resources as educational opportunities for the future.
Certified Local Government (CLG): Canyon County is a CLG – a program created through an amendment to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The CLG gives local governments a specific, formal role in historic preservation. There are a few benefits to being a CLG, not the least of which is: the ability to utilize resources and staff at the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO); and to be eligible to apply for grants each year from SHPO – federal dollars that they receive from the National Park Service.
The Canyon County Historic Preservation Commission is responsible for providing input and guidance on many projects in Canyon County.
Canyon County Historic Preservation Plan (HPP): In 2018, the HPC completed an update of the original 1992 Canyon County Historic Preservation Plan. The plan provides an outline for a viable preservation program that will be an integral part of Canyon County’s community planning, and it provides direction for the historic preservation effort within Canyon County.
NOTE: Caldwell and Nampa both have their own Historic Preservation Commissions, so the Canyon County plan intentionally emphasizes the areas outside these two cities. See the “Historic Preservation Plan (HPP)” tab above for more details.
Canyon County Historic Preservation Grant Award Program: A unique responsibility/duty of the Canyon County HPC, under the direction of the Board of County Commissioners, is the recommendation and administration of the Canyon County Historic Preservation Grant Award Program. This program funds qualified, non-profit organizations in Canyon County who have a mission of conservation, protection and maintenance of historic objects, information or properties. Canyon County is the ONLY county in Idaho that sets aside a sliver of property tax revenue (not more than twelve one-thousandths percent (.012%)) dedicated to a grant award program for historic preservation projects every year. Details of this program are described in the “Grant Program” tab (above).
Idaho Code § 31-864 grants the BOCC the authority to levy not more than twelve one-thousandths percent (.012%) on each dollar of market value for assessment purposes of taxable property within the County for the support of county historic societies and historic preservation projects. Per state law, these tax levy funds can go to:
(1) Support of historical societies which operate primarily within the county;
(2) Support of museums operated within the county;
(3) Support of historical restoration projects undertaken within the county;
(4) Marking and development of historic sites within the county.
Grant Application Review: The Historic Preservation Commission reviews applications to ensure that each meets the qualifications of the historic preservation levy. The extended review process gives the HPC a chance to ask questions about the proposal, allow for clarifications, or request additional information before final recommendations are made to the Board of County Commissioners. The BOCC has final say on all grant support award applications. Once applications are approved for support awards by the BOCC, the historic preservation tax levy is set along with the entire County Budget at that exact allocation for the following fiscal year.
2026 FISCAL YEAR GRANTS
The 2026 fiscal year (October 2025 to September 2026) grant application period is now open.
Applicants are required to provide proof of 501(c)(3) or nonprofit status. We strongly encourage including financial estimates/bids, letters of commitment for maintenance and long-term sustainability, letters of commitment for grant matches (not required, but always welcome), letters of support, drawings/plans, and photos of current conditions.
Applications are due Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Necessary forms and a timeline can be found below. If you have any questions about requirements, potential projects, or need assistance completing the application, please contact Chelsee Boehm, chelsee.boehm@canyoncounty.id.gov, or Nichole Schwend, nichole.schwend@canyoncounty.id.gov.
HPC FY2026 Grant Application
*If you are completing the application digitally, be sure to download and save the document prior to editing, otherwise changes will not be saved.
FY2026 Grant Application Timeline
OTHER RESOURCES & FORMS
HPC Previously Funded Examples
Historic Preservation Grant Project Update-Completion Report
A list of Idaho Historic Preservation Professional Consultants, is available here: https://history.idaho.gov/section-106/hiring-a-consultant/
For more information on other grant opportunities, please contact staff.
FY2025 Historic Preservation Grant Awardees
Hello Historic Preservationists!
Historic Preservation Commission Meetings are held at 6:30 PM on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Lake Lowell Parks Office (12996 Iowa Ave, Nampa, ID 83686) unless otherwise posted. For copies of items being reviewed, please contact Chelsee Boehm, Historic Preservation Officer.
Most Recent Meeting Agenda:
April 2025 HPC Agenda #131 (Reschedule)
Past Meeting Minutes:
2025-03-11 HPC Meeting #130 Minutes
2025-01-21 HPC Meeting #129 Minutes
2024-11-12 HPC Meeting #128 Minutes
2024-10-08 HPC Meeting #127 Minutes
2024-09-10 HPC Meeting #126 Minutes
2024-08-13 HPC Meeting #125 Minutes
2024-07-09 HPC Meeting #124 Minutes
2024-06-11 HPC Meeting #123 Minutes
2024-05-14 HPC Meeting #122 Minutes
2024-04-23 HPC Meeting #121 Minutes
2024-03-12 HPC Meeting #120 Minutes
2024-02-13 HPC Meeting #119 Minutes
2024-01-09 HPC Meeting #118 Minutes
For older meeting minutes, contact Canyon County Parks, Cultural & Natural Resources Staff.
To be added to the email list to receive agendas and meeting location details, or obtain minutes, please send your email request to parks@canyoncounty.id.gov.
Canyon County’s history dates back to pre-contact and extends into the twenty-first century, during which time it has experienced meteoric growth. With continued pressure for growth and infill development, it is important that the County ensure it effectively manages and balances the maintenance of its cultural resources in concert with new development. The Historic Preservation Plan (HPP) outlines the essential components for a viable preservation program as an integral part of Canyon County’s community planning. The HPP is a guiding document identifying community priorities for the preservation of cultural resources and sets forth related goals, politics, and action steps toward their implementation.
You can read the Plan by clicking below:
Canyon County Historic Preservation Plan
Canyon County History Entities
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 |
Interactive County Map
George DeFord, Jr.
DeFord Law; Owner and Attorney
Term expiring 7/13/2025
Nikki Gorrell
College of Western Idaho; Associate Professor of Anthropology
Term expiring 1/31/2028
Dr. Rachel Miller
College of Idaho; Klara K. Hansberger Assistant Professor of History
Term expiring 4/29/2026
Bruce Poe
Modus Architecture Collaborative; Principal Architect
Term expiring 1/11/2026
Vicki Stark
Archaeologist
Term expiring 5/6/2025
Dr. Justin Vance
College of Western Idaho; Dean, School of Arts and Humanities
Term expiring 1/11/2026
Zach Wesley
Civil, Prosecuting Attorney; Canyon County
Term expiring 7/2/2025
Chelsee Boehm
Canyon County Parks, Cultural & Natural Resources; Historic Preservation Officer
Term expiring 4/29/2026
If you have questions, or you’d like to receive communications about the HPC please contact Nichole.Schwend@canyoncounty.id.gov and/or Chelsee.Boehm@canyoncounty.id.gov
Mailing
1115 Albany St.
Caldwell, ID 83605
Phone
208-454-6884
