Preservation Idaho

What Preservation Idaho does

Preservation Idaho (legally Idaho Historic Preservation Council, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1972 in Boise, Idaho, dedicated to preserving the state's historic places through a three-pillar model of collaboration, education, and advocacy. The organization is the only statewide nonprofit focused exclusively on Idaho's architectural heritage and operates with an all-volunteer board, 1-10 headcount, and no recurring state or federal operating funds, relying instead on memberships, donations, sponsorships, event revenue, and grants.

The product portfolio spans digital educational resources, in-person tours, recognition programs, and grant administration. Digital assets include the Idaho Architecture Project (comprehensive documentation of historic buildings), Virtual Heritage Idaho, Idaho Heritage Barns, and the Idaho Time Machine + Farm Game, built on ArcGIS StoryMaps and the Idaho Cultural Resources Management System (ICRIS). Physical programs include WalkAbout Boise, ArchWalks, Heritage Homes Tour (20th anniversary in 2026), Teater's Knoll Home Tour (Idaho's only Frank Lloyd Wright structure), Sawtooth Lodge events, and self-guided audio tours across Boise, Idaho Falls, and Hyde Park Historic District. The Orchids and Onions Awards program, running since 1977, recognizes preservation excellence and failures annually.

Revenue is generated through a multi-stream model: recurring membership dues, one-time event tickets ($5 raffle tickets to $130 for Teater's Knoll), tour downloads ($10 Idaho Falls tour, free River Street tour), raffle and sponsorship packages, and grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Idaho Humanities Council (NEH SHARP), Idaho Heritage Trust, and the state-funded HPMB Grant Program (up to $50,000 per award administered in partnership with Idaho SHPO and LHTAC). Customer segments span individual history enthusiasts, historic property owners, local governments and preservation commissions, preservation professionals, and educational institutions. Distribution leverages co-marketing partnerships with Visit Boise and Visit Idaho, plus earned media coverage and a multi-channel marketing approach centered on the website, email newsletter, social media, press releases, and signature events.

Name

Preservation Idaho

Legal name

Idaho Historic Preservation Council, Inc

Website

https://preservationidaho.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Preservation Idaho is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1972 that preserves Idaho's historic places through educational programs, guided and self-guided tours, advocacy campaigns, recognition awards, and grant administration, serving history enthusiasts, property owners, local governments, and preservation professionals statewide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Historic Preservation Services

NAICS

Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712), Historical Sites (71212)

akta.pro primary industry

Historic Preservation & Landmarks Conservation (BPAGAHAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cultural Heritage Institutions (Archives, Historic Houses, Monuments Foundations) (THAJADAI), Archives, Special Collections & Preservation Operations (Rare Materials, Conservation) (EDAEAGAJ)

Keywords

• Historic preservation services
• Walking tour programs
• Architecture education
• Heritage advocacy
• Preservation grants

Headquarters

HQ city

Boise

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues and Donations: The organization funds its education and advocacy work primarily through memberships, individual donations, sponsorships, and grants. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, it does not receive ongoing state or federal operating funds.
2. Event Tickets and Tours: Revenue generated from ticket sales for signature events including Heritage Homes Tour, Teater's Knoll Home Tour, Sawtooth Lodge events, ArchWalks, walking tours, and self-guided tour downloads.
3. HPMB Grant Program Administration: Preservation Idaho administers the Historic Properties Mitigation Bank (HPMB) Grant Program, a competitive funding opportunity supporting historic preservation projects throughout Idaho, funded through Idaho's Leading Idaho Local Bridge Program.
4. Grants: Funding received from partners including National Trust for Historic Preservation, Idaho Humanities Council (NEH SHARP grants), Idaho Heritage Trust, and Idaho State Historical Society for specific programs and projects.
5. Raffle and Sponsorships: Raffle ticket sales and corporate sponsorships for events such as the Annual Member's Appreciation Party and Orchids and Onions Awards.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Preservation Idaho preserves Idaho's historic places through a portfolio of educational programs, guided and self-guided walking tours, an annual statewide awards program, advocacy initiatives, and grant administration. The organization operates educational digital resources (Idaho Architecture Project, Virtual Heritage Idaho, Idaho Time Machine), signature events (Heritage Homes Tour, Orchids and Onions Awards, Teater's Knoll tours), and competitive grant programs (HPMB) supporting preservation projects across Idaho.

Product overview

Preservation Idaho is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (formerly Idaho Historic Preservation Council, founded 1972) offering an integrated portfolio of educational programs, tours, awards, and grants focused on historic preservation across Idaho. The organization's core offerings include digital educational resources (Idaho Architecture Project, Virtual Heritage Idaho, Idaho Heritage Barns, Idaho Time Machine), guided and self-guided tour programs (WalkAbout Boise, ArchWalks, Private Walking Tours, Self-Guided/Virtual Tours, Teater's Knoll tours, Sawtooth Lodge events), the annual Orchids & Onions Awards program recognizing preservation excellence since 1977, the HPMB Grant Program providing up to $50,000 for preservation projects, advocacy initiatives for threatened historic sites, and membership/volunteer opportunities. The organization does not operate a technology product platform but provides in-person and digital educational experiences centered on Idaho's built heritage.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Idaho Architecture Project
• Virtual Heritage Idaho Digital platform offering virtual experiences and documentation of Idaho's historic places for educational outreach to students, researchers, and remote learners.
• Idaho Heritage Barns Program focused on preserving and documenting Idaho's historic barns and agricultural structures for agricultural-history enthusiasts and property owners.
• Orchids & Onions Awards Annual awards program since 1977 recognizing excellence in historic preservation (Orchids) and projects insensitive to preservation standards (Onions), celebrating individuals, organizations, and projects across Idaho. Includes categories such as Excellence in Historic Preservation, Contribution to Historic Preservation, Cultural Heritage Preservation, Friend of Preservation, Distinguished Preservationist, and Heritage Stewardship.
• Idaho Time Machine + Farm Game Interactive educational tool and game designed to teach about Idaho's history and architectural heritage, targeted at K-12 students and educators. Includes dedicated teaching resources for classroom use.
• Heritage Homes Tour Annual signature ticketed fundraiser showcasing private historic homes in Boise, with the 20th anniversary 'Mid-Century Block Party on Mobley Drive' scheduled for October 4, 2026. Requires 100+ day-of volunteers.
• WalkAbout Boise Year-round guided walking tours of Boise's historic neighborhoods led by knowledgeable architectural historians, with versions for individuals, families, reunions, school groups, and special events. Sponsored by Visit Boise and Visit Idaho.
• ArchWalks Guided architectural walking tours covering various Boise neighborhoods in small-group settings, with themed tours such as Highland Park Uncovered. Led by experts including board member Doug Stan.
• Teater's Knoll Home Tour Exclusive annual ticketed tour of Teater's Knoll, Idaho's only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structure, located in Bliss, with shuttle service from Hagerman. Priced at $130 + tax per ticket with early member access. Includes catered food, drinks, and exclusive raffle.
• Sawtooth Lodge Special Event Tour Special guided tour and lunch experience at the historic Sawtooth Lodge in Lowman, Idaho, led by historian Barbara Perry Bauer. Member tickets $60 + tax, nonmember tickets $65 + tax, children (ages 13 and under) $25 + tax.
• Private Walking Tours Customized walking tours for individuals, families, reunions, school groups, and special events, available year-round in Boise on private booking.
• Self-Guided Audio Tours Self-guided audio walking tours accessible online 24/7 on mobile devices for Boise (River Street Neighborhood — free), Idaho Falls ($10 per download, 48-hour access), and Hyde Park Historic District (pricing varies).
• HPMB Grant Program Historic Properties Mitigation Bank (HPMB) competitive grant program offering up to $50,000 per award for historic preservation projects throughout Idaho, funded through Idaho's Leading Idaho Local Bridge Program and administered in partnership with Idaho SHPO and LHTAC.
• Annual Membership Annual recurring membership providing event access, early ticket notifications, free admission to the Member's Appreciation Party, and a bonus raffle ticket. Joined via the OvationTix platform.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 100 people attended the 48th Annual Orchids and Onions Awards, recognizing Idaho's preservation champions
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• National Trust for Historic PreservationflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerNational preservation partner providing funding through Telling the Full History Preservation Fund and other grant programs. Joint advocacy on federal preservation issues including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Preservation Idaho's programs funded in part by NTHP.
• Idaho State Historical Society / Idaho SHPOflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary state partner for preservation efforts. Idaho SHPO works to ensure the state's historic and archaeological properties are preserved, interpreted, and reused. Partnership includes HPMB Grant Program administration and Save America's Treasures Grant for U.S. Assay Office restoration.
• Idaho Heritage TrustcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerState partner preserving Idaho's rich cultural history by providing grants and technical assistance to preservationists throughout the Gem State. Provides funding and support for Preservation Idaho's programs.
• Idaho Humanities CouncilcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides SHARP grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities to support Preservation Idaho's projects and programs.
• Historic Bridge FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational nonprofit historic bridge preservation organization partnering with Preservation Idaho to advocate against demolition of Rainbow Bridge in Valley County. Joint letter to Idaho Transportation Department requesting preservation alternatives.
• Idaho Conservation LeaguecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental advocacy organization partnering with Preservation Idaho on Rainbow Bridge preservation efforts and other infrastructure-related historic preservation issues.
• Idaho Rivers UnitedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRiver conservation organization partnering on Rainbow Bridge advocacy to preserve the historic structure as part of the Payette River Scenic Byway.
• Ada County Historic Preservation CommissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal preservation commission partnering on advocacy efforts including Rainbow Bridge preservation and other historic resources in Ada County.
• Twin Falls County Historic Preservation CommissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty preservation commission partnering on advocacy efforts including Rainbow Bridge preservation.
• Council Valley MuseumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal museum partnering on Rainbow Bridge preservation advocacy efforts in Valley County.
• Visit BoisecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Boise tourism organization sponsoring WalkAbout Boise walking tours. Provides marketing support and tourism infrastructure for preservation tourism.
• Visit IdahocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Idaho tourism organization sponsoring WalkAbout Boise walking tours and promoting heritage tourism across the state.
• Idaho Film SocietyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCultural organization that sponsored the venue for the 2025 Annual Member's Appreciation Party at their Smith Block Building location.
• Capital City Development Corporation (CCDC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoise urban development agency partnering on Neon Grove project - open-air gallery with six restored vintage neon signs in the Linen District along Grove Street.
• Boise City Department of Arts & HistorycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity department partnering on Neon Grove project and River Street Neighborhood Tour. Supports preservation and cultural heritage programs.
• Signs of Our TimescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization founded by Vangie Osborn that donated and led preservation of vintage neon signs for Neon Grove public art installation in downtown Boise.
• Friends of Boise Historic PoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrassroots advocacy group partnering with Preservation Idaho and North End Neighborhood Association to save Lowell and South Municipal Pools (National Register-listed). Successfully advocated for $9.4M renovation of Lowell Pool.
• Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partnering with Preservation Idaho and Idaho SHPO to administer the Historic Properties Mitigation Bank (HPMB) Grant Program, funded through Idaho's Leading Idaho Local Bridge (LILB) Program.
• Heart of the Arts, Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit organization that led grassroots advocacy and private donations to save and transform the 1912 Center (former Moscow High School) into a civic hub. Recipient of 2025 Orchid Award.
• Latah County Historical SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty historical society partnering on 1912 Center restoration project and Deary Mercantile Building preservation efforts.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Historic Seattle: City-level preservation nonprofit providing advocacy, education, and a Preservation Non-Profit revolving fund. Direct peer in mission and small-staff operating model.
• Preservation Virginia: Statewide historic preservation nonprofit managing historic sites, advocacy, and the annual Most Endangered Sites list. Direct peer in mission and statewide operating model.
• Colorado Preservation: Statewide preservation nonprofit operating endangered places, advocacy, and Most Endangered Places programs. Direct peer in offering portfolio and Mountain West regional context.
• National Trust for Historic Preservation: National nonprofit dedicated to historic preservation. Direct peer in mission (preservation advocacy, education, grants); Preservation Idaho receives NTHP funding and collaborates on federal Section 106 advocacy.
• Historic Denver: City-level historic preservation nonprofit operating tours, advocacy, and education programs in Denver. Direct peer in offering portfolio (walking tours, advocacy, recognition events).
• Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia: Regional nonprofit advocating for historic preservation through education, advocacy, and tours. Direct peer in operating model (501(c)(3) nonprofit running heritage tours, advocacy campaigns, and recognition programs).
• Montana Preservation Alliance: Statewide nonprofit preservation organization in Montana offering advocacy, education, and endangered properties programs. Direct peer by geography (neighboring rural Mountain West state), mission, and operating model.
• Idaho Heritage Trust: State-level partner organization preserving Idaho's cultural history through grants and technical assistance. Direct peer in geography and mission, and active funder of Preservation Idaho programs.

Others

• National Preservation Partners Network: Network of state and local preservation nonprofits that convenes and advocates at the federal level. Adjacent peer in ecosystem role; Preservation Idaho could participate as a member organization.
• Idaho State Historical Society: State agency administering Idaho SHPO functions, archives, and historical programs. Overlapping preservation mission; partner rather than direct competitor, but adjacent in delivering education and historic site stewardship in Idaho.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/preservationidaho

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Preservation Idaho