The Island Park Idaho Historical Society is the dedicated volunteer organization preserving the rich, layered, and often surprising story of one of Idaho's most unique communities — and they've just opened the doors to Island Park's first permanent home for that history.
The Island Park Idaho Historical Society (IPHS) is a nonprofit educational organization founded in the 1980s with a simple but vital mission: to collect, preserve, and share the history of the Island Park area for generations to come. From the ancient Bannock Native American trails and fur trader routes that preceded the first settlers, to the Union Pacific Railroad that opened the region to tourism and commerce, to the quirky 1947 incorporation story that gave Island Park the longest Main Street in America — this community has a history worth knowing, and IPHS is dedicated to making sure it isn't lost.
A New Home for Island Park's History
After decades of borrowing space and storing artifacts throughout the community, IPHS recently reached a major milestone: the society purchased and renovated a facility referred to as "the old library" from the U.S. Forest Service and turned it into a office, located adjacent to the Island Park EMS building. The building had sat empty for five to ten years before CK Construction helped rehab it, and the society spent much of the previous summer bringing it back to life. It's now a permanent home where artifacts that had been scattered across the community are finally coming together in one place.
What You'll Find Inside
The museum features four historic Story Panels — a big wooden display case put together in the 1980s displaying both photos and text describing Island Park's history — covering the community's beginnings, early travel routes, and the people who shaped the area. Additional artifacts from Island Park's homesteading families, railroad era, and outdoor recreation heritage are on display and growing as more items are donated and catalogued.
Island Park Historical Society Archivist Allison Orme Giacoletto — part of one of a handful of families who still own property homesteaded by their ancestors — is currently working on a book about Island Park's history, piecing together family history and historical articles to create a comprehensive record of the community's past.
Community Connections
IPHS maintains a working relationship with Harriman State Park, one of the most historically significant properties in the region. The society is deeply woven into the fabric of Island Park's community life, hosting events and fundraisers — to support ongoing preservation efforts and the continued development of the museum.
Whether you're a longtime Island Park family with roots going back generations, a visitor curious about the remarkable place you're exploring, or a researcher looking into the region's natural and cultural history, the Island Park Idaho Historical Society welcomes you. Visit iphs.us or find them on Facebook at Island Park Idaho Historical Society for current hours, events, and membership information.
