Old Idaho Penitentiary

Reminder: The Old Idaho Penitentiary is closed during regular operating hours tomorrow (Saturday, August 17) in preparation for the 32 Cells Art Show.

The site will be open tomorrow between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm (last admission 9:15 pm) for 32 Cells: All in a Day's Work. Our annual art show is open to the public! Grab your admission or learn more at https://history.idaho.gov/event/32cells24/

This Saturday! 32 Cells: All in a Day's Work - the ninth annual 32 Cells art show at the Old Idaho Penitentiary, featuring the release of our newest book, 32 Cells: Artistic Reflections on the Old Idaho Penitentiary. A huge Thank You to Boise Weekly for discussing this year's show and the new book with us!

Join us for great local art, a special presentation from the Idaho Prison Arts Collective, no-host bar and food available, along with exploration of the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Register at the door or online at https://history.idaho.gov/event/32cells24/

Saturday, August 17, 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm (last admission 9:15 pm). All Ages (recommended Ages 13+).

Art behind bars: 32 Cells serves up nine years with good behavior For nine years, local artists have been serving time creating art about serving time. The annual art show, "32 Cells," is not only inspired by individuals who spent time inside,

Announcing the release of the newest book on the historic Old Idaho Penitentiary!

Rediscover the first five years of the 32 Cells art show with the Idaho State Historical Society’s newest book, 32 Cells: Artistic Reflections on the Idaho State Penitentiary.

This amazing piece collection includes stories and historic photos, along with the artwork from the first five years of the 32 Cells art show, in a 200-page hardcover, full-color, keepsake book. Enjoy original pieces from over 70 Idaho artists, along with bonus features on the historic artwork and craftsmanship of the site’s residents.

Book Release August 17 at the 32 Cells art show! Preorder or purchase online at: https://store.history.idaho.gov/GiftShopItem.aspx?I=9120

Merci Train: A gift of gratitude from the French to the people of Idaho 75 years after it was brought to Boise, the 40 and 8 boxcar now lives at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary.

Today is International Cat Day!

The Old Idaho Penitentiary celebrates its historic cats each year, including Dennis the black and white "tuxedo" cat, and Zipper, the head kitchen mouser. Here is a story you might not have heard before, of Lyda Southard's cats Patty and Sorrel.

The notorious Lyda Southard ( #3052), began serving a twelve-year sentence in 1921 at age 29. After escaping in May 1931 and returning over one year later to find her kitten, Sorrel, no longer living in the Women's Ward. Friends in Boise gave her an Angora cat she named Patty to cheer her up while sick with the flu. An Idaho Statesman writer reported, “She has a great time fussing with that cat. ‘Patty,’ she calls it.” According to the same article, referring to Lyda as “Idaho’s notorious husband eradicator,” the author wrote, “Lyda Southard likes cats. They make her feel better.”

First received in 1921 for the murder of her fourth husband, she showed model behavior and earned the privilege of caring for the Women's Ward landscaping. She requested a lattice, and used a contraband saw provided by a friend (a male prisoner with trusty status) to escape her cell and climb the wall. While on the run, she married her fifth husband and changed her name. She was captured and returned on August 5, 1932. She is one of the longest serving women at the Idaho State Penitentiary, confined for 18 years, 7 months, and 23 days.

This year's 32 Cells Art Show is coming up on Saturday, August 17, 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm (last admission 9:15 pm)

Check out this year's poster art by Idaho artist Julia Green, featuring a sneak peak of her piece, featuring Alta McGee ( #1464).

Born in Nebraska, Alta McGee married John L. McGee in 1905 under the name Alta Burgner. The couple moved to Boise despite experiencing marital difficulties. John began to flaunt his interactions with other women in front of Alta, often driving past their home with the women in open carriages. On May 4, 1908, after John and Mrs. Avis Kellogg drove past her home multiple times, Alta rented a carriage and went out riding with a revolver in her lap. When she saw John in front of a saloon, she shot at him three times, purposely missing twice. The state charged her with Assault with a Deadly Weapon. During her prison intake, Alta listed her occupation as a “housekeeper.” At this time a housekeeper’s primary duties involved cleaning, but could also include washing clothes, cooking, childcare, or managing other servant staff. The state granted her a divorce during her time in prison and she received parole on Christmas Day 1908.

To see more spectacular artwork that tells the stories of those imprisoned at the Old Idaho Penitentiary, join us for the ninth annual 32 Cells Art Show on Saturday, August 17! More information at: https://history.idaho.gov/event/32cells24/

Giving Back Opportunity!

The American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive at the Old Idaho Penitentiary on Tuesday, August 20 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in the Shirt Factory Building. You can sign up to donate at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=ISHS&fbclid=IwY2xjawEgguxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVVZstD5mXAKRp5_VXMS8DzMe953Z2w_l2tBgAnYACo9V8Ifk7wrwAJYaA_aem_gNk2VhabfPKLwr1fhTgkuA

Continue this tradition with us! Historically, the Red Cross held blood drives at the Idaho State Penitentiary. Administrators, guards, and prisoners donated hundreds of pints of blood each time. In 1966, they received this certificate of appreciation from the Red Cross for “outstanding cooperation.”

The Old Idaho Penitentiary presents Locktober 2024! Check out our spooky new poster art by local artist Lauryn Medeiros, and the lineup for this year's Halloween events at the site.

Public sales for Locktober events start on Labor Day (Monday, September 2) at 10:00 am, with Member Presales beginning on Tuesday, August 27.

Members are eligible to register for two FREE tickets to the October 19 Paranormal Investigation. Members also receive free admission to October 12's Behind the Scenes Tours. Not a Member? Visit history.idaho.gov/membership to become one before the Member Presale.

Locktober 2024:

Sleepless in Stripes VI: Saturday, October 5, 6:00 pm to 7:00 am. Your chance to stay overnight at the Old Idaho Penitentiary in the site's historic cell houses. Includes meals, behind the scenes exploration, a paranormal investigation with Big River Paranormal, and more! 18+ only. $125 per person.

Behind the Scenes Tours: Saturday, October 12: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Check out rarely seen or off-limits areas of the historic Old Idaho Penitentiary. Recommended Ages 13+. $15 per person. Free to ISHS Members!

Paranormal Investigation: Saturday, October 19: 9:15 pm to 2:00 am. Tour the site with Big River Paranormal at night. 18+ only. $40 per person. Free to ISHS Members!

Squawky & Spirits: Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26, 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm each night. The Old Idaho Penitentiary's annual Halloween party, featuring music, entertainment, food and alcohol for purchase, photo ops, and of course, two great haunted house experiences! 18+ only. $30 per person.

Stay tuned for additional event details!

We had a great turnout at Saturday’s Yoga in the Yard session! We’ve got one more chance to join up for some morning sunshine at the Old Idaho Penitentiary this Saturday (August 10) at 9:00 am!

This is a small, intimate experience, limited to 20 people per session (spaced properly for social distancing and the safety and comfort of our guests), with instructor Debra Murphy.

$15 per session. Pre-register online at https://history.idaho.gov/event/yoga2024/.

Session Dates:
Saturday, July 13, 9:00 am - 10:00 am.
Saturday, July 20, 9:00 am - 10:00 am.
Saturday, July 27, 9:00 am - 10:00 am.
Saturday, August 3, 9:00 am - 10:00 am.
Saturday, August 10, 9:00 am - 10:00 am.

Guests must bring their own equipment, and a water bottle!

About Debra Murphy, PhD:
Exploring the mind-body connection is Debbi’s life work. After years in academia researching and teaching subjects that elevated one or the other half of that equation (doctorate in exercise science, master’s degree in counseling psychology), she turned her attention to the study of yoga – a perfect nexus of both.

Boise’s own City Peanut Shop is officially in the Souvenir Confinement store, with an Old Idaho Penitentiary original Dennis the Cat Mix right… meow. Thus tuxedo-inspired snack includes sweet and salty chocolate and peanut favorites. Be sure to grab one as a treat, a gift, or a souvenir on your next visit!

Join the Old Idaho Penitentiary for a Captivating Conversation with Sean Cambron, peer support specialist, speaker and content creator, "32 and Beyond" on YouTube.

This event is FREE. Pre-register online or arrive at the Old Idaho Penitentiary by 6:30 pm on Friday, July 19, 2024. Registration Link: https://history.idaho.gov/event/cambron/

Event: Friday, July 19, 2024. Doors open at 6:00 pm, presentation begins at 6:30 pm. Site closes at 8:00 pm. Arrive early to explore the site and grab complimentary refreshments before the conversation begins.

About Sean:
Sean Cambron was incarcerated at age 18 in 1988 for felony murder and spent 32 years behind bars. Upon entering the prison system, Sean was presented with two options from his point of view - he could either get busy dying or get busy living. It took a little while, but eventually, Sean went all-in on helping others after years of work on himself. Since his release, he has revisited the Idaho minimum-security prison on many occasions sharing with others his journeys, discoveries, and challenges. He is a peer support specialist in Twin Falls and a Free-to-Succeed mentor. He is creating a podcast featuring interviews with previously incarcerated men and women, discussing their journeys and challenges. He is also developing a 501(c) nonprofit benefiting children with incarcerated parents to for participation in extracurricular activities through their schools and in other areas of the community, as well as higher education.

Sean has completed two and a half years of college for business and human resources which he found to be "incredibly fulfilling and shockingly fun," created some workshops that are based in art therapy, has a TikTok that is built as a TEDx to help others, and has also started a YouTube channel called “32 and Beyond."

“Captivating Conversations” is an ongoing educational experience series, hosted by the Old Idaho Penitentiary and featuring a variety of guest speakers and topics ranging from the history of the Idaho State Penitentiary to the issues facing correctional institutions today.

On July 4, 1870, officials and construction crew members laid the cornerstone for the foundation of the Territorial Prison building, the first and only cell house operating when the site opened in 1872.

The Idaho Territorial Prison (later the Idaho State Penitentiary as Idaho gained statehood in 1890) began housing prisoners in 1872. The Territorial Prison structure became uninhabitable as early as 1909, and the State of Idaho condemned the structure in the 1920s. After receiving a Works Progress Administration (WPA) grant, the prison remodeled the building and transformed it into the prison Chapel, also serving as a meeting space and a venue for on-site music performances and plays.

The Territorial Prison Building/Prison Chapel became one of the casualties of the March 1973 riot, engulfed in flames along with the adjacent Dining Hall structure and the #2 Cell House.

Images: 1) ISHS 63-104.4; 2) ISHS ms511-313-2a (Idaho State Archives, Idaho State Historical Society)

Note: The Old Idaho Penitentiary will be closed tomorrow (Thursday, July 4) in observance of Independence day.

The site is open all other days from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, last admission at 4:00 pm, for your summer vacation exploration.

Have a fun and safe holiday!

The Idaho State Historical Society wants to remind everyone to safely enjoy the holiday weekend with the rising temperatures. The Table Rock mesa is particularly vulnerable to fire risk during the heat. The mesa is closed to all vehicle traffic. Those wanting to hike the area should bring plenty of water and “pack in, pack out” all garbage. No fire is permitted at or near Table Rock. The mesa is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset but will close at 9:00 pm July 1-4 to ensure the safety of visitors and the historic location. Extra security patrols will be in effect during the holiday weekend with emphasis on educating everyone on proper use and posted hours.

All Idaho State Historical Society sites are closed in observance of Independence Day on Thursday, July 4.

Interested in recording a guest spot for the Behind Gray Walls podcast? Swing by this Friday, June 28, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, to share your thoughts about the show and the site with an Old Idaho Penitentiary staff member. Free admission with interview, just check in at our front desk. Some of these interviews will be featured in Season 10 of the podcast!

If you're interested but cannot attend during these time slots, just send a message to [email protected] to discuss other time options.

Thank you for listening and joining in the conversation!

Family Night at the Museum, Thursday, June 27, in Franklin, Idaho!

Come enjoy an evening at the Franklin Relic Hall with live music, games, refreshments, and learning about Franklin's rich history!

Family Night at the Museum is coming up on Thursday, June 27, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Franklin Relic Hall Museum at 113 E. Main Street, Franklin, Idaho, 83237.

History of Idaho's First Courthouse!

Check out this opportunity to learn more about the Idaho State Historical Society's historic sites around the state, including the Pierce Courthouse in Pierce, Idaho. Saturday, June 29, at 4:00 pm. More information below!

Be sure to catch our new Brewers Behind Bars exhibit at the Old Idaho Penitentiary, for a limited seasonal time only! Start with the story of Prohibition in Idaho and follow the effects of the law to the Idaho State Penitentiary through the making of “Squawky,” the site’s residents’ version of homemade prison booze. Explore these stories during your next visit!

Note: The Old Idaho Penitentiary will be closed Wednesday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.

The site is open today (and all other days this week) from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (last admission 4:00 pm).

SquawkyFest is TOMORRROW at the Old Idaho Penitentiary! Saturday, June 15, 2024. 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm (last admission 6:00 pm). Join us for SquawkyFest at the Old Idaho Penitentiary – a Beerfest and Brewer’s Competition all in one!

Squawky was an alcohol that those incarcerated ‘brewed’ at the penitentiary. The name may have derived from everyone squawking like birds once they got a few cups in. Men who were incarcerated at the site grew their own fruit and vegetables, prepared their own meals, and even had a canning plant outside the walls where they could collect ingredients. Key ingredients and flavors that squawky might include were apples, oranges, potatoes, grapefruit, or prunes. Add in some yeast and sugar and let ferment for a few days – and you have Squawky!

In our second SquawkyFest competition here at the Old Idaho Penitentiary, in collaboration with Idaho Brewers United, we are asking breweries to concoct their very own version of ‘squawky’. Using the key ingredients of squawky, breweries will create their own beer/cider for the public to enjoy and vote on who’s is the best. Stroll around the site while sipping on your favorite breweries’ squawky.

SquawkyFest attendees will also enjoy a new “Brewers Behind Bars” exhibit on alcohol-related crimes and Prohibition in Idaho, food from Big Beantz Taco Co. and hot dogs from UpDog Street Food, music, shopping (limited edition SquawkyFest merchandise available), and access to Old Idaho Penitentiary buildings and exhibits.

This event is 21+ (Photo ID required at the door). Registration ($25 per person) is now open at https://history.idaho.gov/event/squawkyfest24/

Admission includes site entry and exhibits, and tasting cup for the Squawky Contest. Beer tokens available at the site for $4 each (or 4 for $15), along with limited edition SquawkyFest merch!

Aaron Paul