Idaho State Historical Society honors 12 Idahoans for preserving state’s history, heritage

By: Moesha Aplicano Burnham - May 26, 2023 4:20 am

Last year’s Esto Perpetua award winners include Kristina Frandson of the Museum of Idaho. (Courtesy of the Idaho State Historical Society)

The Idaho State Historical Society has announced this year’s recipients for the Esto Perpetua Award and is holding its 24th annual award ceremony at 5 p.m. June 5 at the Idaho State Museum in Boise.

This year’s Esto Perpetua Award winners

Kimberly Rice Brown, Post Falls

Richard Caron, Wallace

Gary E. Strong, Potlatch

John L. Bertram, Boise

John Hiler, Mountain Home

Ronald L. James, Twin Falls

Drusilla Gould, Fort Hall

Dr. Gloria Jean Thomas, Malad City

Robert M. Allen, Terreton

Dr. Hope A. Benedict, Salmon

Dr. Mary E. Thompson, Blackfoot

The award is named after the state’s motto, esto perpetua or “let it be perpetual” and is given to individuals who help preserve Idaho’s history and heritage. Awardees are chosen on a nominee basis.

According to an Idaho State Historical Society press release, this year’s recipients are from all around the state and have been chosen based on how their work has benefitted Idaho’s history.

Past award winners have included Idahoans working on projects for the conservation and restoration of historical buildings, as well as professors who inspire students to research and explore Idaho’s history.

Many of this year’s recipients have a long list of accomplishments, including contributions to state history.

This year there are 12 recipients, with over 200 recipients total since the award’s creation in 1999.

“Each recipient has demonstrated a truly exceptional level of achievement in their efforts to preserve a part of Idaho’s heritage,” Idaho State Historical Society Executive Director Janet Gallimore said in the press release.

The award ceremony is open to the public. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance due to limited seating.

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Moesha Aplicano Burnham

Moesha Aplicano Burnham was interning through Voces Internship of Idaho, and previously interned with Boise Weekly. In high school, Moesha was the Editor-in-Chief of the school's Newspaper, and has loved writing since she could pick up a pencil. She was born and raised in Boise, Idaho, and deeply enjoys learning and writing about local news. In her free time, Moesha enjoys hiking, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her cat.