REXBURG—This month is Idaho archeology and historic preservation month; the State Historic Preservation Office has chosen the theme of “Signs of Change” in an effort to preserve iconic and historical signage throughout Idaho.
Outreach Historian Dan Everhart has worked with Idaho State Historic Preservation Office for the past eight years. As an architectural historian he specializes in documenting, researching, and photographing historic places.
“We document these places so that people will have access. Sometimes you won't be able visit these places yourselves, but you'll have access to the documentation that we produce,” Everhart said.
This year the theme for the State Historic Preservation Office is “Signs of Change” a play on words about the historic signage all over Idaho. Some are the classic neon signs; however, some are more unique like Betty the washerwoman in Boise or a 25-foot woman in front of the Martha’s Café in Blackfoot. These historic signs are becoming rare; some are preserved while others are not.
“We have a choice as Idahoans and how we manage these historic places and these signs in particular,” Everhart said. “And we wanted to draw attention to them.”
In Ashton during the construction project on Highway 20, the State Historic Preservation Office stepped in to ensure Frostop Root Beer sign was preserved. The Idaho Transportation Department decided to work around it.
“Sometimes Idaho communities and individual property owners are putting real money and time into these signs to make them shine again,” Everhart said.
The State Historic Preservation Office has several preservation programs. One program is the National Register of Historic Places; it honors significant sites across the country. They help in the implementation of federal law to help give Idahoans access to information about historic and archeology sites.
“The work that we do to preserve it is important and it doesn't happen by accident. People have to actively and proactively invest in their history and communities and individuals all across the state do that, “Everhart said.
To learn more, go to history.idaho.gov/shpo. Follow on social media to see the work they are doing.