Esto Perpetua Award

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About the Award
The "Esto Perpetua" award, which takes its name from Idaho's state motto meaning "Let It Be Perpetual," honors significant contributions to the preservation of Idaho history through professional accomplishment, public service, volunteerism, and philanthropy. This year, awards will be considered in the following categories: Individual, Organizational, and Academic/Professional.

"These awards allow the Society to acknowledge and thank those people and institutions who make a difference in our common missions of preserving and protecting Idaho history," explained Tom Blanchard, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the ISHS.

Nominations can be made by filling out a nomination form or by sending a letter that includes the name, address, and telephone number of the candidate and a narrative description of the worthiness of the candidate for the award. Criteria include:

Exemplary accomplishments in the preservation of Idaho's cultural or natural heritage assets.


Demonstrated commitment to the education, protection and interpretation of Idaho's cultural or natural assets, and the integration of these assets into community life.


Innovative, creative, and responsible approaches to showcasing Idaho's historic resources in their communities.

Anyone can nominate an individual or organization for the award, but contact information must also be included for those making a nomination. Prior nominees who have not received the award may be submitted for consideration again this year. Any organization, business, government entity, or individual is eligible to receive an Esto Perpetua Award. However, Idaho State Historical Society staff and members of its Board of Trustees are NOT eligible to receive this award during their employment/term(s) of office with the agency, or for five years thereafter.

Nomination should be sent to the Idaho State Historical Society, Esto Perpetua Award, 2205 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, ID 83712. Deadline for submission is July 1, 2009.

Since the award was created by the Society in 1999, 64 individuals and organizations from throughout the state have been honored.

For additional information, call the Idaho State Historical Society toll free at 877-OLD-GEMS.

Download an application form: Application form (Acrobat format)

Prior Winners

2008 Esto Perpetua Winners

Teddy Daley, Laura Hall, and the Blaine County Museum/Heritage Court, Hailey
Shelley Kuther, Craigmont
Julie Monroe, Moscow
Ruth Ann Olsen and the South Bannack Historical Center, Lava Hot Springs
Marion Shinn, Lewiston
Ketchum Wagon Day Committee, City of Ketchum, Ketchum
Marcia Wall, Coeur d'Alene
Madge Wylie, Melba

2007 Esto Perpetua Winners
Terry Abraham; Moscow
Carol Anglen; Cottonwood
Dale Fisk; Council
Charles Hummel; Boise
Bernice Pullen; Orofino
Bessie Scott; Lapwai
Adelia Garro Simplot; Boise

2006 ESTO PERPETUA AWARD RECIPIENTS
Ron Pisaneschi  (Chairman) accepting for the Idaho Humanities Council, Boise
Carol Sue Hauntz, Grangeville
Governor Jim Risch, Boise
Victoria Mitchell, Moscow
Dick Riggs and the Nez Perce County Historical Society

2005 ESTO PERPETUA AWARD RECIPIENTS
Ace Barton, Riggins
Gaetha Pace & the Idaho Heritage Trust, Statewide
Jane Teachman Daniels, Ashton
Julie Hyslop, Nampa
Colen H. Sweeten Jr., Springville, Utah
Adams County Historical Society, New Meadows
Chesterfield Foundation, Bancroft

2004 ESTO PERPETUA AWARD RECIPIENTS
Roberta Green, Challis
Thelma McMurtray, Ririe
Virginia Ricketts, Jerome
Louise Shadduck, Coeur d'Alene
Carmelita Spencer, Grangeville
Assistance League of Boise-Bown House Project, Boise
Preservation Idaho,. State-wide

2003 ESTO PERPETUA AWARD RECIPIENTS
Felix Aripa, Tensed
Arthur A. Hart, Boise
Lillian Pethtel, Kamiah
Bonnie Stoddard, Dubois
Nelle Tobias, McCall
Friends of Stricker, Inc., Hansen

2002 ESTO PERPETUA AWARD RECIPIENTS
Lois Bates, Blackfoot
Jerry Glenn, Rexburg
Margaret Nell Longeteig, Lewiston
The Post Falls Historical Society

2001 ESTO PERPETUA AWARD RECIPIENTS
Louis Clements, Rexburg
Tom Hall, Bruneau
Jo Thomason, Craigmont
Bonner County Historical Society and Museum, Sandpoint
Snake River Heritage Center Museum, Weiser

2000 ESTO PERPETUA AWARD RECIPIENTS
Robert Allen, Pierce
Allie Hansen, Preston
Mary Reed and the Latah County Historical Society, Moscow
Former Governor Robert Smylie, Boise

1999 ESTO PERPETUA AWARD RECIPIENTS
Cort Conley, Boise
Harry Magnuson, Wallace
Edna McGown, Twin Falls
Sister Catherine Manderfeld/Monastery of St. Gertrude's, Cottonwood
Merle Wells, Boise