The “Make Hunger History” benefit begins Friday May 15, and will serve as an exclusive preview into the site before phased public re-openings of ISHS sites begin later in the week. The Old Idaho Penitentiary will first re-open its doors to members on May 22 and the Idaho State Museum will also host member’s only hours beginning May 18. The Research Center of the Idaho State Archives will open with limitations starting May 19.
Idahoans interested in taking part in the food drive will have a one-of-a-kind chance to make their donation by driving into the Old Pen’s historic Sally Port, the secure gate on the north side that was built in 1931 to accommodate shipments coming into and out of the historic prison. Vehicles that meet size restrictions will then be allowed to enter and take a loop through the prison grounds.
“We’re excited about this program for so many reasons, including the fact that Idahoans making donations will have an unprecedented chance to bring their vehicle into the Sally Port and then drive around a portion of the prison grounds,” said Amber Beierle, Historic Sites Administrator for ISHS. “But this collaboration is also exciting because we’re leveraging this experience into Idaho’s past into helping meet the needs today for the many Idahoans who are struggling to feed their families during the pandemic.”
The agency will set up a food and cash donation drop inside the Old Pen. Anyone in a vehicle with at least five cans of food and $5 in cash will be allowed into the Sally Port and then the prison grounds.
Donations of foodstuffs will be directed to St. Vincent de Paul on Overland Rd. in Boise. Cash donations will be diverted to the Idaho Food Bank and used to help buy perishable goods. 100% of proceeds and donations will go directly to these organizations.

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