Idaho Exceptionalism

2025 marks the 26th year of IBHM. Idaho’s history stands in stark contrast to much of the nation. An absence of slavery, integration of schools in 1871, and Black homesteading afforded Blacks a unique opportunity in the absence of an existential threat. (Idaho never had a lynching of a Black person) Fast forward to today Idaho sits alone atop the topic of economic disparity across races…the only state in America where Blacks on average earn more than other races.

Research Center

IBHM is opening a research arm of the museum to take an in depth look into Idaho’s history from an economic lens to better understand contributing factors that set Idaho as a place of opportunity for those looking to provide for self.