Donation will allow Museum of Idaho to tell stories ‘in ways that were not possible before’

The following is a news release from the Museum of Idaho.

IDAHO FALLS – The Museum of Idaho is thrilled to announce the acquisition of The Post Register’s historic archives, a monumental addition to its collection and a treasure trove of eastern Idaho’s rich history.

Spanning more than a century, this remarkable donation includes print editions, microfiche, and digital archives that document the stories and milestones of our region and beyond.

The archives, generously donated as The Post Register transitions out of its longtime building, represent one of the largest artifact donations MOI has received.

“We immediately recognized its significance and said yes without hesitation,” said Jeff Carr, Executive Director of MOI. “These archives are a vital historical resource that enrich our ability to tell local stories in ways that were not possible before.”

The Collection Includes:

• Print Archives: Editions of The Post Register dating back to the 1930s, meticulously preserved and stacked across 15 pallets.
• Microfiche: A wealth of records from the Post Register and other regional newspapers, such as the Rigby Star, Shelley Pioneer, and Idaho State Journal, reaching even further into the past.
• Digital Archives: Access to The Post Register and five other historic publications, including the Blackfoot Register and Idaho Falls Times, with some editions dating back to 1880.

This acquisition strengthens the long-standing partnership between MOI and The Post Register, which has been a supporter of the museum since its inception. The archives have already begun playing a key role in MOI’s programming, aiding historical research, supplementing educational programs, and inspiring plans for future exhibits.

“We’re uncovering stories we didn’t even know existed,” Carr added. “This collection fills in gaps in our knowledge of local history and opens up new opportunities to connect our community with its heritage.”

MOI is committed to making these archives accessible to the public, though immediate digitization of all materials is not feasible. The museum plans to develop pathways for researchers and community members to explore this extraordinary collection on-site, with the potential for a major multi-year initiative to digitize the archives.

This donation marks a transformative moment in MOI’s mission to preserve and share eastern Idaho’s history. We are deeply grateful to The Post Register for this donation. Stay tuned for updates on this project and other research endeavors!

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