How decisions are made about preserving Idaho's artifacts

BOISE — What’s the difference between an artifact and old junk? What gets saved and displayed in museums, and what gets abandoned and left to deteriorate? Who makes the decisions on which buildings to preserve, and which structures are lost to time? In the new documentary "Preserving Our American Memories," our local history series "Idaho Experience" explores preservation priorities and challenges in the Gem State. 

"Preserving Our American Memories" features artifacts and historic buildings across the state that tell Idaho’s stories, including the Merci Train, the Pierce Logging Museum, the historic Bear Lake County Courthouse, Manard School Monument in Camas County, and museums in Hailey, Franklin and Post Falls. The program highlights individuals whose drive and passion for history have helped tell Idahoans’ stories across generations through physical objects and structures. It examines what happens when those preservation efforts fail.