News Release

January 18, 2007
 

New Book Published By Boise, BSU's History Center Looks at City's Ethnic Past, Encourages Downtown Walking Tour

A new book focused on Boise’s richly diverse past kicks off the new Boise City Walking Series, a guide celebrating neighborhoods best explored at three miles per hour. “Ethnic Landmarks” was published by the Boise City Office of the Historian, with support from Boise State University’s Center for Idaho History and Politics.
 

Ethnic Landscapes Promo Cover Click to enlarge image

Boise began as a teeming immigrant city in the 19th century, when it was a major supply point for nearby gold mining camps. “Ethnic Landmarks” explores the immigrant city’s story as told through its richly historic architecture. Chapters focus on the city’s Chinatown, Spanish Village and Castle Rock areas, as well as enclaves inhabited by Jews, Germans, Greeks, Bohemians, Irish, Blacks and Basques. The stories of each of these ethnic groups are told through the buildings and alleys that dot the downtown landscape.

Boise Mayor David Bieter notes in the book’s foreword that, “History provides context; it informs our present and inspires our future. By investing in our history— through preservation, education, and appreciation — we enhance our livability and give new power to this place that means so much to us, no matter where we're from.”

The book was written by Todd Shallat, director of the Center for Idaho History and Politics at Boise State, and designed by award-winning graphic artist Adele Thomsen. Forthcoming installments in the Boise City Walking series will feature Rose Hill, Warm Springs, South Boise and the Near North End.

“Ethnic Landmarks” is available for $10 at the Boise City Mayor’s Office, or by calling the Boise State Center for Idaho History and Politics at 426-4629. The book is also available at the Vista Book Gallery, 1116 S. Vista Ave. and Trip Taylor Bookseller, 210 N. 10th St.

The Office of the City Historian sponsors exhibits, tours, forums, workshops and publications that enrich the cultural life of the capital city. The Center for Idaho History and Politics at Boise State works collaboratively to promote pragmatic applications of social science research.

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Contacts: Todd Shallat, Center for Idaho History and Politics, (208) 426-3701, tshalla@boisestate.edu; Michael Zuzel, Boise Mayor’s Office, (208) 384-4401, mzuzel@cityofboise.org 
Media Contact: Kathleen Craven, University Communications, (208) 426-3275, kcraven@boisestate.edu

We’re proud to be the home of the undefeated, Fiesta Bowl champion Broncos, the national champion student speech and debate team, and the nation’s 12th-ranked engineering program among public, comprehensive universities.
 

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Last reviewed on Tuesday, February 27, 2007