History Students Tour State Archives

Published: April 8, 2022

Students in their final semester of College of Western Idaho’s History program enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the Idaho State Archives facility in March.  

During the tour, students were able to gather research needed for their capstone projects. History major, Amanda Moorhouse, is one such student.

“The tour was very informative, insightful, and unnerving in some ways,” she said. “While there, I was able to gather sources for my essay, Reconstruction Slavery: Prison Systems in the Jim Crow South. Reading scholarly sources and primary documents online does not compare to seeing them in person! Holding the intake book of prisoners and seeing the racially-motivated incarcerations, segregation, and blatant inequality in the United States carceral system was painful and impactful.”

“It is great to get students into a historical archive early in their academic career,” said Justin Vance, Dean of Arts and Humanities. “The Idaho State Archives is an incredible example of how an archive should be run. Their preservation methods and support to research is truly top-tier.”

More from CWI

Tables of people in a banquet hall

CWI honored student leaders, clubs, and advisors at the annual Student Leadership Awards Banquet, celebrating leadership, service, and campus impact.

Read more about Student Leaders, Clubs Recognized at 2026 Awards Banquet
People roaming around the Greenhouse

Proceeds from the sale directly support student learning in the Horticulture Technology program, helping fund courses, future plant sales, and student celebrations.

Read more about Annual Plant Sale Raises 17K for Students
Person looking through library books

The Library helps students build those skills while providing access to research tools, study spaces, technology, and personalized support throughout their academic journey.

Read more about Learning Commons: Library
Winners with a giant check

Students, employees, and community members pitched business ideas, side hustles, and early-stage ventures through to win prize funding and audience support.

Read more about Spring 2026 OtterTank Showcases and Celebrates Entrepreneurs
Barrel marked with Boise Rescue Mission signs

Student Nurses Association is partnering with Boise Rescue Mission Ministries to collect hygiene products for local community members in need.

Read more about Spring Into the Spirit of Giving Back
Two people holding plates of pancakes

The CWI Learning Commons team is hosting a series of events designed to help students prepare, relax, and find motivation as they head into the final stretch of the semester.

Read more about Spring 2026 Crunch Week
People sitting on a bench at the Student Arboretum

A year later after its open, the Student Arboretum has become an outdoor classroom, sustainability project, and growing community resource.

Read more about Student Arboretum Grows into Hands-On Learning Space
Two people working on an assignment

The Writing and AI Literacy Center is available to help students strengthen their writing, develop confidence, and learn how to use emerging AI tools responsibly.

Read more about Learning Commons: Writing and AI Literacy Center
PTK Cohort at Induction ceremony

CWI's Phi Theta Kappa chapter, Beta Sigma Pi Honor Society, inducted 24 new members, bringing another group of student leaders into the College’s honor society community.

Read more about PTK Welcomes 24 New Inductees
Declaration of Independence

CWI will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a public panel discussion featuring History faculty.

Read more about 250th Declaration of Independence Panel
Connections Conference 2026 Logo (square)

College of Western Idaho will host its 11th annual Connections Conference on April 23, inviting students, faculty, staff, and community members to celebrate student achievement. 

Read more about Connections Conference 2026
Tutor working with students in front of a whiteboard

At CWI, Tutoring Services is available to help students stay on track, strengthen their understanding of course material, and build the skills needed to succeed in college and beyond.

Read more about Learning Commons: Tutoring Services

News QR Code

URL: https://cwi.edu/news/history-students-tour-state-archives<br>