"The Friends of The Bishops' House" is a non-profit organization dedicated to the historic preservation of this grand old building. This beautiful building was once home to a succession of the Episcopal Bishops of Idaho. Each of the men who served as the head of Episcopal Diocese of Idaho lived in this home with their families while serving in the capacity as the Episcopal Bishop of Idaho. The original house was built in the late 1880's and was remodeled to its current stately, towered Queen Anne style Victorian home in 1899.
Every year, The Friends of The Bishops' House work towards restoring and sustaining the house. We also sponsor many events for the public, from Lecture Series to open tours of the house.So much of what the house is today, and where it stands, would not have been possible without grants, fundraisers, donations and volunteer work from our generous community.
With our Victorian Holiday Open Parlors on hold for this season due to COVID restrictions, we’re thrilled to announce our next exciting 2020 holiday surprise!
We’re drawing for a December 2020 private photo shoot at The Bishops’ House, with two winners! Each prize, valued at $500, includes:
- 1.5 hour photo shoot at The Bishops’ House.
- Use of our fully decorated main floor rooms (foyer, parlor, music room, and dining room) for photos!
- Professional photographer.
- 10-20 edited digital images, with all printing rights.
- Up to 10 people (no pets).
Be sure to log in to your Amazon account at smile.amazon.com, and choose “Friends of the Bishops House Inc” as your designated nonprofit.A small percentage of any eligible purchases will go towards preserving and sustaining our historic home whenever you order through smile.amazon.comPlease take that extra step and start your purchase at smile.amazon.com to support our efforts here at The Bishops’ House
The Idaho Heritage Trust has been a longtime supporter of the preservation work of The Bishops’ House, and awarded us grants in 2002, 2011, 2014, and 2019. Idaho Heritage Trust has provided wonderful assistance to The Bishops’ House, and Executive Director Katherine Kirk been exceptionally helpful in our efforts.
This most recent grant has allowed us, with a generous matching contribution from local firm LKV Architecture, to repair significant stonework damage to The Bishops’ House in several areas. This completed work will help protect The Bishops’ House from the harsh elements and prevent harm to its structural integrity.
JP2 Construction, LLC, completed the restoration work admirably, and was able to include original stone from the property. Professional guidance and technical assistance was provided by Stephen Chesnut, Maintenance and Operations supervisor at the Idaho State Historical Society and Frederick Walters, Idaho Heritage Trust board member. Idaho Heritage Trust aided in general grant-funded project assessment and direction.
Special thanks to our District 8 legislators; Senator Steven Thayn, Representatives, Terry F. Gestrin and Dorothy Moon, as well as all of the other senators and representatives who generously support the preservation efforts of the Idaho Heritage Trust.
The Bishops’ House was saved by visionary community volunteers. They protected this architectural treasure from demolition by organizing as The Friends of The Bishops' House, moving the house to its current site near the Old Penitentiary, and restoring its’ historic beauty. We are pleased to join the Idaho Heritage Trust in their mission of “Preserving the historic fabric of Idaho for our State's Bicentennial in 2090 through a program of grants and technical assistance.”
The Bishops' House has been part of Boise history since it was built in 1889, and we are grateful for the support of our community, especially the numerous volunteers who have participated with us in preserving and sustaining this important piece of Idaho’s heritage!
*Photos of before-and-after of various parts of the stonework repair project.
The Bishops' House is a 3-story building built in 1889 for the Episcopal Diocese of Idaho, which was remodeled with an expansion in 1899. The house remained the residence of the Episcopal Bishop of Idaho for many years.
