Meridian History

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Meridian History

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Meridian History, Community Organization, 33 E Broadway Ave, Meridian, ID.

The Historic Preservation Commission works to preserve the character and fabric of historically-significant areas and structures within the City of Meridian to honor and preserve its rich heritage for future generations.

10/22/2025

We’re pleased to share that a draft version of the Meridian Historic Preservation Plan is now available for your review. We welcome any comments you may have; there is a comment box on the preservation plan website where you can easily submit your feedback directly.

Additionally, there will be a Special Meeting of the Meridian Historic Preservation Commission on November 14, 2025 at 4:30 at Meridian City Hall Council Chambers.

To access the draft plan and the special meeting information, please visit: bit.ly/MeridianHPP

09/25/2025

We’d like to thank everyone that joined us on Saturday for a great walking tour.
We had a wonderful time sharing our knowledge of the history of our amazing City of Meridian!

09/13/2025

Join us next week for our FINAL 3rd Saturday Historic Walking Tour of the season!

Learn more about Meridian History -- Meet us at the front steps of Meridian City Hall on Saturday morning September 20 at 10:00am for a one-hour tour led by one of our volunteer Historic Preservation Commission members.

Bring your walking shoes and prepare for the weather. The tour is free, no registration necessary!

09/03/2025

Posted • Ring ring…who is it…

It’s Idaho’s historic telephone buildings calling to remind everyone its Telephone Tuesday!

In the 1890s, towns throughout Idaho experienced the expansion of telephone services. As the demand for communication grew, so did the number of telephone companies. One major development came in 1911 with the formation of the Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph Company (MST&T). Many of the buildings that once housed MST&T operations still stand today.

☎️ The Meridian MST&T building is a one-story, reinforced concrete building that is an example of a one-part commercial block, exhibiting modest Spanish Colonial Revival-style motifs. Construction of Meridian’s Mountain States Telephone Company building began in April 1928 at a cost of $5000. The building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.

☎️ Built in 1935, the Jerome MST&T building opened as a one-story commercial space with terra cotta ornamental details around the entrance with a light Tudor touch. The building expanded in 1957 and 1965 to accommodate new technology, changing from switchboards to dial telephones. Determined eligible, although not yet listed in the National Register, the building now houses the Jerome Police Department.

☎️ Designed by Frederick Hummel in 1951, the Boise MST&T building housed the long distance and directory assistance operators for the company. Expanded in phases through 1971, this multi-story brick building highlights the massive expansion of the telephone system across the state during the Post WWII era. In 2017, the Idaho SHPO determined that the building is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

08/23/2025

Ever wonder who helped shape our city? It all comes down to the people!

Since 1903, Meridian has been guided by 26 different mayors. We're so grateful for their leadership and for making our city what it is today.

08/20/2025

Every place has a story. Before Generations Plaza was the heart of our downtown, it was a family home belonging to the Burns family. In 1926, the home was replaced by a Shell gas station. The Burns family later donated the land to the city, giving us the wonderful park we enjoy today.

You can see a photo of the original Burns home inside Generations Plaza.

08/18/2025

We’d like to thank the 15 guests that joined us on Saturday for a great walking tour.
The weather was perfect, and we shared our knowledge of the history of our great city.

08/14/2025

Join us this week for our 3rd Saturday Historic Walking Tours!

Learn more about Meridian History -- Meet us at the front steps of Meridian City Hall on Saturday morning August 16 at 10:00am for a one-hour tour led by one of our volunteer Historic Preservation Commission members.

Bring your walking shoes and prepare for the weather. The tour is free, no registration necessary!

07/30/2025

Jaialdi 2025 is in full swing this week, celebrating the vibrant Basque community! Did you know the Basque people in Meridian were pivotal in shaping our city's agricultural landscape? Far more than just sheep herders, they established successful farms, ranches, and dairies that contributed significantly to Meridian's growth and prosperity. Join us in celebrating their rich heritage!

07/22/2025

The City of Meridian is currently accepting applications from individuals interested in serving on the Meridian Historic Preservation Commission. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 1, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.

The Meridian Historic Preservation Commission works to preserve the character and fabric of historically significant areas and structures within the City of Meridian to honor and preserve its rich heritage for future generations. It is comprised of up to seven voting members with a demonstrated interest and knowledge in history or historic preservation, with at least two appointed members who are experienced in the disciplines of architecture, history, urban planning, archaeology, engineering, law, or other historic preservation-related fields. Its members generally meet on the fourth Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at Meridian City Hall. Members of this group serve on a voluntary basis and receive no financial compensation. More information is available on the Historic Preservation Commission website.

In addition to the application, a letter of interest and resume should be submitted with the completed application. Applications can be submitted online or delivered to Mayor Simison at Meridian City Hall, 33 E. Broadway Avenue, Meridian, ID, 83642. All applications should be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025. The successful applicant will be appointed by Mayor Simison and confirmed by the Meridian City Council.

Citizen involvement is an essential part of a strong local government. The City of Meridian promotes citizen involvement by inviting residents to serve on commissions to assist the City in its decision-making processes.

07/21/2025

Thank you for joining us last Saturday for the walking tour and thank you to the Pine Street School for opening your doors and letting us ring the school bell! Our next historic walking tour will be on Saturday, August 16th. Hope to see you there!

Address

33 E Broadway Ave
Meridian, ID
83642

Telephone

+12088884433

Website

http://www.meridiancity.org/ourhistory/

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Our Story

The Meridian Historical Society manages and operates a public showroom for Meridian area historical pictures & information. This is a volunteer-run group. The Meridian History Center is located inside Meridian City Hall. Hours may vary, but are generally: Monday: 1-3 Tuesday: 1-3 Wednesday: 1-3 Thursday: 1-3 Friday: 1-3

The Meridian Historic Preservation is separate from the Meridian Historical Society. This commission works to preserve the character and fabric of historically-significant areas and structures within the City of Meridian to honor and preserve its rich heritage for future generations. The Historic Preservation Commission shall consist of up to 9 members serving a term of 3 years. At least 2 appointed members shall have professional training or experience in the disciplines of architecture, history, architectural history, urban planning, archaeology, engineering, law or other historic preservation related disciplines. Meetings are held at 4:30 pm on the fourth Thursday of each month at Meridian City Hall. https://meridiancity.org/SocialMediaTermsOfUse.pdf