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Food Drive Offers Exclusive Glimpse At Old Idaho Penitentiary

Courtesy of Idaho State Historical Society
Sally Port Gate at Old Idaho Penitentiary.

The Idaho State Historical Society is kicking off its reopening with a four-day food drive. Amber Beierle, the society’s historic sites administrator, said the event comes with an unique opportunity.

 

Participants donating at least five cans of food and $5 in cash will be able to drive through the Old Idaho Penitentiary’s Sally Port gate. The gate was built in 1931 and used for shipments in and out of the prison.

“The public has never been allowed to come through that gate, so this is a first and probably an only experience," said Beierle.

The event will benefit St. Vincent Depaul and The Idaho Food Bank. Beierle said the Historical Society is excited to help Idahoans, while also getting people re-engaged with local history. 

“We wanted this to be really special and unique and get people out here," said Beierle.

The food drive begins Friday, June 5, at 10 a.m and runs through Monday.

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