Preservation Idaho has been dedicated to protecting Idaho’s architectural and cultural heritage for over 50 years. Now, thanks to a partnership with Desert Creative Group and the innovative use of Esri GIS technology, that mission is expanding in a forward-looking direction. Together, the two organizations have used these tools to reimagine how Preservation Idaho achieves its mission: through smart data visualization, accessible digital experiences, and storytelling.
Thanks to gaining access to an Esri nonprofit ArcGIS license and a $5,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which was matched by Desert Creative Group’s donation of $5000 of in-kind work, Preservation Idaho is using GIS to make Idaho’s history more interactive and accessible than ever.
This collaboration has resulted in a wealth of new ways to use the data Preservation Idaho already had. Virtual Heritage Idaho, an engaging online series of interactive StoryMaps, invites users in every corner of the state to explore Idaho’s historic neighborhoods, buildings, and the stories they tell. Behind the scenes, the adoption of GIS technology is also transforming the way Preservation Idaho is able to make and measure impact statewide.
Preservation Idaho’s work has always been about impact; saving the buildings, neighborhoods, and stories that shape the state’s identity. But to fully understand where that impact happens and how to expand it, the organization needed to find a way to see the bigger picture.
Through this collaboration, Preservation Idaho will now be able to track threatened, saved, and lost properties statewide using map-based technology. This geographic approach allows them to visualize patterns, identify preservation gaps, and prioritize taking action where it’s needed most.
The adoption of Esri GIS tools has brought significant value to Preservation Idaho’s internal operations as well. Desert Creative Group geocoded approximately five years of donor information, allowing the organization to visualize donor funding origins and trends through heat maps. This internal visualization is crucial for understanding their donor base and guiding fundraising strategies, especially in neighborhoods where preservation work is most active.
The new mapping capabilities enable Preservation Idaho to take a truly geographic approach to historic preservation—focusing not only on where impact happens, but also on how it evolves over time. By visualizing, tracking, and measuring their reach, the organization can make more informed decisions and direct their efforts where they will have the greatest effect.
“We can now visualize, map, and share research and documentation in an accessible online format. It has expanded our reach to new audiences, increased collaboration with partners, and allowed us to highlight advocacy in a more robust way,” Kellie Wright Whitlock, Operations Director at Preservation Idaho says. “The result is greater visibility for preservation efforts and a stronger, more inclusive public connection to Idaho’s cultural landscape.”
From donor maps to the interactive story tours, visualization is at the heart of this project. Desert Creative Group helped geocode five years of donor data, building Preservation Idaho a dashboard to see where support originates and where it can grow. Meanwhile, on the public education side, the Virtual Heritage Idaho StoryMaps bring statewide preservation stories to life. Users can explore the WalkAbout Boise Historic Walking Tour, the Hyde Park and River Street neighborhoods, and more, complete with photos, maps, audio, and historical timelines.
Whitlock explains, “Instead of static photos or text, people can now explore the state’s architectural and cultural heritage interactively, zooming in, discovering new places, and understanding how Idaho’s history fits together geographically. It’s immersive, visual, and accessible to everyone — students, travelers, and lifelong Idahoans. These tools turn passive learning into discovery and help people see the connections between communities, architecture, and history across the state.”
These tools not only visualize the organization’s reach across Idaho but also connect communities that might never have realized how their local heritage ties into a broader state story. For donors, policymakers, and community members alike, these tools make the case for preservation both visually compelling and emotionally resonant.
Through initiatives like the Idaho Heritage Barns Registry, Idahoans can now provide submissions directly to Preservation Idaho’s database of historic barns. Using Esri’s Survey123 tool, community members can easily input information about barns and historic structures in their area, which are then reviewed and displayed on a public map—transforming Idaho residents from observers to active partners in their own community’s historic preservation efforts.
With more virtual tours and heat maps already in development, what has been achieved by this collaboration between Preservation Idaho and Desert Creative Group is just the beginning. Future StoryMaps will showcase more communities around the state which haven’t been featured before, while the expanding data organization will continue to guide and streamline preservation and fundraising strategies across the state.
“GIS is an incredible tool, but it’s most powerful when it’s grounded in accurate information and thoughtful storytelling,” says Whitlock. “It’s a bridge between preservation and innovation, helping us reach people wherever they are and inspiring a deeper sense of place and pride in our shared history.”
By blending an appreciation of Idaho’s history with tools for the future, this partnership is proving that preservation isn’t just about protecting structures, it’s about connecting people, stories, and communities across Idaho. Through harnessing GIS technology to revolutionize their ability to educate and vastly expand their community engagement, Preservation Idaho is ensuring that the stories of Idaho’s built history will continue to inspire generations to come.
