In 2013, Boise celebrated its sesquicentennial, the commemoration was also known as the Boise 150. The commemoration was led by the City of Boise’s Department of Arts & History. The Department of Arts & History focused the commemoration around the themes of Enterprise, Community, and Environment. For the sesquicentennial year, the Department of Arts & History inhabited a storefront at 1008 Main St. This Boise 150 headquarters, affectionately called the Sesqui-Shop, operated as an actual store where people could purchase Boise 150 merchandise such as, t-shirts, mugs, and lapel pins. The Sesqui-Shop also sold commemorative prints, painted by local artist Pat Kilby. The three prints portray the Boise 150 themes of Enterprise, Community, and Environment. The Sesqui-Shop also acted as an event venue, every month local speakers, artists, musicians, and community organizations used the space. In addition to acting as venue, the Sesqui-Shop had monthly revolving exhibits reflecting different themes each month. Not only was specific Boise 150 merchandise available throughout the year, the Department of Arts & History worked with local merchants in developing authentic local products. Each participating merchant identified themselves with a window sticker, and all profits went directly to the merchants. The sesquicentennial also offered up events to engage the public, events part of the Boise 150 were Thinking 150, Fettuccine Forum, Capital City: Boise or Lewiston, July 4th Anniversary Celebration, Re-Art Children’s Program, Sesqui-Speaks, the Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Arts & History, Good Neighbor Events, and Walk 150. The Department of Arts & History planned several programs to contribute to the legacy of Boise history and the sesquicentennial. The Share your Story program collected personal stories from Boise residents to be archived. The Department of Arts & History also produced a commemorative book and CD, featuring local writers and musicians. The Department of Arts & History also awarded one Legacy Grant to the Shonshone-Bannock Culture Committee, as well as 36 smaller grants throughout the community.
