PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jennifer Yribar, Outreach & Education Coordinator
208.608.7051, jyribar@cityofboise.org
WEB ADDRESS: www.boiseartsandhistory.org
April 7, 2022
With Micron Foundation Donation, Erma Hayman House Renovations Near Completion
Boise, ID – The City of Boise is pleased to announce a $50,000 donation from the Micron Foundation to support an existing capital project to preserve and interpret the former home of prominent African American community member, Erma Hayman, located in the historic River Street Neighborhood in downtown Boise.
This gift, which will support the city’s capital investment onsite, is part of the Micron Foundation’s commitment to focus resources on areas with rich cultural history, available community assets, and readiness for impact.
Over the last year, construction involved upgrading the structure to meet code and floodplain requirements, restoring the exterior of the house, remodeling the interior, and site work. The property is being rebuilt to include both hardscape and landscape to create a unique outdoor gathering place. Construction will be completed this spring and the house is slated to open in fall 2022.
"The Erma Hayman House is an important landmark for all of our community and is a symbol of Boise's rich, diverse history," said Micron Foundation Executive Director Dee Mooney. "We're proud to join the Erma Hayman House Task Force and the City of Boise in supporting the preservation of this critical structure in Boise’s River Street Neighborhood.”
“Thank you to the Micron Foundation and the Erma Hayman House Task Force for helping us envision the future and potential of the property at 617 Ash Street,” said Mayor McLean. “Restoring the Hayman House is undeniably a unique opportunity for us to create and provide a physical space for our community to come together to reflect and engage with the diverse voices that make up the fabric of our city."
“Tied into the goals of the City of Boise’s Cultural Master Plan, the preservation and interpretation of the 617 Ash Street property are critical components for representing those whose stories are often omitted from standard historical research,” said Department of Arts & History Director Amber Beierle. “We are grateful to the Micron Foundation for supporting the preservation of this house, the history of the River Street Neighborhood, and the stories of this treasured community for years to come.”
Previously released:
About the Erma Hayman House
The City of Boise acquired the property located at 617 Ash Street, the former home of longstanding resident Erma Andre Madry Hayman (1907 - 2009) in 2018. For a large part of the twentieth century, the River Street neighborhood was a working-class section of the city, and housed immigrants from the Basque Country, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Japan, Russia, and elsewhere. By 1940, housing segregation had made River Street home to the majority of Boise's African American residents. Erma Hayman and her husband purchased their house in 1948, and Erma lived there until her death in 2009. Boise’s Erma Hayman House is a cultural and historic resource and will be managed by the Boise City Department of Arts & History Cultural Sites program. More information: boiseartsandhistory.org/erma-hayman-house
About the Micron Foundation
Since its founding in 1999, the Micron Foundation has contributed over $150 million through philanthropy and people to communities where our team members live and work. The Foundation and Micron's corporate giving are driven by the Micron Gives organization with grants, programs and volunteer efforts focused on promoting science and engineering education and addressing basic human needs. More information: micron.com/foundation
About the Boise City Department of Arts & History
The Department of Arts & History’s mission is to provide leadership, advocacy, education, services, and support for arts and history to preserve Boise’s character and enhance our community’s quality of life. We envision a city where everyone has access to art and history, and the opportunity to pursue and experience Boise through a variety of cultural offerings. More information: boiseartsandhistory.org
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