WALLACE — The Wallace Chamber of Commerce's annual Fall for History Festival has been honored with a 2026 Esto Perpetua Award from the Idaho State Historical Society. 

Fall for History founders Janet and Mike Feiler accepted the award during a June 4 ceremony at the Idaho State Museum in Boise that included Gov. Brad Little. 

The festival was one of 11 events and organizations from across Idaho recognized this year for keeping the state's history and cultural traditions alive through community celebrations and educational programming. Named for Idaho's state motto, Esto Perpetua — “Let It Be Perpetual” — the award honors efforts to preserve and share the state's historical legacy for future generations. 

The festival is one of the cornerstone events on the Wallace Chamber of Commerce's annual calendar, and Executive Director Julie George said it reflects the community's commitment to preserving and celebrating its unique past. 

“Wallace has always been known for its many festivals, but until a decade ago, none highlighted the rich history of the Silver Valley,” George said. “Our founder, Janet Feiler, decided to do something about that. So, in 2016, she gathered history buffs and museum directors to help launch Fall for History.” 

Over the years, the festival has explored a variety of themes, including the Great Fire of 1910, the mining wars, Buffalo Soldiers, the FBI raid on Wallace, and multiculturalism in the Silver Valley. Attendees have hiked the Pulaski Trail, toured historic homes, boarded school buses to Burke, tried their luck at casino nights, and attended services in a historic church led by a preacher arriving on horseback. One memorable event honored a forgotten Civil War veteran with an official military gravestone. 

This year, the festival will take a more contemporary approach as it marks the 30th anniversary of Dante’s Peak, the volcano thriller filmed in Wallace and starring Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton. 

According to the Idaho State Historical Society, this year’s recipients were selected for the ways they foster community connections while ensuring history remains relevant to future generations.  

“This year’s program celebrates community—recognizing the volunteers, organizers, service members, and citizens whose dedication sustains meaningful traditions and strengthens the bonds that unite Idahoans,” Esto Perpetua Awards Program Coordinator Patricia Hoffman said. “This distinguished recognition honors the people and events that carry Idaho’s story forward across generations. From longstanding local festivals to cultural and civic observances, the 2026 award highlights how history is not only remembered but actively lived and renewed in communities throughout the state.” 

The Wallace Fall for History Festival joins a list of longstanding Idaho events recognized this year for celebrating local culture, educating the public and preserving the stories that define communities across the state.  The 2026 awards are also part of the state’s America 250 commemoration. 

“Reflecting the spirit of America 250, the 2026 Esto Perpetua Award acknowledges traditions that bring neighbors together, strengthen civic life, and embody the shared values shaping both the Idaho and American experience,” Hoffman said.