COEUR d’ALENE — Many people work hard to keep the historic roots of North Idaho alive and visible.

Don Pischner is not one of them. 

“I haven’t had any hard work in any of this. I have had fun, I have learned a lot and I have had great times. I have a passion for North Idaho history,” Pischner said Friday.

Pischner was an honoree for the Heart of History award at the 2026 Historic Preservation Reception and Awards at the Museum of North Idaho attended by about 50 people.

The third event of its kind, this year’s was special as Mayor Dan Gookin honored Pischner as a surprise but also awarded and thanked the community for its efforts for helping save the Roosevelt School.

“The first Heart of History award goes to the community for their efforts in saving Roosevelt from the wrecking ball,” he said.

The other Heart of History honorees were former Coeur d’Alene Mayor Steve Widmyer, and his wife, Marie, who saved the historic Roosevelt School by buying it last year.

Widmyer, who attended the school, thanked the citizens for their efforts in helping save the school. 

“This all began with you, the citizens,” he said. 

Loud applause and smiles filled the air as both men walked up to receive their awards. 

“It is a fantastic place. We love it there. When you walk or drive by it, you can see that it will be in Coeur d’Alene forever,” Widmyer said.

Pischner was surprised when Gookin announced his name.

“I am very appreciative,” he said. 

Pischner serves as the District 1 trustee for the Idaho State Historical Society and previously served on the museum board. While many look to him as a historian, Pischner thinks differently. 

“I am not a historian. I am a reporter. I report things I know, things I’ve seen and the things I've heard. We have a very rich history,” he said.

Widmyer stressed that while he was thankful for the award, he was even more thankful for the community. 

“It’s great they recognized all of the people that contributed. They deserve even more credit than Marie and I,” he said. 

The Widmyers have purchased and renovated several historical buildings including the Hamilton House in Coeur d'Alene and an old school in Washington state.

Widmyer credits his own history in the area as what inspires him to continue his preservation efforts.

“When you grow up here and have lived here as long as I have, you want to see it survive,” he said.

    Don Pischner holds his award plaque in front of the Museum of North Idaho.