The first of five interpretive signs will be unveiled Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at North Junior High School’s front courtyard. The event will take place between 11:45 to 12:15 p.m. with the presentation at noon

Other schools will celebrate their new signs as follows: Washington ES: April 24 p.m.; Longfellow ES: April 25 p.m.; Boise HS: May 16, 12:15 p.m.; Lowell ES May 22, 5:45 p.m.

In the summer of 2006 the North End Neighborhood Association (NENA) initiated a program to acknowledge 5 historic North End schools (Boise HS, North JHS, Longfellow, Washington and Lowell Elementary) with interpretive signs. Consistent with other signage in the neighborhood (at the foot of Harrison Blvd, in front of the O’Farrell cabin, etc.) the signs would provide a brief history of the school, their importance to the neighborhood and some architectural description. The signs would be installed in front of each school.

Each school dates from early in the 20th century and is on the National Register of Historic Places. They are all neighborhood landmarks, and not just because of their age, architectural or historic significance. They have been gathering places for students, teachers and parents for many years. Events and individuals associated with these buildings have helped shape our community. The signs will inform neighbors and visitors alike about each school and provide another pedestrian amenity in our neighborhood.

NENA applied for and received a grant of $4000 from the Boise City Neighborhood Reinvestment Grant program to partially fund this project.

Coordination on design and placement of the signs has occurred throughout the project with the support of each school principal. At Boise High School, the History Club further engaged in the effort by writing the text and choosing graphics for the Boise HS sign.