Erma Hayman House

06/12/2026

05/21/2026

Join us at the Erma Hayman House on Saturday, June 6, from 4-6 p.m. for a delicious afternoon honoring the diverse food traditions that shaped Boise’s River Street neighborhood.

This special gathering features a prix fixe menu created and curated by Chef Kevin Huelsmann of KIN, inspired by the River Street Center Cookbook, a compilation of former River Street resident recipes and culinary customs.

📒 Originally compiled in the early 1970s as a fundraising effort by the River Street Neighborhood Center by Mrs. Dorothy Buckner, the River Street Center Cookbook offers a flavorful glimpse into the spirit and character of this historic neighborhood. Beautifully illustrated by Ria Campbell and Carolyn Perry, it remains a testament to a vibrant community and is available to explore in the Marge Ewing Room on the third floor of the Downtown Boise Library.

Chef Kevin’s menu brings these historic recipes into the present, reimagining tradition with fresh, seasonal ingredients!

Celebrate Boise’s shared history through a meal rich in memory and meaning.

🎟️ Tickets are $45 and include a three-course prix fixe meal and drinks. Gluten-free and vegan options are available.

Seating is limited—reserve your spot at the table today! Register at the link in bio or at ermahaymanhouse.org.

04/29/2026

Join us at the Erma Hayman House on Saturday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a day of creativity, history, and hands-on fun!

Youth Day is all about young voices, big ideas, and making connections through storytelling and exploration.

This FREE event is open to all ages. No registration required, and all supplies are provided.

Learn more and plan your visit at ermahaymanhouse.org.



Photograph by

04/21/2026

04/09/2026

For 43 consecutive years, Boise artist Chris Binion has created a painting each Valentine’s Day for his husband, John Roberts. What began as a private gesture of affection has grown into a lifelong ritual — an annual act of devotion and artistic reflection.

Shown publicly for the first time, this collection of paintings forms an intimate archive of a shared life shaped by love, aging, cultural change, and the evolving landscape of gay rights in America.

Love Language is an art exhibition by the Boise City Department of Arts & History on view exclusively at the Erma Hayman House (617 Ash St. Boise) April - December 2026.

Produced by Kristen Hill

Filmed and edited by Zach Voss

1988 Boise footage provided by Robert Eller

04/07/2026

For 43 consecutive years, Boise artist Chris Binion has created a painting each Valentine’s Day for his husband, John Roberts. What began as a private gesture of affection has grown into a lifelong ritual—an annual act of devotion and artistic reflection.

Join us for the opening reception on Friday, April 10, from 6–8 p.m. at the . Free and open to all.

“Love Language” will be on view exclusively at the Erma Hayman House (617 Ash Street, Boise) through December 2026.

Learn more and plan your visit at ermahaymanhouse.org.

04/03/2026

We’re thrilled to announce our next exhibition, “Love Language,” featuring paintings by Boise artist Chris Binion.

For 43 consecutive years, Binion has created a painting each Valentine’s Day for his husband, John Roberts. What began as a private gesture of affection has grown into a lifelong ritual—an annual act of devotion and artistic reflection.

Now shown publicly for the first time, this collection forms an intimate archive of a shared life shaped by love, aging, cultural change, and the evolving landscape of gay rights in America. Together, these works invite us to consider how personal relationships can inspire broader social change, especially when recognition and protection are not always guaranteed.

In the spirit of the America 250 theme, “Unfinished Revolutions,” this exhibition honors love as an ongoing act of authenticity, resilience, and quiet activism.

Join us for the opening reception on Friday, April 10, from 6–8 p.m. at the . Free and open to all.

“Love Language” will be on view exclusively at the Erma Hayman House (617 Ash Street, Boise) through December 2026.

Learn more and plan your visit at ermahaymanhouse.org.



Images: Valentine 2015 by Chris Binion; Chris Binion and John Roberts in 1994. Photograph by Jim Talbot. Chris Binion and John Roberts in 2026. Photograph by Wytske Van Keulen.

03/23/2026

Join us at the Erma Hayman House on Saturday, April 4, from 4-6 p.m. for a delicious afternoon honoring the diverse food traditions that shaped Boise’s River Street neighborhood.

This special gathering features a prix fixe menu created and curated by Chef Kevin Huelsmann of KIN, inspired by the River Street Center Cookbook, a compilation of former River Street resident recipes and culinary customs.

📒 Originally compiled in the early 1970s as a fundraising effort by the River Street Neighborhood Center by Mrs. Dorothy Buckner, the River Street Center Cookbook offers a flavorful glimpse into the spirit and character of this historic neighborhood. Beautifully illustrated by Ria Campbell and Carolyn Perry, it remains a testament to a vibrant community and is available to explore in the Marge Ewing Room on the third floor of the Downtown Boise Library.

Chef Kevin’s menu brings these historic recipes into the present, reimagining tradition with fresh, seasonal ingredients!

Celebrate Boise’s shared history through a meal rich in memory and meaning.

🎟️ Tickets are $45 and include a three-course prix fixe meal and drinks. Gluten-free and vegan options are available.

Seating is limited—reserve your spot at the table today! Register at the link in bio or at ermahaymanhouse.org.

03/20/2026

Don’t miss your chance to experience “American Contradictions” one last time! Join us for the closing reception at the on March 26, 2026, from 5–7 p.m..

Since opening in August 2025, this powerful exhibition has invited visitors to reflect on the complexities of the American experiment including its promises, tensions, and lived realities.

Whether you’ve visited before or are seeing “American Contradictions” for the first time, this closing reception is an opportunity to reflect, connect with the artists, and add your voice to an evolving American story.

Free and open to all.



Photography by Wytske Van Keulen.

03/19/2026

Join us at for a thoughtful conversation about community, civic spaces, and the power of everyday action!

📅 Friday, March 27, 2026
🕐 1:00–2:00 PM
📍 Idaho State Museum (610 Julia Davis Dr.)

What does it mean to shape the future of our communities?

Whether you’re advocating on the front lines, supporting others behind the scenes, or simply showing up, each of us has a role to play.

Designed with Gen Z audiences in mind (but open to all!), this conversation brings together representatives from , , and the Erma Hayman House to explore how local civic spaces uplift the stories of everyday civic heroes, and how our own stories can help us engage, belong, and contribute.

You’ll also learn about Civic Season, a national initiative that takes place annually between Juneteenth and July 4, and how Boise-based partners are bringing it to life through collaborative programs like “Civic Bites & Historic Sites.”

This event is free and open to the public.