Gov. Little appoints new trustee to Idaho State Historical Society board

Idaho Gov. Brad Little has appointed Wendell resident Justin Vipperman to serve on the Idaho State Historical Society Board of Trustees.

According to an Idaho State Historical Society press release, Vipperman has been appointed to represent Idaho Judicial District 5, which includes Twin Falls, Camas, Blaine, Lincoln, Gooding, Minidoka, Cassia and Jerome counties.

The Board of Trustees establishes the rules and regulations by which the state agency operates and consists of seven members from across the state, with each trustee representing each of Idaho’s seven judicial districts. 

Vipperman holds several degrees relating to the arts and history and is working on his doctorate Idaho State University. He is a history instructor at the College of Southern Idaho and splits his time between teaching and mentoring dual credit instructors around the state, according to the release. 

“Justin’s invaluable depth of knowledge and expertise enriches our board of trustees immeasurably. We extend our deepest gratitude for his dedication to serving Idahoans and his commitment to championing Idaho’s rich history,” board chair Bill Butticci said. 

According to the release, Vipperman is a fifth generation Idahoan whose great-grandparents settled in Wendell as farmer laborers and sheepherders. Vipperman credits his love of history to his maternal grandfather who stopped at every historical marker throughout Idaho and expounded on its history.

Vipperman is also an active member of several local and statewide foundations. He has worked with the Idaho Humanities Council, the Foundation for Idaho History, and St. Luke’s Foundation Board, is the speaker series chair for the Gooding County Historical Society and serves as a board member of Preservation Twin Falls, the press release said.

He lives in Wendell with his wife Rebecca Vipperman, who is the mayor of Wendell, and three children. He spends most of his time fly fishing and documenting history in the Magic Valley, according to the release.