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ITD offers historic guide, sample license plate gift ideas

Finding a quick present or unique gift idea can be challenging as the holidays approach, so the Idaho Transportation Department offers a few suggestions.

Explorers Lewis and Clark depended on Sacajawea to guide their Corps of Discovery through Idaho. Modern-day Gem State explorers have the Idaho Highway Historical Marker Guide – an inexpensive holiday gift for $5 that fits in a stocking as easily as a motor vehicle glove compartment.

Published by ITD, the historical marker guide offers a fascinating glimpse of Idaho’s rich history through the state’s 244 historical signs and their descriptions. The guide connects Idaho’s history with the state’s scenic geography, tying events and colorful personalities to specific times and places.

The Idaho Historical Society proposes sites and prepares information for the displays on state highways. ITD directs the preparation, location, installation and maintenance of the four-foot by eight-foot wooden signs. They are located throughout the state at roadside turnouts or near other available parking areas where motorists can safely read them.

The guide is available for purchase at ITD Headquarters, 3311 W. State Street, in Boise or by sending a check or money order for $5 (includes tax) to Idaho Transportation Department, Office of Communications, P.O. Box 7129, Boise, ID 83707.

To make a Christmas gift more personalized, the transportation department offers sample license plates that can be customized with an individual’s name or other message.

Standard full sized (6”x12”) sample license plates are available for $12 each and can be personalized with up to seven letters or digits. All proceeds from the standard plates go to the highway account. A maximum of six letters/digits can be displayed on sample motorcycle (4”x7”) license plates.

Special-interest full sized (6”x12”) sample license plates, such as the collegiate license plate, are also available. Special-interest plates cost $30 each and can be personalized at no extra charge. Proceeds are shared by the sponsoring organization and ITD.

Sample plates make great gifts for framing or putting on desks and bulletin boards. They cannot be displayed on motor vehicles.

To purchase a sample plate, go to the ITD Division of Motor Vehicles Web site and select the sample plate icon (https://www.accessidaho.org/secure/itd/personalized/plates.html). Please allow about three weeks for delivery of the 7” x 12” full-size plates. Sample motorcycle plates that are 4”x7” can be ordered now for delivery in about six weeks.