Idaho Vacation: More Ways to Become a Traveling Idaho Historian

In previous posts, we discussed involving the family in discovering and "collecting" Idaho history markers.  This is a great way to add another fun and educational dimension to your Idaho vacation.  This post introduces another organization that encourages public participation in identifying and submitting historical markers to its database. 

Markeroni describes itself as: "A friendly, informal and light-hearted online community where history fans, treasure hunters and travelers log their visits to historical markers and historic landmarks."  Markeroni operates in five countries in addition to the USA.  The creator is a transplanted Englishwoman currently living "half way up a mountain in California." 

 Markeroni describes their philosophy as follows: "We have fun with history while honoring its serious side, too. We celebrate those who preserve history and put up markers and plaques, and provide information about organizations so that you can get involved if you choose. We try to improve our Catalog so that it grows into a truly great public resource. We take history seriously, but try not to take ourselves too seriously."

Markeroni offers free access to most features of their web site and also offers, for a $10/year membership, additional benefits including challenges, games, streamlined posting of markers, and various levels of recognition for logging or collecting landmarks or markers.  They even have their own terminology - a marker is a snarf; searching for a marker is snarfing.  History does not have to be boring. Make it fun and educational for the whole family. 

Access markeroni here.  They currently boast over 800 members, some who have snarfed thousands of landmarks/markers.  Utilize their database to find landmarks in your home area, on your travel route, or at your destination.  Ffor example, their database shows 1,341 historical landmarks in the state of Idaho and California has over 8,000.

Log onto markeroni's site and give it a look.  I just found this a few days ago and have joined their group.  I look forward to snarfing and logging some snarfs.  Hope you have fun doing the same.  Let me know of your experience.