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Frequently
asked
questions
What is the Oneida Stake Academy?
The Oneida Stake Academy is a historic Gothic Romanesque-style sandstone building constructed in the late 1800s in Preston, Idaho. Originally a school run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it served as an educational hub for thousands of students in the Intermountain West. It is one of the last remaining academies still standing.
Why is the building important?
The Academy represents a unique piece of Idaho and Church history. Its beautiful architecture, hand-cut stonework, and historic significance make it a rare gem. It was a symbol of the community’s commitment to education and values during the pioneer era. Preserving it means honoring those sacrifices and sharing them with future generations.
What are the plans for the restored building?
Once fully restored, the Academy will serve as a community center. It will be available for educational programs, public tours, art exhibits, family events, weddings, local meetings, and more. The goal is to keep the building alive and active, just as it was in its prime.
How are donations used?
All donations go directly toward the restoration and maintenance of the Academy. Funds are used for materials, labor, preservation expertise, insurance, and utilities, as well as community programs once the restoration is complete. No funds are used for salaries or profit.
Is any public tax money being used for the restoration?
No. The Oneida Stake Academy Foundation has never used — and will never use — public tax funds for the restoration project.
The preservation and restoration efforts are entirely funded through private donations, local fundraising, and grants. It is a project led by the people who care about the legacy, history, and future of this community.
As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all donations are tax-deductible, meaning your support helps bring history to life — and counts toward a good cause.
Can I volunteer to help?
Yes! We welcome volunteers who can assist with events, fundraising, historical research, grant writing, or even hands-on labor during approved restoration efforts. Contact us to learn more!
Why has the Oneida Stake Academy restoration project taken time?
The restoration of the historic Oneida Stake Academy is a large and complex preservation project. Because of the size, age, and historic importance of the building, the Oneida Stake Academy Foundation chose to use a Design-Bid-Build project delivery method.
With this approach, the project is carefully planned and designed before major construction phases begin. The process also allows the Foundation to divide the restoration into phases, helping manage costs, fundraising, engineering, and long-term planning in a responsible way.
While this method can take longer than some other construction approaches, it provides important benefits for a historic restoration project, including:
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Better project organization and oversight
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Competitive bidding for construction work
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More predictable budgeting and cost control
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Clear separation between design and construction responsibilities
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Greater transparency for donors, grants, and the community
Since 2020, the Oneida Stake Academy Foundation has been more focused and organized than ever before. Significant progress has been made behind the scenes through preservation work, planning, engineering, documentation, cleanup efforts, fundraising, and preparing future construction phases.
Like many restoration projects, the Academy has also faced challenges from inflation, rising construction costs, and the ongoing need for fundraising. At the same time, public interest and community support for preserving the Academy have continued to grow, helping build strong momentum for the future of the project.
Although not every improvement is immediately visible, the project today has clearer direction, stronger organization, and more forward movement than at any other point in its history.
Can I visit the building now?
Visitors are welcome to view the exterior and learn about the project from signs posted on-site. Full public access will be available once the restoration is complete and the building is open.
How long will the restoration take?
Restoration is happening in phases as funding and resources allow. Significant progress has been made, but we still need the community’s support to reach the finish line. We will update the public regularly on milestones and next steps through our Restoration page and newsletter.
Is this a religious project?
While the Academy was originally operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the current restoration project is a non-denominational community effort. The Oneida Stake Academy Foundation welcomes support and involvement from all individuals and organizations who value history, architecture, and education.
Can I rent the space for an event?
That is one of our goals! Once restoration and safety inspections are complete, the building will be available for weddings, community meetings, concerts, lectures, and more. We’ll announce availability on our Events page and social media.
How else can I support this effort?
In addition to donating or volunteering, you can support us by:
Sharing our mission on social media
Attending events
Becoming a monthly donor
Adding us to your estate planning
Inviting others to learn about the Academy
Want to add or suggest a question?
Email us at office@oneidastakeacademy.org.