|
Here's to the Big 1-6-0!
Just 11 years after Iowa joined the Union, a few wise pioneers had the foresight to gather up some of the papers and artifacts that tell the story of who Iowans are and how we got here. Those early visionaries founded the State Historical Society of Iowa in 1857 and now, 160 years later, we’re celebrating their legacy with an array of anniversary programs.
From now through the end of the year, we’ll showcase Iowa’s rich history with expert lectures,online galleries and special events, culminating with the Celebrate Iowa Gala on Dec. 8 at the State Historical Museum of Iowa.
As it turns out, our Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs colleagues at the Iowa Arts Council are celebrating their own anniversary – 50 years – so we’re planning to mark our milestones together. (Not to brag, but that’s more than two centuries of Iowa arts and history!)
|
|
|
Colorful Characters
From honorary Meskwaki member Edgar Harlan to "mountain man" Jack Musgrove, the history of the State Historical Society of Iowa is full of remarkable men and women.
Learn how the society grew from a handful of local history buffs into an organization that preserves more than 200 million pieces of history.
|
|
|
Up From the Vault
Abe Lincoln’s reading glasses. Kate Shelley’s lantern. Maytag’s last wringer washer from Newton.
These are just a few of the roughly 200 million documents, photos and artifacts from the State Historical Society of Iowa’s collection. We’ll feature a different one each week on
Facebook and
Instagram to celebrate #IowaHistory160.
|
|
|
Not to Brag . . .
But we’re pretty sure Iowa’s 12th governor, William Larrabee, would have gotten a kick out of the drone video we shot above his mansion in Clermont. The latest video in our series about Iowa’s brag-worthy landmarks includes visits to the old stomping grounds of Herbert Hoover, astronaut Peggy Whitson, and Nancy Drew author Mildred Wirt Benson.
|
|
|
History Matters
If you’re reading this,you already understand that history matters. Turns out, a lot of other people think so, too. The State Historical Society of Iowa is proud to be a part of a national campaign called History Relevance, which promotes historical literacy among individuals, communities and the nation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
