The State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI), a division of the Iowa Department of Administrative Affairs,[1] serves as the official historical repository for the State of Iowa and also provides grants, public education, and outreach about Iowa history and archaeology. The SHSI maintains a museum, library, archives, and research center in Des Moines and a research library in Iowa City, as well as several historic sites in Iowa. It was founded in 1857 in Iowa City, where it was first affiliated with the University of Iowa. As the organization grew in size and collections, it became a separate state agency headquartered near the Iowa Capitol in Des Moines.[2][3] Since March of 2024, the Administrator of the State Historical Society of Iowa has been Valerie Van Kooten.[4]
SHSI publications
editThe SHSI currently publishes The Annals of Iowa, edited by Dr. Andrew Klumpp.[5][6] In the past it published the Iowa Heritage Illustrated, Goldfinch, the Iowa Journal of History and Politics, and the Iowa Historical Record.[7] It also currently produces an e-newsletter, the Iowa Historian.[7]
State and federal regulation
editThe SHSI is part of the Iowa Department of Cultural affairs, both organizations coordinate the State Historic Preservation Office of Iowa, Iowa's designated SHPO, which reviews state and federally mandated laws and regulations relating to historic and archaeological work.[8]
State Historical Museum of Iowa
editLocated in Des Moines, Iowa, the State Historical Museum of Iowa is the society's main museum. Exhibits show Iowa's growth and development and its citizens.
SHSI historic sites
edit- Abbie Gardner Sharp Cabin in Arnolds Park, Iowa
- American Gothic House in Eldon, Iowa
- Blood Run Site in Lyon County, Iowa
- Matthew Edel Blacksmith Shop in Haverhill, Iowa
- Montauk Historic Governor's Home in Clermont, Iowa
- Plum Grove Historic House in Iowa City
- Toolesboro Mound Group in Louisa County, Iowa
- Western Historic Trails Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa[9]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Cultural affairs department undergoes reorganization, releases impact report". Business Record. July 3, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2024.
- ^ Shambaugh (1907) A Brief History of the State Historical Society of Iowa, 1857–1907, Iowa City: State Historical Society of Iowa.
- ^ "History". IDCA. November 12, 2015.
- ^ "Valerie Van Kooten named new administrator of State Historical Society of Iowa". State Historical Society of Iowa. March 27, 2024. Retrieved November 27, 2024.
- ^ "State Historical Society of Iowa Names New Editor for Annals of Iowa". State Historical Society of Iowa. January 27, 2024. Retrieved November 27, 2024.
- ^ "The Annals of Iowa". pubs.lib.uiowa.edu.
- ^ a b "Publications". 9 October 2015.
- ^ "Preservation". 9 October 2015.
- ^ "Western Historic Trails Center". 28 September 2015.