Iowa History Month: Taking of the past so we can share it with the future
Iowa history is interesting – and that shouldn’t come as a surprise!
As board members of the State Historical Society of Iowa, we can attest that Iowans across the state take care of the past in order to share it with the future. From collecting artifacts, to rehabilitating historic buildings, to teaching students about Iowa heroes – Iowans are proud of our state’s history and committed to preserving it.
Archaeologists document the lives of native Iowans from thousands of years ago, and vibrant native communities keep their traditions alive. Local history museums share the stories that put their towns on the map. Students sift through documents, photos and artifacts to sharpen their critical-thinking skills. Owners of historic homes or businesses recognize that their original character is worth saving – and that reinvesting in them can help revive their communities.
Additionally, state-sponsored awards for all of these activities honor individuals and organizations who find new and powerful ways to preserve and share our state’s past.
There is room for everyone. Some Iowans live in the same communities where their parents and grandparents lived and understand how their family and community stories intertwine. Other Iowans are new to the neighborhood – or the state or the nation – and contribute their own experiences, traditions and ideas. Iowa history offers countless examples of welcoming newcomers, building bridges between cultures and celebrating our collective sense of place. Learning about our local past can help us understand our connections to the national narrative.
So as we celebrate Iowa History Month this March, we encourage all Iowans to learn more.
Visit a local museum or a historic home. Ask local store owners how long they’ve been in business. Ask an older neighbor about the people who used to live where you do now. Watch a documentary about Iowa history – there are plenty about famous and not-so-famous Iowans alike. Read an article in "The Annals of Iowa" or "The Goldfinch," which are archived and available for free online.
Iowa history touches all of our lives, every day. Our state’s landscapes, streetscapes and social structures have been shaped by Iowans before us, just as our own actions leave a mark for future generations.
Tova Brandt of Harlan and Jerome Thompson of Des Moines are members of the State Historical Society of Iowa Board of Trustees.