State Historical Society of Iowa hosts open house Saturday

IOWA CITY - The state of Iowa was only 11 years old when early residents, in 1857, created an organization aimed at preserving its history.

That mission continues now and on Saturday, the State Historical Society of Iowa celebrates 160 years with an open house from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the organization's Centennial Building, 402 Iowa Ave. in Iowa City.

The program includes refreshments, music and several presentations on historic topics.

Among the scheduled speakers are historians Rebecca Conard and Shelton Stromquist.

Rebecca Conard, professor of history emerita and former director of the Public History Program at Middle State University, is to present a lecture titled, 'Benjamin Franklin Shambaugh: Inventing Applied History” at 1 p.m.

Among her Iowa-related books are 'Places of Quiet Beauty: Parks, Preserves and Environmentalism” and 'Benjamin Shambaugh and the Intellectual Foundations of Public History.”

Shelton Stromquist, professor emeritus in the history department at the University of Iowa, and an expert on American, social and labor history, presents 'Collecting and Interpreting Iowa's Labor History; What it Means for Iowans” at 2 p.m.

His interest in Midwestern radical and labor reform traditions is reflected in his book 'Solidarity and Survival: An Oral History of Iowa Labor in the 20th Century,” which is based on collections housed at the State Historical Society of Iowa.

At 3 p.m., Bob Black, a veteran of Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys, presents 'A Tiny Keokuk County Ghost Town Called Hinkletown” along with the banjo-plucking Banjoys.

In 2002, Black received the Traditional Arts award from the Iowa Arts Council. His playing and singing can be heard on well over 40 albums, dating as far back as 1973. The Banjoys include Kristie Black, Mark Wilson and Paul Roberts.

The open house also features a variety of short presentations:

' A World War II news clippings project by Joni Hindman.

' Historic photos by Paul C. Juhl.

' Architectural plans by Roland Wehner.

' State Historical Society of Iowa publications by Marv Bergman.

Photographs by Iowan Joan Liffring-Zug Bourret also will be on display.

The event is free to the public, but seating for the lectures is limited.

Those wishing to attend the talks are encouraged to call (319) 335-3911 for more information.

If You Go

' What: State Historical Society of Iowa open house

' When: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday

' Where: Centennial Building, 402 Iowa Ave., Iowa City

' Cost: Free

' Info: (319) 335-3911