Dive into Iowa’s history this month

As we again celebrate Iowa History Month this month, some might wonder, “Who decides what is Iowa history?” Is it the State Historical Society of Iowa? Is it authors? Is it local museums, libraries, and archives? It’s all of those – and you.

Iowa History Month offers an opportunity to listen to and amplify the voices of past and present Iowans from all walks of life. What we call “history” is more like a group project that is never completely finished. While some historical facts are easy to confirm – for example, Iowa achieved statehood in 1846 – other historical events can be more complicated. Why did so many Iowans volunteer to fight for the Union Army in the Civil War? Why did different immigrant groups choose Iowa to build their lives? To answer the “why” of history, we need to look at a wide range of sources and consider many different perspectives. Newspapers, photographs, memoirs, government records, architecture, oral histories, videos, archaeological studies – all of these can contribute to a deeper understanding of the lives and experiences of Iowans.

There are many ways of listening to the voices from the past. The state archives and historical libraries preserve millions of original documents created by Iowans. Historians study these primary sources and weave them into articles, books, and documentaries; some excellent examples can be found in the most recent edition of The Annals of Iowa, which marked the 175th anniversary of statehood. Artifacts also tell the stories of Iowa history in museums across the state, including those that belong to the Local History Network, the State Historical Museum in Des Moines, and its mobile museum, which is taking its “Iowa’s People & Places” exhibit to all 99 counties.

We all have a part to play in defining Iowa history. We all bring our own perspectives, experiences, and interests to the study of history, and the way we understand historical narratives is constantly evolving. Most of all, we all have a part to play in celebrating the rich, interesting, and important history of the state we call home. Happy Iowa History Month!

The State Historical Society of Iowa Board of Trustees includes Tyler De Haan, Van Meter, chair; Kylie Dittmer, Chariton, vice chair; Christina Blackcloud, Tama; Tova Brandt, Decorah/Elk Horn; John Brown, Johnston; Scott Carlson, Des Moines; Terry Lindell, Waverly; Dawn Meyer, Manning; John Mickelson, West Des Moines; Cecilia Rokusek, Cedar Rapids; Jerome Thompson, Des Moines and Lori Witt, Pella.

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