Support Iowa’s history on Giving Tuesday

This year “Giving Tuesday” is Nov. 29, 2022. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving is designated as an international day of giving at the beginning of the holiday season. “Giving Tuesday” was created in 2012 as a day that encourages people to “do good.” Go to the website givingtuesday.org to learn more about this global generosity movement.

Since 2014 my late husband, Ron, and I have earmarked 80% of our annual charitable donations to organizations in Solon or in the State of Iowa. Of course, my great grandfather’s historic site, the Matthew Edel Blacksmith Shop in Haverhill, Iowa always receives a donation. The MEBS was back to the regular schedule this summer — open Noon to 4 p.m. daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. On Sept. 4, I spent the afternoon with the docent, Pat Kopsa, and meeting visitors. For more information on the MEBS go to https://iowaculture.gov/history/sites/matthew-edel-blacksmith-shop.

If you wish to make a donation to the MEBS or other State Historical Society of Iowa sites or projects, go to iowaculture.gov and the Iowa Historical Foundation. The Foundation’s 1857 Society will support three key projects: a new mobile museum exhibit for a three-year 99 county tour across Iowa; a technology update of the State Historical Society Library & Archives to refine the visitor experience; and conservation of the three iconic historic airplanes in the museum atrium. All gifts are tax-deductible.

Patricia Ikan

Solon