Future of Iowa historic records raises national alarm

IOWA CITY - One of the largest professional organizations in the country dedicated to history has set its sights on the ongoing assessment of the State Historical Society of Iowa.

A Tuesday letter from the Washington, D.C.-based American Historical Association directed to Gov. Terry Branstad and several officials with the Department of Cultural Affairs expresses a 'grave concern” about reductions in resources at the state society.

The letter from AHA President Vicki Ruiz and Executive Director James Grossman details the value of historic preservation, but also the repercussions of losing historic state records.

'Closing the doors to the archives would represent a devastating blow not only to historians, genealogists, and others with an interest in the past, but also the state's policymakers and leaders who need a solid understanding of the past to help shape Iowa's future,” the letter states.

Officials with DCA, the agency that manages state historical societies, have given no indication the state's more than 40,000 cubic feet of historic items are in danger.

The society's comprehensive inventory and analysis of archives across Iowa - which includes an online survey for the public - is expected to be completed by mid- to late July, DCA spokesman Jeff Morgan said in an email.

Referencing the AHA letter, Morgan said there have been no reductions in resources to SHSI this fiscal year and described claims that Cultural Affairs is considering closing the doors to the archives is unfounded.

'There is no discussion or plan to close the State Archives,” Morgan said. 'We appreciate and share AHA's passion for preservation and accessibility to historical collections. We are currently reaching out to them to provide information and answer questions about the Collections Assessment and SHSI's permanent collection.”

Some residents, however, are concerned over a 2014 research report of Cultural Affairs by master planning company Lord Cultural Resources, which recommends consolidating facilities in Des Moines and Iowa City while focusing more on online resources.

Some Iowans fear reduced public hours - hours were cut by 40 percent earlier this year - and declining staff numbers at the Des Moines and Iowa City historical centers have put records in jeopardy. Staff at the Iowa City center, at the SHSI Centennial Building, 402 Iowa Ave., has declined to from 12 employees in 2007 to three now.

An online petition aiming to restore funding has garnered more than 3,000 signatures.

An April letter - also directed to Branstad and DCA officials - from nearly a dozen history academics across the state also raises worries.

'We are deeply concerned about recent cuts and the uncertain future of the State Historical Society of Iowa,” the letter states. 'Iowans care deeply about their history. Please help us to preserve it by fully supporting the State Historical Society of Iowa.”

Jimmy Centers, Branstad's communications director, directed questions about the issue to the DCA, but added in an email that the governor supports the association's efforts and has confidence the department will 'effectively use and manage the resources appropriated to them from the Iowa Legislature.”