Margaret Keyes facts for kids

Margaret Naumann Keyes (born March 4, 1918 – died October 14, 2015) was an American professor and a leader in saving historical places. She taught Home Economics at the University of Iowa. She is most famous for her work to protect and restore the Iowa Old Capitol Building.

Early Life and Learning

Margaret Naumann Keyes was born in Mount Vernon, Iowa, on March 4, 1918. Her parents were Charles R. Keyes and Sarah "Sadie" Naumann Keyes. As a child, Margaret often traveled with her father on trips to Germany and on his archaeological digs. These experiences made her interested in learning and academics.

She went to Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. In 1939, she earned a bachelor's degree in Home Economics. After college, Margaret taught at several high schools in Iowa. She also studied at the University of Wisconsin during summer breaks, earning a master's degree in 1951.

In September 1951, she joined the Home Economics faculty at the State University of Iowa. Ten years later, she received a special scholarship called the Ellen H. Richards Fellowship. This allowed her to study for her doctorate at Florida State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Historic Preservation in 1965.

Her Work in History Preservation

After finishing her Ph.D., Margaret Keyes returned to the University of Iowa. She taught many different courses, including Textile Design, Historic Interiors, and research classes.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Keyes led Iowa's efforts to save and fix its old, important buildings. She was a board member for many groups, such as the State Historical Society of Iowa and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Her most important work was directing the restoration of the Old State Capitol in Iowa City. She led this project from 1975 to 1999. She helped turn the Old Capitol into a state historical museum.

Because of her busy work as director of the Old Capitol, her speeches, and her service work, she had less time for teaching. She slowly taught fewer classes and officially retired as a full professor in 1984. Even after retiring, she continued to be an active researcher and scholar.

Selected Publications

Old Capitol: Portrait of an Iowa Landmark by Margaret N. Keyes, 1988

Margaret Keyes wrote several books about historic buildings:

• Keyes, M.N. (1966). Nineteenth Century Home Architecture of Iowa City. This book was about homes built in Iowa City during the 1800s.
• Keyes, M.N. (1988). Old Capitol: Portrait of an Iowa Landmark. This book focused on the history and restoration of the Old Iowa Capitol.

Personal Life and Family

Margaret Keyes enjoyed traveling to many places around the world, including Israel, Jamaica, Taiwan, and Europe. She lived in Iowa City for over thirty years in a home known for its warm welcome to guests.

Margaret's father, Charles Reuben Keyes, was born in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, in 1871. He taught German at Cornell College. He was also very interested in local archaeology and was known for his knowledge of Native American burial mounds.

Margaret had an older sister named Catherine Ann Keyes. Catherine studied music and became a music historian and librarian. She worked at Oberlin College and the New York Public Library. She also taught at Columbia University.