State Historical Society of Iowa facts for kids
The State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI) is like Iowa's official memory keeper! It's a part of the Iowa Department of Administrative Affairs. This group collects and saves important things about Iowa history and archaeology. They also help teach people about Iowa's past.
The SHSI has a museum, a library, and places to do research in Des Moines. They also have another research library in Iowa City. Plus, they look after several historic places around Iowa. The society started way back in 1857 in Iowa City. It first worked closely with the University of Iowa. As it grew, it became its own state group. Its main office is now in Des Moines, close to the Iowa Capitol building. Since March 2024, Valerie Van Kooten has been in charge of the State Historical Society of Iowa.
SHSI Publications
The SHSI shares Iowa's history through different publications.
- It currently publishes a magazine called The Annals of Iowa. Dr. Andrew Klumpp is the editor of this magazine.
- In the past, they published other magazines like Iowa Heritage Illustrated and Goldfinch. They also had the Iowa Journal of History and Politics and the Iowa Historical Record.
- Today, they also send out an online newsletter called the Iowa Historian.
State Historical Museum of Iowa
The State Historical Museum of Iowa is the main museum for the society. It is located in Des Moines, Iowa. This museum has many exhibits that show how Iowa has grown and changed. You can learn all about the people who have lived here and what they did.
SHSI Historic Sites
The State Historical Society of Iowa helps take care of many important historic places. These sites help us remember key moments and people from Iowa's past.
- Abbie Gardner Sharp Cabin in Arnolds Park, Iowa
- American Gothic House in Eldon, Iowa
- Blood Run Site in Lyon County, Iowa
- Matthew Edel Blacksmith Shop in Haverhill, Iowa
- Montauk Historic Governor's Home in Clermont, Iowa
- Plum Grove Historic House in Iowa City
- Toolesboro Mound Group in Louisa County, Iowa
- Western Historic Trails Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa
See also
- History of Iowa
- Iowa archaeology
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Iowa
- List of historical societies in Iowa
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Iowa
- Iowa Archeological Society
