About the Historical Society
Statewide organization with research centers in Des Moines and Iowa City. Extensive collections on agriculture, immigration, and Iowa's role in westward expansion.
As Iowa's official state historical organization, the Society collects, preserves, and interprets the documentary and material record of the state's past. It maintains research centers and library collections to serve historians, students, and genealogists, with significant holdings related to agriculture, immigration, and Iowa's role in the westward expansion of the United States. The organization operates as part of the State Historical Society of Iowa within the state's cultural affairs system.
Research and Collections
The Society's collections support a wide range of historical and family-history research. Areas of strength include:
- Records documenting Iowa's agricultural development and farming heritage.
- Materials on immigration and the settlement of the state.
- Resources relating to Iowa's part in 19th-century westward expansion.
Planning Your Visit
The State Historical Society of Iowa maintains research facilities in Des Moines and Iowa City. Because hours, access policies, and on-site services for the library and research rooms can change, it is best to confirm details before visiting. For current information on locations, hours, collections, and programs, visit the official website at iowaculture.gov.
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