History
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Evelyn K. Davis’ legacy of helping working-class Iowans
If you’re from the Des Moines area, you probably know the name Evelyn K. Davis. But who was she, and why does her legacy still matter for working Iowans today?
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8 places in Iowa where you can learn about Black History
Black history is important for everyone to learn about. Check out these eight places in Iowa where you can learn something new, from monuments to museums.
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The Iowa industry that built families and fought racism—then vanished
Iowa’s meatpacking history is an essential part of the state’s overall story. Here’s why.
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Guest post: Correcting the record about Carrie Chapman Catt
I appreciate Sam Cohen January 12, 2026, essay, “All about Arabella Mansfield and 3 other Iowa women to made history.” Yet I must object to Cohen’s third paragraph in her discussion of Carrie Chapman Catt.
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OPINION: I donated Iowan artifacts to preserve their legacy. The state is breaking its promise to protect them
Some 40 years ago, my mother donated a 1915 landscape plan to the State Historical Society of Iowa’s (SHSI) library in Iowa City. The plan, a rare surviving hand-painted sketch by landscape architect Joseph Krieger for Waterloo architect Howard Burr (1885-1964), was part of their design of what later became my family’s home in rural…
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5 unsung films that dramatize America’s rich labor history
Hollywood studios and independent producers have long depicted the collective efforts of working people to improve their lives and gain a voice in their workplaces and the larger society.
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Learn about 10 innovators & inventors from Iowa
There are several amazing innovators and inventors from Iowa, some of whom may surprise you. Here are 10 you need to know.
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Say what? 10 Iowa sayings & slang, explained
Each state has its own vernacular. Here’s a guide to sayings and slang that are uniquely Iowan.
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Black History Month explained: Its origins, celebrations and myths
Beginning Feb. 1, schools, museums and communities across the nation will mark the start of Black History Month, a celebration of Black history, culture, and education.
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10 best books set in Iowa
Discover the 10 best books set in Iowa, capturing the essence of its heartland charm, rural landscapes, and unforgettable stories.
