History

Iowa History Center

What connects us to our past yet gives us a sense of place in the present? It’s our history, and the Iowa History Center at Simpson College was developed to connect the state’s historians, authors and students to capture and preserve our story – the story of Iowa.

The Iowa History Center was established to:

  • Promote Iowa history in the state’s schools and communities by providing a fund to award competitive grants to kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers who develop innovative approaches to introducing Iowa history in their classrooms
  • Encourage the study and research of Iowa history by funding a prize for the best master’s thesis in Iowa history, encouraging students from Iowa’s three universities to complete work in Iowa history
  • Place Simpson College students in internships with various state historical associations
  • Fund faculty research in Iowa history
  • Create and offer an Iowa history course at Simpson College
  • Provide method of publishing Iowa history books.

“Iowa history is fascinating and gives us a foundation. It provides insight into who we are and where we are today. The new Iowa History Center highlights this often forgotten past. This is a real service to the community and the state.”

Gov. Robert Ray, former Iowa governor

Former Governor Ray and Kenneth Quinn Speakers Series
In 2006, the Iowa History Center was awarded a $12,800 grant from Humanities Iowa, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, for the development of the series. It has featured topics ranging from local history to Iowa’s place in national and international affairs, social cultural, political and military history. Geared toward the public, the lecture series is designed to encourage an interest in Iowa history beyond the classroom and provide an outlet for citizens in central Iowa to learn about and appreciate the state’s history. For a schedule of the series, please email Bill Friedricks at bill.friedricks@simpson.edu.

Last Updated: 12/3/08