Event Details
Learn how Iowa’s stories connect to the founding of the United States in the State Historical Museum of Iowa’s newest exhibit experience, Revolutionary Iowans, opening May 12, 2026.
As the nation commemorates America 250, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this special exhibit explores Iowa’s connections to the American Revolution and Early Republic periods. Although Iowa would not become a state until 1846, the ideals of the Revolution, including liberty, equality, and civic participation, continue to shape the lives of Iowans and the future of our communities.
Throughout the museum’s exhibit galleries, visitors are invited to discover the people, artifacts, and stories that connect Iowa to the nation’s founding era. Highlights include:
- Exploring the stories of 23 “Revolutionary Iowans,” individuals who embodied the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness through advocacy, service, and community engagement
- Learning about more than 40 Revolutionary War veterans buried in Iowa
- Experiencing a tactile Declaration of Independence designed for hands-on exploration
- • Viewing more than 20 rare artifacts from the American Revolution and Early Republic periods, including a lock of George Washington’s hair, Revolutionary War-era weapons and powder horns, a brick from Independence Hall, and more
The State Historical Society of Iowa is proud to participate in the nationwide America 250 commemoration and invites visitors of all ages to explore how the legacy of the American Revolution continues to echo across Iowa history.
Learn more at Revolutionary Iowans.