The State Historical Society of Iowa Research Centers lets your local library borrow microfilm of newspapers, census records, maps, and Civil War lists. Other items like books and magazines can only be found at the Research Centers. If an item can be moved safely, they can be sent to the Research Center in Des Moines or Iowa City for your research at no cost.
How to Make a Request
- Identify the microfilm reels you would like to borrow.
- Determine which Research Center holds the microfilm.
- Contact your local library, request they submit an interlibrary loan request on your behalf. The local librarian will need to include the microfilm description and holding facility information.
- Our staff will be in contact with your local library to complete the loan process.
Interlibrary Loan
State Historical Society of Iowa
402 Iowa Ave.
Iowa City, IA 52240-1806
(319) 335-3926
Interlibrary Loan
State Historical Society of Iowa
600 E Locust St.
Des Moines, IA 50319-0290
(515) 281-6200
Collections Available
Newspapers
You may request newspapers on microfilm from either Des Moines or Iowa City.
When requesting the loan, specify the publication title, city and dates needed (if the dates requested cover more than two reels, the first two reels will be sent). If the publication is unknown, you may request a film for one city and date range.
The Research Center can send one or two reels of newspapers on microfilm at a time. The charge is $6.00 per transaction, regardless of whether one or two reels are sent.
For specific information on available newspapers, consult with a librarian at either Research Center or search the online catalog.
Iowa Census
You may request Iowa census records on microfilm from the Research Center in Iowa City. The fee is $6.00 per county, per census year. Only two rolls of film will be sent at a time. When making the request please specify the county and the census year.
Iowa Federal and State Censuses are available for 1840, 1850, 1856, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1885, 1915, 1920 and 1930. Iowa Mortality Schedules are available for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880.
NOTE: This film has been heavily used, and some rolls may be difficult to read.
Iowa Plat Maps
You may request microfilm of Iowa Plat Maps from the Research Center in Iowa City. Only two rolls of film will be sent at a time. The fee is $6.00 per county.
Iowa Civil War Roster
You may request microfilm of the Civil War Roster and Index for all Iowa regiments from the Research Center in Iowa City. Only two rolls of film will be sent at a time. The fee is $10.00 per loan.