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The State Historical Society of Iowa invites Iowans of all ages to learn more about our state’s past throughout Iowa History Month in March. Every year, this statewide tradition offers new opportunities to learn more about Iowa’s past and the remarkable Iowans from all walks of life who have influenced their communities, their state, their country and, in many cases, the entire world.
Iowans are encouraged to post their own #IowaHistory stories, discoveries and events throughout the month on social media. Here are ways you can learn more.
Back to topIowa History Month Programs
This month features an array of in-person and online programs organized by the State Historical Society of Iowa. Iowans and others can tune in to online presentations, take part in activities designed for families with children, discover materials in the museum collection and take guided tours at the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Advance registration is required for most programs.
| Date | Time | Program | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, March 6 | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. | After-Hours Collection Tour | State Historical Museum |
| Saturday, March 7 | 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Guided History: Iowa State Capitol Tour | Iowa State Capitol |
| Thursday, March 12 | 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. | Iowa History 101: Ada Hayden: Botanist, Educator, and Preservationist | Online |
| Friday, March 13 | 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. | Pop-in Museum Tour: Civics in Action | State Historical Museum |
| Tuesday, March 17 | 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | Family Museum Collection Tour | State Historical Museum |
| Saturday, March 21 | 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. | Pop-in Museum Tour: Fashion, Textiles, and Clothing | State Historical Museum |
| Wednesday, March 25 | 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Iowa History Trivia Night | State Historical Museum |
| Saturday, March 28 | 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Reading History: A Book-Inspired Tour | State Historical Museum |
| Sunday, March 29 | 1 p.m. | The Music Man showing and panel | Varsity Theater |
Iowa History March Madness
March Madness isn't just for basketball fans. It's also for Iowa history! Spend Iowa History Month learning about 32 of the most revolutionary early Iowans who made contributions to life in Iowa prior to 1920. This month learn about some of the most revolutionary Iowans, vote for some of the most influential Iowans using the special March Madness bracket, and help us celebrate all of the Iowans who have contributed to our state's history.
Back to topIowa History Month Essays
Every March, as part of Iowa History Month, we partner with the The Des Moines Register to share stories in the Iowa Life section that spotlight the people, places, and moments that shape our state. Originally published in print and online on Sundays, these five short essays invite you to pause, turn the page, and see Iowa’s past with fresh eyes.
Sunday, March 1 – "Iowa History Month: Historic sites are a connection to our shared past" by Michael Plummer
Visit the State Historical Museum of Iowa
Discover the stories of Iowa’s growth and development through exhibits displaying a rich collection of artifacts and documents. Visit the State Historical Museum of Iowa, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. The museum is free to visit for all ages.
If you can’t visit the museum in person, tour the museum’s exhibit Iowa’s People & Places from your home or attend an upcoming virtual program such as the popular Iowa History 101 series.
Back to topResearch the Past at the Historical Library & Archives Research Center
Explore the State Historical Library & Archives Iowa History Research Center in Des Moines, open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 9 a.m.-3:00p.m. Saturday. Visitors can dive into collections filled with state government records, books and periodicals, newspapers, county records, manuscripts, photographs and more.
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