The State Historical Museum of Iowa is committed to making its exhibits and collections more accessible to classrooms across the state. The virtual exhibit experiences and virtual classroom lessons listed below allow students to digitally explore many of the museum’s fascinating, history‑shaping objects.
For questions or to request more information about virtual exhibit experiences, contact museum education staff at [email protected].
Virtual Field Trip Videos
Virtual field trip experiences are a great option for educators who can’t visit the museum or who want strong pre‑ or post‑visit activities. These video lessons introduce key Iowa themes through artifacts and stories of Iowans who shaped history. Each video aligns with an exhibit at the State Historical Museum of Iowa, giving classrooms an engaging way to explore Iowa’s past from anywhere.
Learn about Iowa’s significant role in the Civil War while exploring historic artifacts from the museum’s extensive collection. As students investigate these objects, the program highlights artifacts and historic images that share the stories of Alexander Clark’s fight for equality, the challenges faced on the homefront and General Grenville Dodge’s work in developing the Union spy network.
Recommended Grade Levels: 5th grade, 8th grade, 9th–12th grades
Length: 45 minutes
Program Resources:
Many different people have called this land home throughout history. This interactive program serves an overview of Iowa’s past while highlighting unique stories and spotlighting artifacts found in the State Historical Museum of Iowa’s exhibit, Iowa’s People & Places.
- Recommended Grade Levels: K–5th grades, 7th grade, 9th–12th grades
- Length: 45 minutes
- Program Resources:
Iowa became a state on Dec. 28, 1846, but what was its story before statehood? Explore the region’s territorial history through artifacts and the stories of Iowans featured in the museum’s You Gotta Know the Territory exhibit.
Recommended Grade Levels: 2nd-4th grades, 8th grade, 9th-12th grades
Length: 45 minutes
Program Resources:
Virtual Museum Tours
Explore the museum from anywhere with 3‑D virtual tours powered by Matterport. Students can navigate through exhibits, zoom in on text and examine artifacts up close, creating an interactive experience that supports pre‑visit learning or enhances classroom instruction when an in‑person trip isn’t possible.
Below are all of the 3-D virtual exhibit tours that are currently available.