When Sauerkraut Became ‘Liberty Cabbage’

America has a long and contentious history with immigration.

Remembering (the real) Kate Shelley

“Late in the afternoon of July 6, 1881, heavy, black clouds rolled up from the horizon and the…

A Glimpse of Life on a County Poor Farm

In the 19th century Iowans were struggling to care for the state’s dependent population…

Anne Frank’s Iowa pen pal

Juanita Wagner didn’t know it at the time, but a piece of history landed in her family’s mailbox 80 years ago in…

First Black Officers Trained for World War I at Fort Des Moines 100 Years Ago

While the U.S. Fought Germans in Europe, Iowa Fought Their Language at Home

Iowa: A First-in-the-Nation History

Each caucus season Iowa receives national coverage about our state and its role in winnowing the…

Fact vs. Hollywood Fiction: The Real Story of the Sullivan Brothers and World War II

Every year, the State Historical Society of Iowa presents the Benjamin F. Shambaugh Awards for the best Iowa history books published during the previous year.

The Grave of Chief Keokuk

Amidst rumors that the United States Army was coming to destroy the Native American Village of Peoria, along the…

Anne Frank’s Iowa Pen Pal and Other Stories From World War II