Iowa is home to over 500 historical societies, preservation organizations, and heritage groups. From major institutions in Des Moines to small-town societies preserving local heritage, these organizations maintain vital connections to Iowa's rich past.
Featured Historical Societies
State Historical Society of Iowa
Location: Des Moines and Iowa City, IA
Founded: 1857
Iowa's official state historical society operates museums, research centers, and archives in Des Moines and Iowa City. Preserves extensive collections documenting Iowa's agricultural, political, and cultural heritage.
Website: iowaculture.gov/history
Living History Farms
Location: Urbandale, IA
Founded: 1970
Interactive outdoor museum showcasing 300 years of Iowa agricultural history through working farms from different eras, costumed interpreters, and hands-on demonstrations of farming techniques.
Website: lhf.org
Amana Heritage Society
Location: Amana, IA
Founded: 1968
Preserves the unique history of the Amana Colonies, seven German communal villages founded in 1855. Operates museum and historic buildings documenting communal living, crafts, and traditions.
Website: amanaheritage.org
State Historical Society of Iowa
Location: Des Moines & Iowa City, IA
Founded: 1857
Statewide organization with research centers in Des Moines and Iowa City. Extensive collections on agriculture, immigration, and Iowa's role in westward expansion.
Website: iowaculture.gov
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum
Location: West Branch, IA
Founded: 1962
First presidential library west of Mississippi documenting Hoover's life from Iowa farm boy to President. Includes his birthplace cottage and Quaker meetinghouse.
Website: hoover.archives.gov
Amana Heritage Society
Location: Amana, IA
Founded: 1968
Preserves history of Amana Colonies, seven villages founded by German Pietists in 1855. Interprets communal living period 1855-1932 and unique cultural heritage.
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Founded: 1974
Documents Czech and Slovak immigration to America and preserves cultural heritage. Collections include folk costumes, immigrant artifacts, and genealogical resources.
Website: ncsml.org
Grout Museum District
Location: Waterloo, IA
Founded: 1956
Complex of museums interpreting Black Hawk County history, science, and culture. Includes Bluedorn Science Imaginarium and Snowden House interpreting African American heritage.
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Submit a Society →Additional Iowa History Resources
- State Historical Society of Iowa - Statewide history organization
- Iowa State Historic Preservation Office - State historic preservation programs
- State Historical Society of Iowa - State archives in Des Moines and Iowa City