Time Frame Artifact Type Title Description
1930s Video The Great Depression, the Family Farm and the New Deal

Although the Great Depression began in 1929, hard times had started about ten years earlier for many rural farmers. The Farm Security Administration (FSA) was created in 1933 to come to the aid of agricultural workers and family farmers.
1940s Video An Iowan Joins the Tuskegee Airmen During World War II | First Lieutenant Luther Smith

The Tuskegee Airmen, officially known as the 332nd fighter group, were the first African Americans to fly planes in the U.S. military.
1979 Video Newspapers Raise Awareness

Former Des Moines Register president, Michael Gartner, describing his conversation with former US Ambassador to Cambodia Kenneth M. Quinn about the situation in refugee camps in Southeast Asia in 1979.
ca. 1892 Photo The Flax Palace, 1890

The Flax Palace was built in 1890 on the Winnebago County Fairgrounds. It was inspired by the Corn Palace of Sioux City, Iowa, and was paid for by Forest City business owners. Ten acres of flax were harvested to decorate the exterior of the structure.
Early to Mid 1900's Video Soil Makes It Possible

Over the years many changes came to farmers in Iowa. Tractors replaced horses and electricity came to rural areas. But the rich soil is what makes farming possible--a reason for conserving the land.
1940 Photo Relief line

Men waiting in line outside the city mission. The first 25 were fed. Dubuque, Iowa. April, 1940.
Late 1800'sto Mid 1900's Video Radio on the Farm

Radio brought music, news and entertainment to farm families who were previously isolated from the world.
ca. 1940's Video World War II Veteran: Harold Lamont Schoolen

Harold Lamont Schoolen from Ottumwa describes his time in the 2nd Cavalry Division during World War II in Europe and the struggles he encountered as a black soldier serving under white officers.
1964-75 Video Vietnam: Welcome Home

Samuel Sours, a representative of the Vietnam Veterans of America who served in Vietnam for 27 months and moved up the ranks from supply clerk to helicopter crew chief, recalls his experiences.
1915 Photo Barn raising

Workers constructing barn on farm near Stacyville, Iowa. Some men are wearing aprons of Stacyville Lumber Company. ca. 1915.