Time Frame Artifact Type Title Description
Video Woman Suffrage Handkerchief Set | Artifact Spotlight

A paper box of linen handkerchiefs stating "Votes for Women" and supporting the National American Woman Suffrage Association.

  • Artifact: Woman Suffrage Felt Pennant
  • Date: Early 1900s
  • Museum Location: State Historical Society of Iowa, Des Moines, IA.
1910s Video Woman Suffrage Sash, 1910s | Artifact Spotlight
1910s Video Woman Suffrage Pennant | Artifact Spotlight
1910s Video Woman Suffrage Fan | Artifact Spotlight

A paper and wood hand fan promoting woman suffrage. The front includes the headline "Votes for Women" and the symbol of Lady Justice. The back includes the headlines "Why Women Want to Vote" and "Women Are Citizens," along with text stating reasons why women should have the right to vote.

1900s Video Time Travel Iowa: 1906 Voting Machine

In the late 1800s, mechanical voting devices were being introduced in U.S. elections. This 1906 model was one of the first to be used in Iowa.
1906 Interactive 1906 Voting Booth (360 Views)

In the late 1800s, mechanical voting devices were being introduced in U.S. elections. This 1906 model was one of the first to be used in Iowa.
1940s Video Time Travel Iowa: Peter-Mar Toys

This Iowa company made wooden toys for children during World War II.
1940s Interactive Peter-Mar Toy Tractor

The Peter-Mar toy company in Muscatine, Iowa, produced wooden toys during the 1940s. Since lumber was limited to government contracts during World War II, the company used scrap lumber to create their product.
1930s Interactive Child's Doll from Meskwaki Settlement, 1930s

This is a 1930s era doll from the Meskwaki Settlement near Tama, IA. It is representative of a typical doll a child on the Meskwaki Settlement would have owned in the 1920s and 1930s. The face and clothing (including breechcloth and leggings) are made from tanned deer hide.
1850s Interactive Child's Doll, 1850s

This doll was owned by Mary Josephine Mason, daughter of first Supreme Court justice in Iowa, Charles Mason. Mason purchased the doll at a church fundraiser in 1851. The doll has a ceramic face, stuffed fabric arms and thighs, and ceramic arms and lower legs.