Time Frame Artifact Type Title Description
1910 Photo Grand Opera House

Grand Opera House, Burlington, Iowa, ca. 1910. Postcard published by J.J. Curran & Co., Burlington, Iowa.
1900-1930s Photo Chautauqua Events Captivated Iowans

Chautauquas were travelling shows that came to Iowa towns between 1900 and the 1930s. Actors, musicians and speakers entertained in tents that were set up for the performances.
1937 Photo Immigrants Studying for Naturalization, 1937

Immigrants had to pass a citizenship test to become naturalized citizens. 1937
1999 Photo Farm scene

Strips of oats and hay are interspersed with strips of corn to save soil and improve water quality and wildlife habitat on this field in northeast Iowa. 1999.
Late 1800s Illustration Clamming Hooks

Hooks were used to drag the sandy bottom of the river to collect clams. Clam fishers in small boats dragged sets of hooks along the river bottom to collect the clams. Clamming for button manufacturing was big business in the late 1800's along the Mississippi River.
1800's Video Interior of Settler Cabins

Harsh conditions in the pioneer cabin made life difficult in the 1800s.
Approximately 12,000 Years Ago Video Food of Ancient Iowans

Approximately 12,000 years ago, ancient Iowans gathered their food and hunted bison. They cooked over open fires.
1929-1939 Video Bank Closures

During the 1920s about 300 banks closed in Iowa leading up to the Great Depression.
Late 1930's to Early 1940's Video Harvesting Crop

Farmer harvests seed oats. A truck receives the harvested oats.
Mid 1800's Video Early Travelers Face Danger

With no established roads or bridges, settlers faced adversity as they traveled to Iowa in the mid-1800s.