Iowa History Center
Preserving, promoting and sharing the story of Iowa
Our state’s past is full of unforgettable stories, with new ones being written every day
The Iowa History Center at Simpson College advances the understanding and appreciation of Iowa history among the state’s students, scholars and general public. Through numerous programs designed to heighten public awareness and interest in Iowa history, the Center expands educational opportunities and makes this history more widely available and accessible.
On Campus
Scholars Program
The Distinguished Scholars Program is one of Simpson’s most prestigious financial awards: Recipients receive up to $2,000 in renewable scholarships. Five incoming students are invited into the program each year to work with the center and participate in our Oral History Program. Interested applicants can apply to the Iowa History Center Distinguished Scholars Program here.
Iowa History Speaker Series
Our Speakers Series offers programs on varied topics of Iowa history and culture. Speakers include nationally renowned authors, scholars, journalists, politicians and public figures. These events are free and open to the general public and held in Indianola, Des Moines and West Des Moines.
Iowa History Internship Program
We facilitate hands-on experience for Simpson students in public history at local institutions like the State Historical Museum, the Iowa Jewish Historical Society and Living History Farms. Students interested in applying for these internships should contact the Iowa History Center for more details.
Iowa History Center Newsletter
Get up-to-date information in your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter. To be added as a subscriber, send an email to linda.sinclair@simpson.edu.
And Beyond
Field Trip Grant Program
*All field trip funding for 2019-20 has been issued. Applications for 2020-21 will open Sept. 1.*
We assist local schools in making Iowa history more accessible by funding K-12 students on Iowa history-oriented field trips. To apply, please full out the 2019–2020 Application Form.
Annual Award for the Outstanding Master’s Thesis in Iowa History
To encourage graduate study in Iowa history and honor outstanding work in the field, this annual award recognizes the best master’s thesis examining our state’s past. Selection is based on contribution of knowledge, originality of subject matter or methodology, use of sources and written expression. For further information, please contact Linda Sinclair at 515-961-1528 or linda.sinclair@simpson.edu.
Iowa and the Midwest Experience
This unique book series was created through our partnership with the University of Iowa Press to publish innovative books on the issues that have shaped Iowa and other Midwestern states. The series aims to present current research and suggest future directions for scholars. Please send inquiries or manuscript proposals to Iowa History Center Director, William Friedricks at bill.friedricks@simpson.edu, or consult the submission guidelines for authors at the University of Iowa Press website.
Your gift today can protect Iowa's past
Iowa’s history is too rich and important to ignore, yet few colleges and universities teach Iowa history, and little Iowa history is included in the public schools. To address these and other deficiencies, the Iowa History Center was founded in 2006.
Your gift can help support our mission. The Iowa History Center depends on donations to ensure that future generations learn the state’s history. To contribute a tax deductible donation or for more information, please contact Iowa History Center Director, Bill Friedricks at 515-961-1634, or Simpson College, 701 North C Street Indianola, Iowa 50125.