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Iowa Societies and Archives
It is wise to acquaint yourself with any repository which you might visit by writing to the appropriate archive or library in advance. Every repository has published materials that introduce its collections and research policy. State archives and historical agencies also have Internet sites that provide the same information. Some even have downloadable databases for some or parts of their collections.
Iowa Public Libraries - In Iowa, within the entire library system, there is an interlibrary program that can be called upon for many printed materials. The reference librarian at the local library, for a small fee, can request assistance in locating a particular book through this system.
- Submit a website for Iowa Archives
- Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, 210 Parkside Drive, West Branch, IA 52358; 319-643-5301
- State Historical Society of Iowa Research Library, 402 Iowa Avenue, Iowa City, IA 52240
The second largest research collection in the state is located at the Iowa City branch of the State Historical Society's research facilities. Holdings include local, state and national histories, biographies, government documents, and current historical periodicals not all identical to the facility at Des Moines. Microfilm holdings are loaned between the collections. Of specific interest to genealogists are county histories, census data, cemetery records, atlases, and plat books. Iowa newspapers, beginning in 1836, can be found in 10,000 bound volumes and 12,000 microfilm rolls (microfilm available on interlibrary loan). Fire insurance maps include more than 700 Iowa communities. Over 100,000 photographic images can be located by standard subject headings, geographical designations, or the portrait index. - State Historical Society of Iowa Library, Capitol Complex, Des Moines, IA 50319
This state-wide organization encompasses all the state historical operations including the historical libraries; State Archives (including manuscript, maps, school and institutional records, and photographs); museum; and membership and development of publications. The extensive holdings of the research library at the Des Moines location are the largest in the state. The staff is very responsive to written request for general information. - National Archives; Central Plains Region, Kansas City, 2312 East Bannister Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131-3011; Email: kansascity.archives@nara.gov; Phone: 816-268-8000
Iowa Historical & Genealogical Societies
Because family history research relies greatly upon records found at the county level, many local societies represent counties. Organizations also form around shared interests. Ethnic or religious origins account for many groups, such as the Polish Genealogical Society of America and P.O.I.N.T. (Pursuing Our Italian Names Together). Societies also form around common locales of origin for members’ ancestors. To locate these and other societies, consult Juliana Szucs Smith’s The Ancestry Family Historian's Address Book (2nd Edition)
For almost every state there is a state genealogical society, a state genealogical council, or both. In addition to their own work, state-level groups sometimes help coordinate the efforts of local societies within the state. Their publications, newsletters and quarterlies, supplement those produced by the local societies.
- Submit a website for Iowa Historical & Genealogical Societies
- State Historical Society of Iowa, Capitol Complex, Des Moines, IA 50319
- Iowa Genealogical Society, 6000 Douglas, P.O. Box 7735, Des Moines, IA 50322
Maintains an extensive genealogical reference library (shelf list available), publishes the quarterly Hawkeye Heritage and a member newsletter, and publishes in cooperation with its chapters a variety of genealogical reference works, primarily Iowa vital records. State and national speakers are featured at the annual conference in Ames. - Newberry Library, 60 West Walton Street, Chicago, IL 60610
Although in Illinois, this repository should be considered as a source for Iowa research. According to Peggy Tuck Sinko, author of Guide to Local and Family History at the Newberry Library (Salt Lake City, Utah: Ancestry, 1987), “The Iowa holdings of The Newberry Library are surpassed in size, scope, and quality only by the library's Illinois collection.” The Iowa collection includes considerable genealogical and local history material, plus a number of very rare books and manuscripts included in the Graff Collection. - North Central Iowa Genealogy Society, PO Box 237, Mason City IA 50402-0237
[Researching in nine area counties Cerro Gordo, Mitchell, Floyd, Butler, Franklin, Worth, Winnebago, Hancock, and Wright] - National Genealogical Society, 4527 17th Street North, Arlington, Virginia 22207-2399; (703) 525-0050 or (800) 473-0060
- International Society of Sons and Daughters of Slave Ancestry, P.O. BOX 436937, CHICAGO, IL 60643-6937; Phone: (773) 238-2686
- Iowa Society of Daughters of the American Revolution
- National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20006; Phone: (202) 628-1776
- Iowa Society of Sons of the American Revolution
- National Society of Sons of the American Revolution, 1000 South Fourth Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40203; (502) 589-1776
