Iowa’s pioneering humanitarian and agriculture leaders are depicted in this work at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in Des Moines. Agriculture has played a huge role in Iowa’s 175 years as a state. Photo: World Food Prize.
In 1846, Iowa was admitted as the 19th state of the United States, and the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs—along with its divisions, the State Historical Society of Iowa, the Iowa Arts Council and Produce Iowa—is celebrating the 175th anniversary all year with virtual events and educational opportunities.
Events include a series of free, virtual educational programs, including Iowa History 101 and Iowa Stories. There will also be an exhibition called “Iowa’s People and Places” opening March 5 at the State Historical Museum of Iowa in Des Moines. Bookworms can join an all-state Iowa History Book Club in March; the first book will be “Iowa: The Middle Land” by the late Dorothy Schweider.