Historical Themes

Iowa’s land holds stories far older and more contested than its agricultural reputation suggests. These presentations explore the social and geological history of Iowa’s rural landscapes—from the violent lead mining rush that displaced Native peoples in the Dubuque region to a century of coal extraction that powered the state’s economy and shaped its communities. This theme uncovers the deep, often overlooked histories embedded in the Iowa earth itself.

As World War II drew to a close, a new humanitarian crisis emerged across a devastated world. These presentations follow Herbert Hoover’s extraordinary post-war missions—surveying global famine, advocating for occupied children, and helping establish UNICEF—alongside the remarkable personal and political partnership between Presidents Hoover and Truman that shaped America’s role in rebuilding a shattered world.

From the shock of the 1929 Stock Market Crash to the grinding hardships of the early 1930s, these presentations explore how Iowans—and especially rural farm families—endured, adapted, and resisted during one of America’s most devastating economic crises. Topics range from farm women’s creative survival strategies and poetry to political battles over Prohibition, Social Security, and the landmark 1932 presidential election.

These presentations examine the Second World War through the often-overlooked perspectives of civilians, children, and women. From Iowa’s home front farms and factories to the traumatic experiences of Polish girls and the voices of women war writers, this theme reveals the full human cost of global conflict—its grief, resilience, violence, and lasting memory.

These presentations trace the long arc of political organizing, civic engagement, and social justice in the American Midwest. From the temperance movement’s surprising legacy and the history of farm labor resistance to the ongoing struggles for racial equity and the vital role of local government, this theme examines how ordinary citizens have shaped—and continue to shape—the democratic process.

Designed to engage, challenge, and inspire, these interactive presentations invite audiences to test their knowledge, sharpen their writing, and explore their own histories. From constitutional quizzes and presidential trivia to memoir-writing workshops and genealogy journeys, this theme transforms learning into a lively and participatory experience for groups of all ages.