In recognition of the service and sacrifice of our military members, Iowa strives to preserve our state’s military artifacts and history. This year, the Legislature provided funding (SF 2349) to continue that work at three Iowa museums:
• $500,000 for the Iowa Veterans Oral History Project. Waterloo’s Sullivan Brothers Veterans Museum collects, preserves and interprets the stories of Iowa veterans and civilian soldiers throughout our state’s history. The museum includes interactive video portraying the stories of veterans from all corners of the state. Initial emphasis was on the recollections of World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans, but the project has since expanded to include the stories of Iowans who have served since 2001. For more on the museum, go to www.groutmuseumdistrict.org.
• $250,000 for upgrades at the Gold Star Military Museum, the only federally recognized repository for military artifacts in the state. Permanent exhibits tell the story of Iowans who have served in defense of our state and nation, from early settlement in the 1840s through military efforts sparked by the September 11 terrorist attacks. Complete details on this museum at Camp Dodge in Johnston are available at www.iowanationalguard.com/History/Museum.
• $100,000 for renovation and repairs to the Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center. This museum and education center on the south side of Des Moines honors the U.S. Army’s first officer candidate class for African American men in 1917 and the establishment of the first Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAACs) in 1942, both of which happened at Fort Des Moines. To learn more, check out the Fort Des Moines Museum page on Facebook.
