Iowa is closing its Historical Society research center in Iowa City to save money, potentially unloading 60% of the collection, including irreplaceable Meskwaki Nation artifacts, Civil Rights Movement records, and Women’s suffrage documents.
On this segment of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith, Amie Rivers, and Avery Staker explore the devastating impact of closing Iowa City’s archive.
Toss some bags at declining school enrollment… the coming loss of a historical archive in Iowa City… And how the 1986 Deere strike connects to today’s tariff layoffs…
Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line. This podcast is produced by me and edited by Rebecca Steinberg. Our music is by Avery Mossman and our show art is from Desirée Tapia.
*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
00:30 – Coffins on Doorsteps: The Dramatic Rally to Save Iowa History
01:00 – Suzanne White Buffalo’s Powerful Speech: “You Are the Reason Why”
02:00 – 60% of Collection May Be Lost: What Happens to Donated Materials?
02:30 – The Meskwaki Nation: Cultural Genocide Continues Through Neglect
04:30 – Civil Rights and Women’s Suffrage Archives Under Threat
06:30 – The Real Budget Story: Unlimited Vouchers vs. $800K for History
07:30 – What This Says About Iowa’s Values and Priorities
08:30 – State Rep Adam Zabner: “Fighting Back Against This Decision”
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