It is wise to acquaint yourself with any repository in Iowa which you might visit by writing to the appropriate archive or library in advance.Most, if not all, Iowa repositories have published materials that introduce its collections and research policy.
Iowa 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 Archives
Iowa Museums
Iowa Libraries
- Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, 210 Parkside Drive, West Branch, IA 52358; 319-643-5301
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
Iowa Historical & Genealogical Societies
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.
- 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.
- 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
