State Historical Society of Iowa Press Release

State Historical Museum making permanent collection available on-line

IOWAccess grant supports new Web-based collection management system

DES MOINES – Beginning Monday, people across Iowa and around the world will have on-line access to the State Historical Museum’s permanent collection thanks to a new Web-based program supported by an IOWAccess grant.

With Past Perfect, the State Historical Museum will begin posting information for nearly 80,000 objects at http://iowamuseumcollection.pastperfect-online.com on Monday. Images from the museum’s permanent collection will be posted as they are created.

“This technology gives the State Historical Museum an important tool to extend its reach in serving Iowans and others around the world,” Department of Cultural Affairs Director Mary Tiffany Cownie said. “Iowans and others can now peruse, research and study items in our permanent collection on-line, and I encourage them to do so to learn more about Iowa’s history.”

The State Historical Museum received a $20,235 IOWAccess grant to purchase Past Perfect, a collection management system with a Web component that manages records and images for on-line use. Posting to the Web site will be updated every two weeks.

Past Perfect Online features a fully searchable on-line catalog utilizing keyword search, advanced search, random image generator, and automated email forms for visitor feedback. Users will be able to browse the State Historical Museum’s permanent collection at any time.

This new endeavor is funded by the IOWAccess Revolving Fund, which supports one-stop electronic access to governmental information, transactions and services at state, county or local levels.

For more information, contact State Historical Museum Registrar Jodi Evans at jodi.evans@iowa.gov.

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The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs is responsible for developing the state’s interest in the areas of the arts, history and other cultural matters with the advice and assistance from its two divisions: the State Historical Society of Iowa and the Iowa Arts Council. DCA preserves, researches, interprets and promotes an awareness and understanding of local, state and regional history and stimulates and encourages the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts and public interest and participation in them. It implements tourism-related art and history projects as directed by the General Assembly and designs a comprehensive, statewide, long-range plan with the assistance of the Iowa Arts Council to develop the arts in Iowa. More information about DCA is available at www.culturalaffairs.org.