Jeff Morgan, (515) 281-3858, Jeff.Morgan@iowa.gov

Des Moines, Iowa—The State Historical Society of Iowa’s Library in Iowa City walked away with the top “Kids Count!” Award for Outstanding Service to Youth Researchers today as part of the Celebrate Community History Awards ceremony at the State Historical Building.

The library was nominated by National History Day students and their teachers prior to the state events in April and early May. The award recognizes the best libraries, archives or museums in the state of Iowa for their outstanding service to youth researchers.

“The staff of the Iowa City branch of the State Historical Society did nothing but make my research trip as fruitful as possible,” wrote one student evaluator. “They helped me locate the primary materials I needed and even brought out the real posters from the time period making my experience so much fun.”

Ranging from ancient to modern sources, the Historical Society Library proved to be an incredible asset to the National History Day students.

Certificates of Merit were presented to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Archives in West Branch and the Catich Gallery and Archives at St. Ambrose University in Davenport. National History Day is a year-long program which uses history to challenge students in grades 6-12 to improve their research, analytical and communication skills. In groups or individually, students conduct research on topics related to a broad theme which changes annually. The theme for 2005 is “Communication in History: The Key to Understanding.”

“National History Day in Iowa would not function without the dedicated work of research specialists and staff at Iowa's libraries and archives,” said Naomi Peuse, National History Day State Coordinator.

“So many research institutions have an open door policy with our young historians and assist them in locating valuable primary and secondary sources--many going above and beyond the call of duty. In exchange, students walk away with a positive outlook on the study of history as well as skills that will last a lifetime.”

The “Kids Count!” Award is sponsored by the State Historical Society, Inc. in Iowa City.

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