Contact:
Jeff Morgan, Jeff.Morgan@iowa.gov, (515)
281-3858
(DES
MOINES) – Visitors to the State Historical
Museum can “Rediscover Iowa History” as
curators bring rarely seen artifacts out of a subterranean,
climate-controlled storage facility for public display
this summer.
The artifacts range from antique cars and a 1860s
stagecoach to a governor’s executive desk and
place settings that are nearly 250 years old. They
are part of the State Historical Society of Iowa’s
“Rediscover Iowa History” campaign, which
encourages Iowans and other museum visitors to explore
the state’s rich past.
“We’re giving the museum atrium a makeover
this summer,” said Anita Walker, director of
the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, which oversees
SHSI. “We have more than 100,000 artifacts in
our permanent collection and we’re bringing
many of them out of storage to create new and exciting
experiences for visitors the minute they enter through
the doors. They’ll be able to see something
different during each visit.”
This summer, museum visitors will see a 1902 Knox
Waterless, “the car that never drinks,”
donated to SHSI by William Steer in 1925. The Knox
has no radiator; a series of brass screws helps air-cool
the engine. The one-cylinder, chain-drive car has
8 horsepower, tiller steering and a top speed of 30
miles per hour.
Curators have also put on display an 1899 “Locomobile,”
which is powered by a Stanley Steamer engine –
a gasoline-fueled burner boils water to create steam,
letting the vehicle move silently over the road. Purchased
by Sen. William Haskill of Cedar Rapids for $1,000,
the Locomobile features a chain drive, tiller steering
and a top speed of 20 miles per hour. Haskill raced
his Locomobile against an 1898 Haynes-Apperson gasoline
carriage owned by H.G. Dows of Cedar Rapids at the
Linn County Fair. The winner is unknown.
Moving deeper into Iowa’s past, curators are
displaying a 1860s stagecoach passenger vehicle called
a “two-horse jerky” that was used in the
Red Oak and Afton areas. The stagecoach – the
rapid transit of its day – traveled 40 to 50
miles per day, with the passenger compartment supported
by a leather strap and rocker suspension instead of
springs. The stagecoach was donated by Mrs. Perry
Tracy of Red Oak.
Other artifacts on display include the desk of Iowa
Governor Albert B. Cummins, one of the state’s
most influential governors. The desk is located on
the museum’s mezzanine while “Great Plates”
and “Great Platters” exhibits located
near Café Baratta’s on the third floor
showcase place settings from the 1700s-1970s. The
plates and serving platters were manufactured in England,
France and the United States.
Later this summer, visitors will see several temporary
exhibits that focus on current themes, including Iowans’
use of hybrid and alternative energy sources to combat
high gas prices. In addition, special areas featuring
museum education programs and events will be found
on the first and third floors.
The State Historical Museum is managed by the State
Historical Society of Iowa, a trustee of Iowa’s
historical legacy and an advocate for understanding
Iowa’s past. It identifies, records, collects,
preserves, manages and provides access to Iowa’s
historical resources. Its dual mission of preservation
and education serves Iowans of all ages, conducts
and stimulates research, disseminates information,
and encourages and supports historical preservation
and education efforts of others throughout the state.
Please visit www.iowahistory.org or call 515-281-5111
for more information.
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