The Historical Society created a partner relationship with Wartburg College Arts Department and senior student Laura Kleckner and junior student Steven Murray to produce the first PSA about Montauk in Clermont. The PSA will focus on the centennial of the "Grand Reunion of 1903" occurring at the site June 20-22. The event celebrates the Iowa 12th Infantry, including the Civil War Boys of Company C and includes a special cemetery program with the Sons of Union Soldiers and a grand ball on Saturday night.

"Now that we’re coming upon the summer season, we hope these public service announcements remind those who are traveling in Iowa that we have gems of historic attractions right here—many of which can be reached within a few hours," said Jerome Thompson, State Historical Society historic sites manager.

Montauk is the home of Iowa’s 12th governor, William Larrabee and his wife, Anna. The PSA on Montauk will become part of a series to promote each of State Historical Society site and the communities in which they are located in order to help boost the local economy. Media broadcasters will be sent copies of these tapes as they are completed over the next several years. The Historical Society encourages the media to provide air time so that these sites can track the result of exposure to the public.

The State Historical Society owns nine historic sites across the state: The State Historical Building in Des Moines, Montauk in Clermont, the American Gothic House in Eldon, Toolesboro Indian Mounds, Abbie Gardner Cabin in Arnold’s Park, Matthew Edel Blacksmith Shop in Haverhill, Plum Grove Historic Home in Iowa City, and Western Historic Trails Center in Council Bluffs and Blood Run National Historic Landmark in Lyon County.

According to the Iowa Department of Economic Development, tourism is a $4.3 billion industry in Iowa, employing more than 62,000 people statewide and generating more than $242 million in state taxes.

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