NEWS

ARCHIVE

Civil War battle flag returns
to Capitol Building Friday, November 14
(November 2008)

Battle Flag Project Fundraiser Success
(October 2008)

Battleflag Cake

What does $2,500 and three months of time get? It is the cost in material and time to save one of Iowa’s treasures from loss. The Iowa Battle Flag Project has been working for several years to document, research and stabilize Iowa’s territorial, Civil War, Spanish-American, World War I, U.S.S. Battleship Iowa IV and U.S.S. Des Moines flags. With the help of a few dedicated volunteers and the generosity of donors over 174 flags have been saved from loss. Not only are the flags saved but also the stories of the men and women behind them. The Project helps tell the story of the Iowans who served and protected this great nation and her people.

One man wondered how he could support his favorite non-profits in a worsening economy. This thought was pondered by Steve Person for a long time. Then he came upon the unique idea of using his birthday celebration to support the Iowa Battle Flag Project and the Terrace Hill Foundation. In lieu of gifts he requested that his guests donate to these non-profits. He reminded his guests that all donations would be tax-deductible.

This highly creative idea was very successful. It just shows how inspiring the stories of the men and women of Iowa are and how effective sharing the flag with the public can be. Steve Person wanted to help save just one flag, and he ended up helping make a difference for more.

Sheila Hanke, Conservator and Collections Manager, for the Iowa Battle Flag Project said “The fundraiser was just incredible. So many people got involved. It raised awareness.” On behalf of the Iowa Battle Flag Project, Sheila would like to thank Steve and everyone who helped and/or donated to the fundraiser.

HELPING THE FLAGS
(October 2008)

On October 6, 2008, Iowa Battle Flag Project (BF) staff members were afforded the opportunity to assist another Iowa Historical Society with two newly discovered treasures in their collection. The collections manager and curator of the Ottumwa Historical Society requested the State Historical Society of Iowa’s BF staff to evaluate two flags that were discovered in their collection. Like so many recovered objects, there was no documentation saved with these artifacts. Their histories (for now) are unknown.

The two flags were quite unique in several aspects. Both flags have issues that need to be addressed immediately. Proper storage and possible display options were also discussed.

After the on-site evaluation was completed, the Ottumwa Historical Society requested that the BF staff package and transport the two flags to the State Historical Society’s BF Lab for stabilization treatment, documentation and temporary storage. It will take approximately three months to process the flags as an State Historical Society of Iowa’s Iowa Preservation Center project.

The Ottumwa Historical Society will be updated with continued progress and has been invited to tour the BF facility at its leisure.

Anamosa Flag Returns Home
(August 2008)

For two years the community of Anamosa come together to raise the funds needed to stabilize and preserve one of their city's treasures; indeed a national treasure. Forgotten about for many years this flag came to light during the process of building a new community library. This company flag is styled in the pattern of a U.S. National flag. Made of cotton fabric and handsewn by unidentifed ladies of the community this flag was proudly carried by the 9th Iowa Infantry during the Civil War (1861-1865). To the men of the 9th Iowa Infantry, this flag became a living, breathing member of the unit. It witnessed along with them the horrors of battle, the cry of fallen comrades and the celebration of victory. This piece of fabric was cherished for the lives it saved, for the precious reminder of home it represented and for the honor of the nation for which she was flown. The soft folds of the fabric still hold the memories of those who served under her.

The Iowa Battle Flag Project staff worked on stabilizing, documenting and preserving this flag for nearly one year. It was a true honor to work on preserving this flag for the wonderful people of Anamosa. We were delighted to return the flag home on August 7, 2008 to its place of honor at the Anamosa Public Library.

FLAG DAY GUIDE--CELEBRATE JUNE 14th
(June 2008)

flag_day_guide