Iowa Historical Foundation

The Iowa Historical Foundation (EIN: 42-1310625) is a nonprofit organization based in Des Moines, Iowa, dedicated to supporting the preservation and interpretation of Iowa’s history. The Foundation's primary mission is to generate financial and public support for the State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI) and its wide-ranging programs that preserve, educate about, and research the history of the state.

Mission and Activities

The Iowa Historical Foundation acts as a key fundraising and advocacy partner for the SHSI, which is the official state historical repository. Through its support, the Foundation enables the SHSI to maintain its extensive museum collections, research centers, historic sites, and educational outreach programs. This relationship helps safeguard Iowa’s cultural heritage and promotes statewide public access to historical resources.

Relationship with State Historical Society of Iowa

Founded in 1857, the State Historical Society of Iowa is tasked with preserving Iowa’s historical legacy through its collections, exhibits, and research facilities. The Society operates a museum, two research centers, seven historic sites, and provides numerous educational resources and public programs. The Iowa Historical Foundation plays a vital role in sustaining these activities by securing funds and promoting awareness of the importance of Iowa's history and cultural heritage[1][3][4].

Strategic Focus of Supported Programs

The programs supported by the Iowa Historical Foundation and the SHSI focus on:

• Preserving Iowa’s historical artifacts and sites
• Enhancing public education about state history and humanities
• Increasing accessibility to historical and cultural resources, especially in rural and underserved communities
• Collaborating with tourism and cultural partners to broaden the visibility of Iowa’s historical assets
• Encouraging leadership development and organizational sustainability within the heritage and humanities sectors of Iowa[1].

Governance

Available information indicates that the Iowa Historical Foundation does not currently have recorded board members publicly listed, and formal governance practices such as board orientation, ethics policy reviews, and CEO assessments are not documented as being conducted recently[2]. Despite this, the organization is recognized for its role in supporting the State Historical Society’s mission and operations.

The Iowa Historical Foundation is a critical nonprofit entity that enables the State Historical Society of Iowa to fulfill its role as the steward of Iowa’s rich historical and cultural heritage, ensuring that it is preserved and accessible for future generations.