Iowa A – Z: The History and Culture of Iowa
Come Celebrate Our State!

This past year has been difficult for our nation as a whole and the state of Iowa in particular. The ravages of a declining economy and rising flood waters have had an impact on every aspect of life in the Hawkeye State. In tough times like these, we need to remind ourselves how great it is to be living in Iowa!

That is the theme of the new exhibit at the Hoover Presidential Museum. “Iowa A – Z” is on display from April 18 - November 1, 2009, it is a celebration of all things Iowa and highlights our culture and our achievements.

This unique exhibit looks at the Hawkeye State through alphabetical themes from “American Gothic” to “Zoology” that define what it means to be an Iowan. But Iowa is more than a place on the map, of course; it’s also a state of mind. Here in the heartland, distinct cultures from around the world collaborated to create a society based on determination, durability, and optimism. Today, as yesterday, Iowans like to think of themselves as unpretentious, hard-working folks and that’s exactly who we are!

The 2000 U.S. Census counted nearly three million practical people who value this beautiful state with its vibrant communities, extraordinary achievements and amusing quirks. Enjoy this peek at Iowa from “A to Z” and all the letters in between!

Some featured artifacts from 40 different lenders include:

• A first authentic Iowa flag
• An original Grant Wood triptych painting
• A Matchstick Marvels model of Terrace Hill
• Costumes and textiles representing the many cultures of Iowa
• A one-seater 1880s buggy
• A podium used and signed by Barack Obama after his Iowa caucus victory
• Devonian fossils and geodes

These and many other items create a visually stunning picture of Iowa. Celebrate the state of Iowa and all of its natural bounty, varied backgrounds and its exceptional culture.

• Following is a list of all the alphabetical themes in the exhibit:
  A = American Gothic             N = Native Americans
  B = Baseball                                       O = One Room Schools
  C = Corn                                             P = Political Caucuses
  D = Des Moines                                Q = Quips and Quirks
  E = Enterprise                                    R = RAGBRAI
  F = Floods                                           S = State Fair
  G = Geology and Geography            T = Tornadoes
  H = Hawkeye Heritage                     U = Unusual and Unexpected
  I = Invention and Innovation V = Volunteerism
  J = Journeys                                       W = Writers
  K = Kitchen Delights                         X = X Marks the Spots
  L = Landscapes                                  Y = Yardsticks
  M = Music Men                                Z = Zoology