Congratulations to longtime Iowa History Journal contributing writers John C. Skipper and Jerry Harrington for receiving Excellence in History Awards for their work for Iowa History Journal.

Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg joined the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and its State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI) Board of Trustees to bestow the 2022 Excellence in History Awards during a ceremony held on June 22 at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids. The awards honor Iowans and others who have made significant contributions to Iowa history through research, writing, public education and more. 

“The history of Iowa overflows with rich and colorful stories about the people and places that made our state what it is today,” Gregg said. “We thank our award winners because the stories they saved and shared help us understand who we are as we navigate the future.”

Stories written by Skipper and Harrington for Iowa History Journal swept this year’s George Mills-Louise Noun Popular History Award category, which recognizes the author of the most significant article on an Iowa history topic published in a popular history periodical during the previous calendar year. It is named in honor of Iowa reporter and popular historian George Mills and historian of women’s history and philanthropist Louise Noun.

The SHSI Board of Trustees selected Skipper’s 2021 Jan/Feb cover story for Iowa History Journal — “James B. Morris Sr.: Persevering War Veteran, Lawyer, Publisher and Civil Rights Activist” (https://iowahistoryjournal.com/james-b-morris-sr…/) — as the winner of the 2022 George Mills-Louise Noun Popular History Award.

It also selected Harrington’s 2021 Nov/Dec cover story for Iowa History Journal, “‘Iowa’s First Lady’ Phebe Sudlow: Educator Broke National Gender Barriers in 19th Century,” (https://iowahistoryjournal.com/iowas-first-lady-phebe…/) and his story for our 2021 Jan/Feb issue, “Amish School Crisis Captured the World’s Attention in 1965,” (https://iowahistoryjournal.com/amish-school-crisis…/) for both of the 2022 George Mills-Louise Noun Popular History Award Honorable Mentions. 

“This year’s award winners have overcome extremely difficult circumstances over the past couple of years, devoting countless hours to researching and sharing Iowa history,” said Tyler De Haan of Van Meter, chair of the historical society’s board of trustees. “We appreciate their curiosity and authenticity for the generations that can learn from their work.”

This year’s list of award winners includes individuals and projects in nearly every part of the state, including Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Forest City, Mason City, Sibley and Waterloo.

“The number of nominations this year is a strong indication that Iowa history continues to offer fascinating topics, not only for Iowans, but also for others across the country to learn about our state,” State Historical Society of Iowa Administrator Susan Kloewer said. “We’re proud to honor this year’s award winners.”

For a complete list of winners of this year’s Excellence in History Award, visit https://iowaculture.gov/…/recent-excellence-history…

Copies of the back issues containing the award-winning stories by Skipper and Harrington can be purchased at https://iowahistoryjournal.com/store/.