By Michael Swanger
July/Aug 2024 (Volume 16, Issue 4)
Summer is the season of endless possibilities when it comes to favorite pastimes. Many of them fall loosely, if not squarely, under the large umbrella of “history,” whether or not you realize it.
There are some people who say they don’t like history. They say that it’s boring because they think it’s merely about memorizing names and dates. Yet you will find them in droves at cultural events and popular sites that are steeped in history, or appeal to their sense of nostalgia.
History, as readers of this magazine can attest, is more than the memorization of names and dates. It’s about the stories … stories that pull us in and don’t gloss over the excitement … stories that illuminate our shared humanity and provide context for today’s world.
Keep that in mind this summer as you spend time with your family.
The Mississippi Valley Fair in Davenport attracts more than 300,000 visitors and will celebrate its 105th anniversary this summer.
For instance, the Fourth of July holiday is arguably the most popular, historical summer tradition. For many people, it’s a day off from work and an opportunity to bond with family, friends and neighbors, while enjoying cookouts, parades and more. The holiday celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Independence Day celebrations abound across Iowa from small town parades and carnivals, to large events in Clear Lake, Des Moines, Dubuque, Lake Okoboji, Storm Lake, Cedar Rapids, Sioux City and the Quad Cities.
Attending a fair is another popular summer ritual steeped in tradition and history. The Iowa State Fair in Des Moines draws the largest crowd, but it is not the only popular fair in Iowa. From Lyon County to Lee County and from Allamakee County to Fremont County, there are more than 100 county and community fairs slated to be held this summer. The primary focus of many county fairs is to showcase the talents of local youth who participate in 4-H and FFA competitions through various livestock and non-livestock projects. What’s more, they draw large crowds. According to the Association of Iowa Fairs the total reported attendance at the association’s county and regional fairs in 2023 was 2.3 million.
The Museum of Danish America is located in Elk Horn.
And what’s a summer vacation without a trip to a museum? For many families summertime is the ideal time to visit a museum and to be informed and entertained by history. There are dozens of museums in Iowa that include nonprofit organizations, government entities and private business. Their collections, exhibitions and experiences vary, but they all the share the goal of informing the public of Iowa’s fascinating history. The Iowa Museum Association (iowamuseums.org) is a good place to start when searching for a museum to visit this summer. So, too, is Iowa History Journal, as we frequently write about museums and feature advertisements from many of them. Our readers often tell us that they use the magazine as a travel guide.
Clear Lake hosts Iowa’s longest consecutive running Fourth of July celebration.
Iowa’s history is ubiquitous. You might also learn something about it at a classic car show, festival, antique show, state park, a play at an old theater, a concert at a ballroom, or a walking tour of old homes. Another rite of summer is to read a book, or two.
Be mindful of Iowa’s history and how it influences your summertime fun.
TO READ MORE FASCINATING STORIES ABOUT IOWA HISTORY, subscribe to Iowa History Journal. You can also purchase back issues at the store.