Program

Challenge Programs: Creating Humanities Communities Grants

Period of Performance

2/1/2017 - 1/31/2021

Funding Totals (matching)

$60,000.00 (approved)
$60,000.00 (offered)
$60,000.00 (awarded)


Teaching Iowa History

FAIN: ZR-256696-18

Iowa Museum Association, Inc. (Cedar Falls, IA 50613-4770)
Cynthia Sweet (Project Director: February 2017 to May 2024)

To create and curate institutional resources and professional development opportunities in Iowa history.

Iowa history has not been a required component of Iowa’s educational curriculum since at least 2008. Only two other states in the nation do not include state history in their standards – Alaska and Delaware. This significant gap in the state’s curriculum will be cured with the upcoming adoption of new educational standards embedding Iowa history in K-12 education. To support teacher needs in implementing the new standards, the Iowa Department of Education's Iowa History Advisory Council has recommended, in addition to other remedies, the curation and creation of instructional resources and professional development in Iowa History. "Teaching Iowa History" will fulfill these two expressed needs by bringing together stakeholders from across Iowa to write and provide accessible Iowa history content; to provide “beyond the textbook” materials to assist teachers in meeting the new social studies standards; and to provide professional development for educators in a variety of formats.



Media Coverage

Teaching Iowa History Receives National Recognition (Media Coverage)
Publication: Iowa PBS
Date: 3/23/2020
Abstract: Teaching Iowa History program was recognized by the American Alliance of Museums.
URL: http://www.iowapbs.org/about/news/teaching-iowa-history-receives-national-recognition

Teaching Iowa History: Techniques for Developing a Virtual Museum and Lesson Plan Database (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Rob Green
Publication: YouTube
Date: 8/1/2018
Abstract: Summer 2018 Practicum, Rob Green, MA, MLIS Gradute Student, University of Wisconsin-Madison Information School. 4 minute video on the development of the project and the website.
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU0LpR5wmOI

Iowa Museum Week is June 11-17 (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Margaret Spiegel
Publication: The Oskaloosa Herald (Oskaloosa, Iowa)
Date: 6/14/2018
Abstract: Newspaper article on Iowa Museum Week, the importance of museums, and the Teaching Iowa History project in which museums are sharing their collections for inclusion in lessons that will be available to Iowa's K-12 teachers.
URL: https://www.oskaloosa.com/news/local_news/iowa-museum-week-is-june/article_df9da37b-95c5-568d-8afc-7bc5551a5541.html

IMA Teaching Iowa History Project (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area Newsletter
Date: 7/3/2018
Abstract: The goal of the Iowa Museum Association's Teaching Iowa History Project is to inspire Iowa's educators to teach using Iowa history and primary sources, to connect Iowa's educators to the resources available at their nearby museum, to provide instructional resources necessary to meet the new Social Studies Standards, to raise awareness of the role of Iowa's museums as educators, and to encourage closer partnerships between schools and museums. IMA is seeking donations to support those who work in the museum industry and understand the importance of engagement and education. IMA is also continuing to seek primary sources and Iowa history stories to enhance the database of artifacts for lesson plans. If you have questions or wish to submit photographs of objects, photographs, or documents from your collection for lesson plan consideration, contact Director@iowamuseums.org. For More Info: Click Here [link to website]

"Relevant or Irrelevant" on KALA Radio (Media Coverage)
Date: 5/29/2020
Abstract: "Relevant or Irrelevant" on KALA Radio. Broadcast May 29, 2020. Cyndi Sweet, Executive Director of the Iowa Museum Association, talks with the "ROI" panelists about the Teaching Iowa History project.
URL: https://soundcloud.com/kalaradio/roi-362

"Relevant or Irrelevant" on KALA Radio (Media Coverage)
Date: 10/18/2022
Abstract: "Relevant or Irrelevant" on KALA radio invited Cynthia Sweet, Executive Director, Iowa Museum Association to return to their show a second time to provide an update on the Teaching Iowa History program and plans for the future. The program was recorded 10/18/2022 and will air 2/16/2023.



Associated Products

Database of Iowa museum artifacts (Web Resource)
Title: Database of Iowa museum artifacts
Author: Cynthia Sweet
Author: Lauren Adams
Author: Matthew Miller
Abstract: The Iowa Museum Association is building a community of practice around teaching Iowa history with primary sources held in public collections in support of Iowa Social Studies Standards. There are two key components of the project, both of which will continue to grow and develop. Component 1 is a database of primary sources submitted by over 60 (as of August 2018) Iowa museums, historical societies, and archives. These institutions have contributed images of objects, art, documents, etc., from their collections, resulting in a database of over 650 primary sources associated with Iowa history. Submitted primary sources are cataloged and tagged in multiple ways, augmented with additional research, and made available to project partners for use in the development of lesson plans. The database of cataloged primary sources is live online.
Year: 2018
Primary URL: https://iowamuseums.pastperfectonline.com/
Primary URL Description: Database of cataloged primary sources associated with Iowa history.

Teaching Iowa History website (Web Resource)
Title: Teaching Iowa History website
Author: Rob Green
Abstract: The primary sources submitted by Iowa museums will be used as the basis for lessons for grades K-12 that meet new Iowa Social Studies Standards. Lesson plans will begin to be written Fall 2018, and as completed will be posted at https://teachingiowahistory.org The website is live in its first iteration (September 2018) and continue to be developed in 2019. The website will contain K-12 lesson plans, Educator Resources, and links to participating museums, including mapping to facilitate teacher-museum contact. Teaching Iowa History will create a community of practice around teaching Iowa history with primary sources, raising awareness of the collections held in Iowa's museums and their importance to preserving the historical identity and fabric of our state.
Year: 2018
Primary URL: https://teachingiowahistory.org/
Primary URL Description: Lesson Plan and instructional resources Repository Website, link to database of primary sources.

Iowa Social Studies Best Practices Institute Presentation (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Iowa Social Studies Best Practices Institute Presentation
Author: Dr. Heidi Lung
Abstract: The Iowa Social Studies Best Practices Institute is an annual two day opportunity provided by the Iowa Department of Education. It brings together social studies and history teachers to learn about best practices and resources available to assist them in the classroom. The Teaching Iowa History project was presented to share with educators the resources being developed to assist them in meeting new Social Studies requirements, including a database of primary sources and lesson plans.
Date: 06/19/2019
Conference Name: Iowa Social Studies Best Practices Institute

Meeting Educator Needs, Serving Museums: A model for state museum associations (Blog Post)
Title: Meeting Educator Needs, Serving Museums: A model for state museum associations
Author: Cynthia Sweet
Author: Dr. Heidi Lung
Abstract: The American Alliance of Museums blog featured an article on the Teaching Iowa History project, including how it came about and developed, its goals, how it serves the museums in Iowa as well as Iowa educators, and how the project could be replicated by other state museum associations.
Date: 9/9/2019
Primary URL: https://www.aam-us.org/2019/09/09/meeting-educator-needs-serving-museums-a-model-for-state-museum-associations/
Primary URL Description: American Alliance of Museums blog.
Blog Title: Meeting Educator Needs, Serving Museums: A model for state museum associations
Website: https://www.aam-us.org

Future Ready Iowa (Catalog)
Title: Future Ready Iowa
Author: Cynthia Sweet
Abstract: Future Ready Iowa is a catalog of educational opportunities to promote life long learning and preparation for employment. The catalog includes opportunities for all ages. The Teaching Iowa History program has posted several opportunities for students which will help them learn about research, Iowa history, and at the same time produce information that may be useful to others.
Year: 2018
Primary URL: https://wbl.futurereadyiowa.gov/listings/130
Catalog Type: Other
Publisher: State of Iowa

Educator's Retreat at Iowa Museum Association Conference (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Educator's Retreat at Iowa Museum Association Conference
Abstract: Educator’s Retreat. Co-leaders: Dr. Heidi Lung, University of Iowa Museum Studies Program and Jennifer Kovarik, Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum. Presentation & Discussion: Lung and Kovarik will share tools and strategies for creating instructional materials using primary sources from your museum collection, and how to share your resources with educators statewide through Teaching Iowa History. Pre-work recommended: Identify one or two significant items in your collection that might be used in a lesson.
Author: Dr. Heidi Lung
Author: Jennifer Kovarik
Date: 10/08/2019
Location: Fort Dodge, Iowa

National Humanities Alliance Meeting (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: National Humanities Alliance Meeting
Abstract: Presentation shared the impact funding from NEH had in creating Teaching Iowa History. Shared the need that prompted the project, its benefits, and goals.
Author: Cynthia Sweet
Date: 09/24/2018
Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Iowa Council on Social Studies Presentation (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Iowa Council on Social Studies Presentation
Abstract: Dr. Heidi Lung presented on Teaching Iowa History at the Iowa Council of Social Studies conference.
Author: Dr. Heidi Lung
Date: 09/30/2018
Location: Altoona, Iowa

Iowa Department of Education Best Practices Institute Presentation (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Iowa Department of Education Best Practices Institute Presentation
Abstract: Dr. Heidi Lung presented both June 19 & 20th, at the Iowa Department of Education Best Practices Institute with the goal of raising awareness of the project and asking teachers to test lesson plans in their classroom.
Author: Dr. Heidi Lung
Date: 06/19/2019
Location: Johnston, Iowa

Global Education Institute (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Global Education Institute
Abstract: Dr. Heidi Lung presented the Teaching Iowa History project to a group of thirty Iowa City educators as part of the Global Education Institute.
Author: Dr. Heidi Lung
Date: 12/07/2019
Location: Iowa City, Iowa

Professional Development Presentation (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Professional Development Presentation
Abstract: July 9-10, 2018. The Geographic Alliance of Iowa and the Iowa Museum Association provided a professional development workshop for Iowa educators on July 9-10. Participants from Twin Cedars, Pella, Marshalltown, and Lawton-Bronson, gathered in Des Moines for the two-day workshop. BJ VanVleet and Megan Sibbel facilitated the event, and attendees participated in discussions focused on the new social studies standards and discussed strategies for incorporating historical artifacts and primary source documents into their classrooms. The group also traveled to the Gold Star Military Museum, the State Historical Museum, the Robert Ray Asian Gardens, and the site of Edna Griffin's historic protest at the former Katz Drug Store in Des Moines. Following the workshop, participants finished creating lesson plans based on what they discussed and learned.
Author: Dr. Megan Stout Sibbel
Date: 07/09/2018
Location: Des Moines, Iowa

Changing Standards: Opportunities for Museums (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Changing Standards: Opportunities for Museums
Abstract: Changes in educational standards have led to an opportunity for enhanced museum engagement with schools. Learn about the new Social Studies Standards and their impact on cultural organizations, projects underway at the State Historical Society of Iowa and the Iowa Museum Association, and better understand the use of primary sources in the classroom from the perspective or a working teacher.
Author: Dr. Heidi Lung
Author: Jennifer Cooley
Date: 10/09/2018
Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa

Intro to Public History Presentation (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Intro to Public History Presentation
Abstract: Cyndi Sweet presented to the Intro to Public History class at University of Northern Iowa, Josh Waddle, Instructor. Shared on public service - educational standards, on-line resources being developed as part of Teaching Iowa History, opportunity for small organizations to share their collections through this, opportunity for partnerships between museums and schools.
Author: Cynthia Sweet
Date: 09/12/2018
Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa

Increasing Collection Accessibility with the Teaching Iowa History program (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Increasing Collection Accessibility with the Teaching Iowa History program
Author: Cynthia Sweet
Abstract: This session explored the Iowa Museum Association sponsored project Teaching Iowa History, and how it provides an opportunity for all Iowa museums to enhance accessibility to their collections and the stories they share.
Date: 10/19/2020
Conference Name: Iowa Museum Association Annual Meeting & Conference

Award (Web Resource)
Title: Award
Author: Cynthia Sweet
Abstract: February 2020 the American Alliance of Museums awarded an Advocacy Leadership Award to Cynthia Sweet in recognition of work as Executive Director of the Iowa Museum Association to create the Teaching Iowa History program.
Year: 2020

Professional Development Modules (Web Resource)
Title: Professional Development Modules
Author: Dr. Heidi Lung
Abstract: Five Teaching Iowa History professional development modules that include videos, activities, and resources presenting a variety of ways to use and engage with Teaching Iowa History.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://teachingiowahistory.org/professional-development-modules

Lesson Plans (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Lesson Plans
Author: Pre-service, In-service and Museum Educators
Abstract: Lesson plans that support Iowa k-12 Social Studies Standards and include primary sources from museum collections. Developed by pre-service, in-service, and museum educators.
Year: 2020
Primary URL: https://teachingiowahistory.org/lesson-plans
Audience: K - 12

Iowa History Stories (Web Resource)
Title: Iowa History Stories
Author: Many authors
Abstract: Essays on Iowa history topics, people, places, and events written by academic historians, local historians, subject matter experts, humanities speakers, and others.
Year: 2020
Primary URL: https://teachingiowahistory.org/historical-essays

Secondary Source Bibliography (Web Resource)
Title: Secondary Source Bibliography
Author: no author
Abstract: Compiled annotated bibliography of 394 secondary sources all pertaining to topics in Iowa history, tagged into the site tagging system for ease of finding.
Year: 2019
Primary URL: https://teachingiowahistory.org/bibliography

TeachingIowaHistory.org (Web Resource)
Title: TeachingIowaHistory.org
Author: Sweet, Cynthia
Abstract: Teaching Iowa History is a state-wide project led by the Iowa Museum Association to provide standard based instructional resources for the benefit of K-12 teachers which incorporate primary sources from public collections. By incorporating primary sources into instructional resources, Teaching Iowa History raises awareness of the collections held in Iowa's museums and the importance of museums in preserving primary sources that inform the historical identity of Iowans, Iowa communities, and Iowa's role in the nation and world. In the creation of instructional resources, Teaching Iowa History partners University of Northern Iowa, Simpson College, Graceland University, Iowa Public Television, and University of Iowa provide opportunities for pre-service teachers and museum educators to create lesson plans aligned with Iowa Social Studies standards using primary sources from the compiled database. Teaching Iowa History seeks to bring Iowa's museums and schools into closer alignment and partnership, highlighting the role of museums as K-12 educational partners and life-long active, choice-driven learning environments. Teaching Iowa History provides an opportunity for museums to increase accessibility through inclusion in the primary source database and instructional resources.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: http://teachingiowahistory.org
Primary URL Description: Teaching Iowa History website with access to primary source database, instructional resources, and more.

Prizes

Award of Excellence
Date: 9/24/2021
Organization: AASLH
Abstract: The Iowa Museum Association was selected as a 2021 Award of Excellence winner by the Leadership in History awards committee for the project Teaching Iowa History. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards is the nation's most prestigious competition for recognition of achievement in state and local history.

Advocacy Leadership Award
Date: 2/24/2020
Organization: American Alliance of Museums
Abstract: Presented to Cynthia Sweet in recognition of your work as the Executive Director of the Iowa Museum Association to launch and implement the Teaching Iowa History program.