Recognizing that Black history is American history.
Black Americans lived and worked in Iowa for years before Iowa attained statehood in 1846, culturally and politically influencing state and national history. Recognizing that Black history is American history, this website offers an ever-growing archive. The objects in the archive provide a deeper understanding of Iowa’s history and its significance in our nation’s history.
Our website offers a way for you to join the conversation, see what has been omitted from the historical record, and add your voice through your membership. Voices that relate our history are those that help fashion our future.
Explore Our Virtual Tours
Black Iowa & The Nation serves as a hub for Black history by providing:
Relevant Objects
We exhibit artifacts and objects relevant to Black Iowan history.
Scholarly Videos
We showcase scholarly videos on the significance and history of an object.
Drag left/right to explore artifacts. Click them to learn more.
More Exhibits
Want to know more?
Contact our team to learn about what we offer and our growing archive.
Lenore Metrick-Chen, Website Concept and Facilitator
PhD Art History, PhD Committee in Social Thought, University of Chicago
Professor Emeritus of Art History, Curator, Drake University