Civil War history unfolds at Iowa sites

A soldier yells, a weapon fires, and the Battle of Shiloh begins. Immerse yourself in the action during Keokuk’s Civil War Re-enactment. Keokuk’s location in the far southeast corner of Iowa seems to bring it closer to major events of the Civil War, and for 25 years the community has been commemorating its Civil War history, which includes Civil War generals and one of the nation’s earliest national cemeteries. Other re-enactments are planned in Nashua, Mason City, Bonaparte, and Davis County this year.

Another personality of the Civil War era is revealed at the Council Bluffs home of General Grenville Dodge, Civil War general and railroad builder. Just a few blocks away is the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, also celebrating 150 years with a new exhibit opening May 12. Take time to see their Lincoln Collection during your visit.

Just open is a new 10,000-square-foot exhibit at the State Historical Museum of Iowa in Des Moines, titled “Iowa and the Civil War: Nothing But Victory.” See more than 300 authentic artifacts and documents, including battle flags and weaponry, and follow first-hand experiences of Iowans at war and the communities that supported them.

Stories of victory and defeat will be relived through special events and exhibits during the five-year national commemoration of the conflict so check traveliowa.com to explore more Iowa connections.

Piece together a quilting excursion

Take a colorful excursion into quilt country with special events, exhibits and attractions. For more than 40 years, Kalona’s quilt festival has brought the quilts of its local Amish crafters together with other examples from past and present for a large quilt show and sale. This year’s event is April 27-28, but don’t worry, if you can’t fit the festival into your schedule you can visit The Quilt and Textile Museum and local quilt shops throughout the year. In downtown Kalona, the idea of a “quilt walk” is given a whole new twist, with 42 quilt block designs embedded right into the sidewalks.

In the Amana Colonies, quilts and other textiles served a utilitarian purpose in early communal life, while the skills of 19th-century colonists inspired future generations of artists. Today visitors can purchase antique and contemporary quilts and quilt supplies at several shops in the seven villages. Tour the Amana Heritage Society museums for a look at exhibits, artifacts and living history settings interpreting the unique communal lifestyle that developed here.

With East Central Iowa as the starting point for your quilt quest, consider embarking on one of Iowa’s many barn quilt tours to see barns and farm outbuildings painted with oversize quilt block designs. Grundy County was one of the first to develop the barn quilt tour; now there are similar tours in Washington County, Butler County, Sac County, Humboldt County and others.

Mark your calendar for the Living History Farms Quilt Show in late September or an exhibit of Civil War Commemorative quilts at the Grout Museum of History and Science in Waterloo now through September 1. “Comfort and Joy” is the theme of a holiday quilt show and quilt block walk during Creston’s annual Christmas festival. Create a patchwork of memories – start planning today.

Celebrate Spring - plan your Iowa getaway today!

Spring is in the air and thoughts are turning to weekend getaways and warm-weather excursions. If the open road is calling you to an Iowa adventure this spring or summer, it’s never too early to begin planning. Order a free Iowa Travel Guide or view the digital version and get started today.

Want to get in on a special celebration? Take your pick of anniversaries and grand reopenings across the state! The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids, closed in 2008 due to flooding, is reopening on higher ground July 14-15 and starting a new chapter in their fascinating story. Whenever you visit, be sure to wander the Czech Village district, sample Czech specialties at the bakery or local restaurants, and visit the Kosek Building to see the exhibit “Rising Above: The Story of a People and the Flood.”

Much of Iowa’s history is tied to the railroad, and 2012 marks the 150th anniversary of the Union Pacific. The UP Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs unveils a brand-new exhibit May 12 titled “Building America.” Cutting-edge technology will immerse travelers in the experience of building the transcontinental railroad. While in town, make tracks to the RailsWest Railroad Museum to view steam engines and other vintage rolling stock along with a large operating model railroad.

The only U.S. president to hail from Iowa, Herbert Hoover, attended the opening of his presidential library and museum in 1962 and 50 years later the West Branch site remains a relevant and interesting place to delve into political history from many eras. Learn about the development of the museum complex, imagine what it might be like to dine on White House china, or draw parallels and contrasts between the 20th century president and Abraham Lincoln, whom Hoover greatly admired.

Take new inspiration from the Grotto of the Redemption as it turns 100 years old. Off the beaten path in small-town northwest Iowa, it has nevertheless welcomed pilgrims from around the world to explore precious stone and gem-encrusted formations and admire the work of many faithful hands. Festivities in West Bend June 22-24 include tours, a parade, children’s activities, and Christian concerts.

You’re sure to find your own way to celebrate on your next Iowa trip.

Let classic and modern works of art inspire you, and history engage you, on a visit to an Iowa museum.

At the Figge Art Museum, with its expansive views of Davenport’s Mississippi riverfront, art fans will find an outstanding collection of Haitian art, given new prominence two years after the region’s devastating earthquake. The Figge’s other current exhibits feature a WPA artist, and children’s book illustrations.

The Union Pacific Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs celebrates 150 years of the Union Pacific Railroad in 2012. One collection of note is the Abraham Lincoln Collection, encompassing artifacts from the 16th president’s life and death. The nearby historic home of Civil War general Grenville Dodge, a railroad builder, is open for tours.

For the past 50 years, the life and accomplishments of Herbert Hoover have been documented and celebrated at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library, Museum, and Historic Site in West Branch, Hoover’s birthplace and boyhood home. Temporary exhibits relating to American history are always on display – currently you can learn about the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of America. Lou Henry Hoover, wife of the president, served as president of the national organization twice.

The campus of Iowa State University in Ames offers rich cultural experiences. The Brunnier Art Museum is known for a notable collection of decorative arts such as ceramics, glass, dolls, ivory, jade, and enameled metals. The Christian Petersen Art Museum is named for the resident sculptor who founded the Art on Campus collection. The Farm House is a National Historic Site. And don’t miss Reiman Gardens, a living museum of plants and flowers with a dramatic glass butterfly wing housing hundreds of free-flying butterflies.

Find all of Iowa’s art and history museums online at traveliowa.com or in the Iowa Travel Guide. Order your free copy today or browse the pages of the digital guide.

Kathy Bowermaster, Iowa Tourism Office