Iowa History Journal

05/30/2026

Every Iowan should read our cover story before July 4th! 🇺🇸
Get your copy at Barnes & Noble or iowahistoryjournal.com

05/28/2026

05/26/2026

IHJ 2026 Quiz, Week 21: Popular editorial cartoonist and conservationist Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling designed the first duck stamp for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in what year?

Find the answer in the May/June issue of Iowa History Journal sold at Barnes & Noble, Hy-Vee, Beaverdale Books, Books-A-Million and select Walmart, Fleet Farm, Walgreens and Hy-Vee Drug stores. To subscribe, visit iowahistoryjournal.com and add $2.50 to start with the current issue.

05/25/2026

We enjoyed yesterday’s Memorial Day service at the Bohemian National Cemetery in Prescott hosted by members and families of the American Legion Williamson Legion Family 719. Sen. Tom Shipley spoke to those who gathered about the importance of honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our nation’s armed forces.

Williamson Legion Family 719

05/25/2026

During our trip to Adair County today IHJ stopped by The Freedom Rock just south of I-80 off the Greenfield exit on Iowa Highway 25. Congratulations to artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II for another fine Memorial Day display. Visit thefreedomrock.com for a list of his Freedom Rocks in Iowa and more.

05/24/2026

Wishing Iowans a safe and reflective Memorial Day weekend as we honor the memory of those who gave the last full measure of devotion. IHJ remains committed to telling their stories. Visit our online store for back issues featuring them. 🇺🇸
https://iowahistoryjournal.com/store/

05/23/2026

Thanks to Jeff Stein with News/Talk 1540 KXEL for hosting us on "Live & Local" to discuss Iowa's connections to the Revolutionary War and more! Tune in!

News/Talk 1540 KXEL is an AM radio station serving the Waterloo/Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids areas in Iowa. The Voice of Eastern Iowa, News/Talk 1540 KXEL features "The KXEL Morning News" weekdays fro

05/22/2026

OTD: May 22, 1933, the Eastern Goldfinch officially became Iowa’s state bird.

In Native American traditions, finches on the whole are often associated with celebration and joy. They are regarded as omens of good things to come. This is especially so for goldfinches which are connected with light and sanctity. Additionally, the bright yellow feathers of the American Goldfinch are associated with the might and spiritual power of the sun.

If a goldfinch visits your home it can be a sign that you are on the correct path towards the future that you envision. This can act as a message telling you to stay on track and keep the faith.

Additionally, a goldfinch visit can mean that someone is thinking highly of you and wishing you the best. When a loved one wishes success and good fortune for you, that positive energy might just visit in the form of a goldfinch encounter.

Finally, a goldfinch encounter may indicate the need to count one’s blessings. Take a look around and breathe in the riches of nature. Look for things to be grateful for each day and you will feel like the richest person around.

05/19/2026

Mark your calendars for the grand reopening on Aug. 6!

05/18/2026

Born OTD in 1902: Meredith Willson, best known for writing the book, music, and lyrics for the 1957 hit Broadway musical “The Music Man” and “It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” (1951). A few copies of our collectible issue featuring a cover story about Willson remain: iowahistoryjournal.com