Friday, November 21, 2014

Ames Historical Society Old Fashioned Christmas - December 6, 2014

Join us for our Old Fashioned Christmas
Bring the family and help the Ames Historical Society celebrate our holiday event, an Old Fashioned Christmas.

Santa will be here from 12:00-3:00pm.

Cookies and cider will be served.

Kids will have the chance to make some holiday goodies and ornaments including stringing popcorn garland.

Come listen to some fun Christmas music from our player piano!

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Ames Historical Society November 2014 Events

Upcoming Events! 
Holiday Open House, November 14th 5:00-7:00pm 

November 14th kicks off the holiday season in Downtown Ames. There will be a tree lighting at Tom Evans Plaza at 6:00pm and many businesses will have open houses. The History Center will be open from 5:00-7:00 that evening to participate in the downtown cheer. Stop in to see our new exhibits, have some hot cider and holiday goodies then pop across the street to see our tree at the Festival of Trees.  
 
Festival of Trees, November 14th-November 30th 

The Ames Historical Society has decorated a tree this year for the Festival of Trees. Our tree is titled Silver Sesquicentennial Season, but that is all we are going to reveal, you will have to go see it for yourself! Trees are on display during regular hours at the Octagon Center for the Arts.
Benefit Shopping Day, November 16th 1:00-4:00pm
 
The non-profit Fair Trade store Worldly Goods offers opportunities to other non-profits each holiday season to host a Benefit Shopping Day. Ames Historical Society staff and volunteers will be at Worldly Goods that day talking about what we do and promoting our mission. Worldly Goods will then donate 5-20% of the proceeds that day to the Ames Historical Society. So come in on November 16th, get your Christmas shopping done, eat some holiday treats, and part of the money you spend will go back to the Historical Society. It's an easy way to give back this holiday season. Feel free to invite family and friends!

Monday, October 13, 2014

Ames Historical Society Book Signing and Poetry Reading - October 19, 2014


Join us Sunday
For poetry reading and book signing by Ted Kooser.

When: Sunday, October 19th at 2pm
Where: The Octagon Center for the Arts-Main Gallery


For full calendar of events visit
www.AmesHistory.org

Ames Historical Society Gallery Talk - Thursday, October 16, 2014

Join us Thursday
For the next Gallery Talk in our series titled
 "Ames Has Been Home to Many"
Presented by Sharon Wirth, Historic Old Town Neighborhood Association and Peter D. Englin, Ph.D., Director of Residence at Iowa State University

Since Ames was platted in 1864, the development of housing has had a major impact on the Ames community. Explore where residential development began, early architecture, early builders, and early connections. The growth of the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm impacted the growth of housing for students and faculty. Learn how creating a home for many has produced longstanding connections between Iowa State University and the Ames community.   


When: Thursday, October 16th at 7pm
Where: The Octagon Center for the Arts-Main Gallery
For full calendar of events visit www.AmesHistory.org

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Ames Historical Society Gallery Talk - October 2, 2014


Join us Thursday
For the next Gallery Talk in our series titled
 "The Ames Connection to WWII's Manhattan Project"
Presented by Kathy Svec, daughter of a Project researcher
The desperate, top-secret race during World War II to master the military technology of nuclear fission before Nazi Germany played out in 32 sites across the U.S. and Canada. The story of how Ames became one of these sites will be told by the speaker, whose father, Harry J. Svec, was pulled into the research while a graduate student in Chemistry at Iowa State. The role that small group of scientists played was critical to the timing and success of the Project.

When: Thursday, October 2nd at 7pm
Where: The Octagon Center for the Arts-Main Gallery
For full calendar of events visit
www.AmesHistory.org

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Ames Historical Society Gallery Talk - September 18, 2014

Join us Thursday
For the next Gallery Talk in our series titled
 "Culture Under Canvas: Chautauqua Comes to Ames by Train and Tent"
Presented by Dr. Charles Kniker, Emeritus Professor of Education, ISU

Imagine you were an Ames resident from 1904 to 1926. What would you do for entertainment? Radio and movies were in their infancy. One option was to attend something called "Chautauqua." Performers and the large tent they used arrived by train. The site was near what is now Brookside Park. During the daytime, there were lectures for women and Sunday School-like classes and play times for children. A season ticket cost $1.50 and every night for a week there was something new. The entertainment in Ames ranged from a Shakespearean play to instrumental music by the Cleveland Ladies Orchestra or the Royal Hungarian Orchestra; from watching a demonstration of the wireless telegraph to shaking hands with a presidential candidate like William Jennings Bryan or lecturer Booker T. Washington. Dr. Kniker will highlight other events at Chautauqua in addition to displaying pictures and artifacts from that bygone adult movement, called by some as "the most American thing in America."

When: Thursday, September 18th at 7pm
Where: The Octagon Center for the Arts-Main Gallery
For full calendar of events visit
www.AmesHistory.org

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Ames Gallery Talks Begin August 26, 2014

Along with our two sesquicentennial exhibits currently showing at the Octagon Center for the Arts, the Historical Society will be presenting Gallery Talks on a wide array of topics relating to Ames History.

Gallery Talks will be held at the Octagon Center for the Arts in the Main Gallery.

Tuesday, August 26, 7:00 pm "150 Years in 50 Minutes: An Overview of Ames History" Presented by Margaret Vance, Ames Historical Society Research Assistant
As the trains were pushing westward across Iowa, the choices made by "advance man" John I. Blair spelled the beginning of new towns and the death knell to others. Learn how his decisions, along with the aid of a feisty pioneer woman, brought Ames into being. Learn also the fascinating stories behind many of the places and buildings that are part of our everyday lives today.

Thursday, September 4, 7:00 pm "By the Side of the Road: How Transportation Shaped Ames" Presented by Jeff Benson, Lincoln Highway Historian
The earliest businesses in Ames established themselves at the east end of Onondaga Street near the first railroad depot, which expanded into the "downtown" district over the next 50 years. With the switch to automobiles, business growth moved and since 1913 all of the houses on the Lincoln Highway south of downtown were replaced with businesses, 77 of them by 1955. The speaker will explore this trend and some of these businesses as an illustration of how transportation influences urban design.

Thursday, September 18, 7:00 pm "Culture
Under Canvas: Chautauqua Comes to Ames by Train and Tent"
Presented by Dr. Charles Kniker, Emeritus Professor of Education, Iowa State University
 Imagine you were an Ames resident from 1904 to 1926. What would you do for entertainment One option was to attend something called "Chautauqua."
Performers and the large tent they used arrived by
train. The entertainment in Ames ranged from a Shakespearean play to instrumental music; from watching a demonstration of the wireless telegraph to shaking hands with a presidential candidate like William Jennings Bryan or lecturer Booker T. Washington

Thursday, October 2, 7:00 pm "The Ames Connection to WWII's Manhattan Project" Presented by Kathy Svec, daughter of a Project researcher
The desperate, top-secret race during World War II to master the military technology of nuclear fission before Nazi Germany played out in 32 sites across the U.S. and Canada. The story of how Ames became one of these sites will be told by the speaker, whose father, Harry J. Svec, was pulled into the research while a graduate student in Chemistry at Iowa State. The role that small group of scientists played was critical to the timing and success of the Project.

Thursday, October 16, 7:00 pm "Ames Has Been Home to Many" Presented by Sharon Wirth, Historic Old Town Neighborhood Association, and Peter D. Englin, Ph.D., Director of Residence at Iowa State University
Since Ames was platted in 1864, the development of housing has had a major impact on the Ames community. Explore where residential development began, early architecture, early builders, and early connections. The growth of the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm impacted the growth of housing for students and faculty. Learn how creating a home for many has produced longstanding connections between Iowa State University and the Ames community.

Sunday, October 19th, 2:00pm Ted Kooser will be reading poetry and signing books
Born in Ames, Iowa, in 1939, Kooser earned a BS at Iowa State University in 1962 and an MA at the University of Nebraska in 1968.. Two-time United States Poet Laureate (2004-2006), the highly regarded Nebraskan poet Ted Kooser was the first poet from the Great Plains to hold the position. A professor of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he is the author of eleven full-length collections of poetry, including Weather Central (University of Pittsburgh Press, 1994) and Delights and Shadows (Copper Canyon), which won the 2005 Pulitzer Prize.

Visit www.AmesHistory.org for full calendar of events!

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Slater Video of Their New Exhibit

The Slater Area Historical Association is preparing for their new Apron Exhibit which opens September 11th, 2014.  You can see a sneak peek preview in this video and be sure to attend their Apron Presentation Thursday, September 18th.


Slater Area Historical Association from Carson Aden on Vimeo.


Monday, July 21, 2014

Story City Sheldall Schoolhouse Featured in Des Moines Register

The Sheldall Schoolhouse is featured in the July 20, 2014 Iowa Life section of the Des Moines Register.  The focus of the article was on the State Historical Society's one-room schoolhouse grant, which we received in 2013.  Much of the content focuses on the history and the preservation of the Sheldall Schoolhouse.  Please visit the link below to see the video and read the article. 

There is more information about the Sheldall Schoolhouse on the Story City Historical Society website here and here.

Friday, July 18, 2014

Ames Sesquicentennial Exhibits Opening August 4th

 
Opening of our Sesquicentennial Exhibits!
At the Octagon Center for the Arts

Defining Ames: 150 People, Places and Events, 1864-2014
Exhibit will run August 4th-October 25th 
 
This exhibit will be on display in the Main Gallery at the Octagon Center for the Arts from August 4th to October 25th. This exhibit will highlight 150 people, places and events that influenced Ames throughout its history. The exhibit will consist of a variety of information, historic photographs, and artifacts from our collection that have helped define Ames over the past 150 years. This exhibit will also include an interactive room where exhibit-goers can experience Ames history hands on.

Business Signs From Past Times
Exhibit will run August 4th-September 27th
This exhibit will be on display in the Community Gallery at the Octagon Center for the Arts from August 4th to September 27th and will highlight different Ames businesses of the past. The exhibit includes the business signs of 25 local Ames businesses, along with historic photos and information on the history of the business and how they came to be.

An opening reception for the exhibits will be held on August 22nd from 5:30-7:30pm at the Octagon Center for the Arts.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Story County 4-H Reunion Featuring County Fair Queens - July 20, 2014

Join your Friends at the 2014 4-H Reunion

Plans are shaping up for a great 4-H Reunion on Sunday, July 20, 2-4 p.m.in Christy 4-H Hall in Nevada. The program at 2:15 will feature former County Fair Queens. The Fair Queen tradition started in 1972 and has continued every year since. We are looking forward to welcoming them back to the Story County Fair. The 2014 Iowa State 4-H Hall of Fame Honoree from Story County and the 4-H Alum of the Year will be presented. Katrina Weich, a Clover Kid and Luke Fevold, a 4-H’er will share what is exciting about 4-H today. Prizes for the 4-H’ers in Action contest will be awarded plus an update from the Story County 4-H Foundation. Bart Clark, 4-H Alum will be the emcee.

Step back in time through the displays of Story County 4-H History books along with a fair queen memory book and photos. Anyone who would enjoy talking about 4-H today and the past will enjoy this afternoon. Refreshments are courtesy of South Story Bank.


County Fair Queens to be Honored

Plans are being made to honor past Story County Fair Queens the 2014 4-H Reunion. Contacts have been made with queens scattered throughout the U.S. and Australia. Sue Uthe (left) was the first queen in 1972. She and Saundra Longhenry (1995 queen) are looking at the pictures and memories that former queens have contributed to the Fair Queen Memory Book. For more information on plans, call Carolyn Manning at 515-382-6616.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Story City - Tressler's 1928 Model A Ford Phaeton At Carriage House Museum On Sunday June 22, 2014

Derral and Anna Tressler will arrive at the Carriage House Museum Sunday, June 22nd, in their 1928 Model A Ford Phaeton.  The car is a rare luxury model.  They invite you to stop by the museum for a visit from 1-3pm.  Bring your kids, grand kids, and friends to see this rare treasure!

Please stop by and visit with Derral and Anna at the Carriage House Museum located at:
619 Grand Ave
Story City, Iowa 50248

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
 
Kate Feil
Director
 

Monday, June 16, 2014

Friday, June 13, 2014

Slater Area Historical Association Seeking Sink for Exhibit

SEEKING SINK!
The Slater Area Historical Association is looking for a sink for their 1939 Country Kitchen Exhibit in September.  If you know where a sink like this can be purchase, borrowed, or rented could you please call Barb at 515-480-9789 or email louiseodo@isunet.net. Here are a couple of photos of the style of sink we would like--
 

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Ames Historical Society Lecture - May 20, 2014

May 20, 2014

Ames Historical Society
2014 Lecture Series

From the Battlefront to the Homefront: Iowa Broadcasters Go to War
Jeff Stein, author, historian and educator


The bravery of American military members has been well documented, often due to the unique reporting done by Iowa-based broadcasters on the scene. This presentation includes segments from a documentary by the same name. It features vintage broadcasts and interviews with the journalists who covered conflicts from World War II to the first Gulf War, a 50-year span. Stein, an Iowa broadcast historian and the documentary’s producer, will talk about the challenges reporters faced doing their jobs: relaying information to a waiting audience and at times, reassuring them of the safety of Iowans serving thousands of miles away. Ames’ own Jack Shelley will be prominently featured.

7:00 pm, Ames City Auditorium
520 6th St.
Open to the public
$3 free will donation requested at the door


See the full lecture series lineup here

Scandinavian Days 5K Run/Walk - June 7, 2014

Scandinavian Days 5K Run/Walk - June 7th 7:30am
Sign up for a fun run through historic Story City. This year's race will begin on Broad St in front of the Greater Chamber Connection office. You may register online or at the Carriage House Museum and the GCC office. For more information on the race and to register, please visit http://www.scandi5k.com/

Please register by May 19th to ensure you will receive a t-shirt!

The Scandi 5K is a non-profit event, proceeds will support the Story City Historical Society.

Monday, April 28, 2014

Story City Historical Society Garden Cleanup Day - May 4, 2014

Garden Cleanup Day -  May 4th 1-4pm
Join us as we work with Master Gardener Melissa Tedone to spruce up Misha’s Prairie Garden and work on the landscaping around the Bartlett House. Come for an hour or stay the whole time, we’d love to see you there. Refreshments will be provided.

Bring your gardening tools and join us on May 4th!

Friday, April 18, 2014

Story City Historical Society Spring Dinner - May 1, 2014

Spring Dinner - May 1st 5:30pm
Join us at the Fairview Lodge for the Historical Society's Spring Dinner. A free-will donation Scandinavian themed dinner will be provided, including Norwegian meatballs, potatoes, corn, and a variety of Scandinavian desserts! Traditional cooking utensils will be on display with their modern counterparts. Plus, you'll be able to take home recipe cards of the food provided!

Several examples of Scandinavian crafts such as rosemalling and hardanger embroidery will be on display. Linda Stole will be on hand to demonstrate the beautiful hardanger embroidery. 

Stop by to experience the Scandinavian history of Story City!

Monday, April 14, 2014

Ames Historical Society Lecture - April 22, 2014

Join us for the next lecture in the 2014 Ames Historical Society season.

Teresa Larson and Jeff Grummer will show the film "Stitched Into Time: Remembering Collegiate Manufacturing Company" and discuss the production of the film.

April 22nd, 7pm

Ames City Auditorium

$3 Freewill donation requested to help in covering auditorium rental

Monday, March 24, 2014

Ames Historical Society 2014 Lecture Series Begins March 25

The first lecture of the Ames Historical Society 2014 Lecture Series is "Innovation & Invention: Agricultural Engineering at Iowa State" by Dr. Wesley Buchele, professor emeritus, Iowa State University.

When Iowa State was established as an agriculture college, the search for better farming methods began in interest. Recent notable inventions in I.S.U.'s Agricultural Engineering Department were conceived by Dr. Wesley Buchele. His large round baler and the rotary threshing and separation cylinder found in all modern grain combines are used around the world. The inventor himself will talk about the conception and development of these and other useful machines, the practical problems he and his students tackled and the unique solutions that emerged.

Tuesday, March 25, 7:00 pm, Ames City Auditorium 520 6th St.  Open to the public with a $3 free will donation requested at the door.

 See the full lecture series lineup here.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Ames Historical Society Annual Membership Meeting - March 1, 2014

Join us for our annual membership meeting!
March 1, 2014  10:00 am
Ames History Center
The program will include short items of business, footage
of the moving of Hoggatt School, and a program on
Lucian Hoggatt given by Kathy Svec. Refreshments
will be served.

Friday, January 31, 2014

Story City - Kaffe With Your Valentine - Sunday, February 9, 2014

Join us for a sampling of coffees and desserts! You will have the chance to sample 5 flavors of coffee from KaffeGeita. A variety of mini desserts will be served, all made by local bakers including Robyn from The Bistro.

Lucky Kim will be demonstrating the art of Hanji Craft, traditional Korean paper cutting. A collection of vintage valentines will also be on display. Plus live music from Pat Hashman!


Fairview Lodge, Grove Ave, Story City, Iowa
1:00pm until 3:00pm, Sunday, February 9, 2014

Tickets are $12.00 per person or $20.00 for a pair. Tickets are available at the Carriage House Museum, GCC Office (524 Broad St), or at KaffeGeita.

Proceeds benefit the Story City Historical Society.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Ames Free Photo Preservation Class - February 6 & 20, 2014

You're invited to join us
Introduction To Photo 
 
Preservation Class
Come join us for a FREE introductory class led by our collections manager Sarah Carlson. This introductory class will touch on the basic handling and storing of old photographs and negatives. The class will also discuss digitizing your photo collection, how to back them up, how to manage digital files, and how to scan photos properly. This class will be offered at two different dates.
When
Thursday
February 6th & 20th
7:00pm
Where
Ames History Center
416 Douglas Ave.

RSVP to 515-232-2148 or info@ameshistory.org
For more information and to view our full calendar of events visit: www.ameshistory.org

Monday, January 20, 2014

Slater Brunch and Annual Meeting - February 12, 2014

Date:  February 12, 2014
Time:  10:00 – 12:00  Brunch followed by the annual meeting
Site:  Heritage Hall –318 First Ave. Slater
 
No reservations needed and free to the public.