Civic Season

Immigration: Has America always wanted 'your poor, your tired, your huddled masses'? “
2099-01-01 00:00 (Pacific/Niue) | State Historical Museum of Iowa, IA, United States
A resource developed in partnership with the Library of Congress asks, “has America always wanted ‘your poor, your tired, your huddled masses’? “
Immigration is as old as human history. People move from one place to another for many reasons. When migration occurs across a national border, it is called immigration. When relocation happens within the same country, it is termed emigration. Historians often attribute the movement to “push-pull” factors. Sometimes conditions at home become so dangerous or challenging that people are forced to move elsewhere. Wars, famines, economic issues or political oppression are often “push” factors encouraging people to seek safety or better conditions somewhere else. Sometimes opportunities in a new land attract newcomers. Cheap and fertile farmlands in the United States lured hundreds of thousands of immigrants in the latter 19th century. Political and religious freedom, good jobs and educational opportunities “pulled” many to America to seek a fresh start in the states.
You’ll reflect on the following questions:
How have laws regulating immigration changed over time?
How have responses and support for immigrants and refugees evolved over time?
How have attitudes or viewpoints about immigration changed over time?

African Americans and the Civil War
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | State Historical Museum of Iowa, United States
A resource developed in partnership with the Library of Congress, asks, “how should the African-American story of the Civil War be told?” While slavery was the major issue separating the North and South, it was not slavery itself that sparked the conflict. The South wanted to secede from the Union, and the North refused. While President Abraham Lincoln personally opposed slavery, he recognized that it was legal under the U.S. Constitution at the time. He also recognized that few in the North were ready to go to war to free the slaves. For Lincoln and the northern majority, preservation of the Union was the foremost goal.
Students will reflect on the following questions:
How did President Abraham Lincoln and Congress’ approach to handling slavery evolve throughout the Civil War?
What contributions did enslaved people and free African Americans make to the Union war effort?
After a Union victory and the close of the war, what possibilities did the future hold for all African Americans?

Reflecting on the Reconstruction Era
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | State Historical Museum of Iowa, Des Moines, United States
A resource developed in partnership with the Library of Congress asks, “did the Reconstruction Era following the Civil War result in freedom, equality and civil rights for African Americans?” The Reconstruction Era lasted from the end of the Civil War in 1865 to 1877. Its main focus was on bringing the southern states back into full political participation in the Union, guaranteeing rights to former slaves and defining new relationships between African Americans and whites. While very little fighting occurred on Iowa soil and Iowa had never legalized slavery, black migration of former slaves into the region and the national focus on civil rights forced Iowa to reconsider its own racial relations.
Students will reflect on the following questions:How free were African Americans during Reconstruction?Were African Americans considered equal members of society and treated as such?How much political power did African Americans have during Reconstruction?

Emir Abd el-Kader’s Life, Legacy and Connection to Elkader, Iowa
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | State Historical Museum of Iowa, IA, United States
This webinar focused on Elkader and its fascinating namesake Emir Abd el-Kader, known as the so-called “George Washington of Algeria”. Watch to learn more about Emir Abd el-Kader’s life, legacy and his impact on Iowa.

Rediscovering Heroes, Heroines & Helpers on Central Iowa's Underground Railroad
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | State Historical Museum of Iowa, United States
Learn about the Underground Railroad in Iowa, with a focus on the Jordan House in West Des Moines, as well as the Forever Free program which introduces the heroes, heroines and helpers of the Underground Railroad in central Iowa.

Black Migration In Iowa
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, IA, United States
In this session, genealogist Ricki King presents a journey of Iowa’s Black history, starting with Iowa’s statehood, that illustrates some of the reasons why families and individuals moved to Iowa, moved around Iowa, left Iowa, returned to Iowa and then left again.

For Educators + Students: What’s YOUR Civic Superpower?
2099-01-01 00:00 UTC | New American History, United States
Civic Season is about finding your Civic Superpower! This includes motivating young people to make space for more telling stories from the past, more voices from the present, and more input on what an annual tradition for civic participation could look like. When Civic Season kicks off in June 2025, you can explore a multitude of offerings and activities filtered by topic, location, and format, designed to support your own personal exploration into history and democracy. These learning resources include digital content to support schools, students, and communities participating in virtual and place-based events. What role will you play? How will you tell your story? We can help!
