State Historical Museum of Iowa

And a good time was had by all.

The State Historical Museum of Iowa is a wonderful place. Visit frequently

• by yourself
• with your children
• with your grandchildren

Use any excuse.

They are quite pleased to tell you that they are open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. That’s a credit to them; they serve the public first.

The museum has permanent exhibits and changing exhibits, and they are all very well done. One exhibit that seems to be a sure hit traces the history of people in Iowa and their connections to our natural resources. That’s where the buffalo above is found, along with loons, foxes, raptors, and other Iowa creatures.

When you first enter the museum, you are greeted by a mammoth skeleton. When I was there Tuesday that prompted the question, “Was it really that big?” Mammoths ranged from 9′ to 15′ tall and roamed the Midwest during the Ice Age. Read up at the museum’s site or go see for yourself.

There are also artifacts and modern representations of Native American cultures including a walk through bark shelter. While I went through it four times in both directions, my unofficial 7 year old guide was leading a fast-paced tour, and some of the details have escaped me – a decent docent nonetheless.

If you like local history Patten’s Neighborhood is terrific.

And you can visit a few exhibits on-line.

I went to the museum on Tuesday for the Irish Fest and did something for the first time: I got a green stegosaurus spray painted on my face. I thought it matched my personality.

Keep posted about the goings-on at the State Historical Museum. Until you get there, you won’t know how good it is – so go.

• visit the museum
• visit the gift shop
• use their archives
• use their libraries and special collections
• check out the education resources
• visit their remote historic sites away from Des Moines
• check out their historic preservation program
• read their publications
• volunteer and get involved

You can even rent space!

Or you can read what I said last year.

photos by James Lindberg and the Purple Wren

Voting early

Want to vote early? You can still do it.

In Polk County

• In tiny little letters at the bottom of the auditors web page, Auditor Jamie Fitzgerald points out that voting early is still possible at the Polk County Election Office. The Polk County Election Office is 120 2nd Avenue (south of Court Avenue and west of the Des Moines River). Just walk in from 8 am -5 pm, Monday through Saturday through Monday November 3. The folks in the auditor’s office are very helpful and will tell you how to get it done.
• If you don’t know for sure, you can check to see if you are registered to vote on the web site of the Iowa Secretary of State. The site even tells you where to vote! If you are not yet registered, you can register on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4 at your correct polling place but you have to bring along proof of residence (many things as simple as a utility bill or bank statement will do) and a photo ID (like a driver’s licence or Iowa student ID). For a second way to find your correct polling place, follow the link called find your polling place on the Polk County Auditor’s website. You can also see the ballot through links at the same site.

In Dallas County

• It is not quite as easy, but according to The Des Moines Register, you can do it. The only remaining early voting day is Saturday November 1, from 8 am to 5 pm at the Dallas County Auditor’s Elections Office at 910 Court in Adel, Iowa.
• Just as in Polk County if you don’t know for sure, you can check if you are registered to vote on the web site of the Iowa Secretary of State. And again the site even tells you where to vote! If you are not yet registered, you can register on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4 at your correct polling place but you have to bring along proof of residence (many things as simple as a utility bill or bank statement will do) and a photo ID (like a driver’s licence or Iowa student ID).

This is an historic election. If the primaries were any indication, there will be a record turnout. It may be a good idea to vote early.

photos by James Lindberg